It appears the saying "genius takes time" doesn't apply to Long Beach rapper Vince Staples. Despite dropping his mixtape Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2 just a couple of months ago, Staples returns more than willing to step outside his comfort zone, sonically and lyrically, on new EP Hell Can Wait. Whereas on previous efforts Staples relied on minimal sounding production, the rapper's sonic appetite expands here as he raps over ear shrieking sirens on "Blue Suede" and glitchy off-kilter tempos on "Feelin the Love." Three of the seven tracks on the EP — including both aforementioned songs — were made by Scarborough producer Hagler, who adds a diverse range of sounds to the project.
Staples also steps up lyrically and waxes on a variety of topics that go beyond his usual bevy of gang life stories. On the Ferguson,MO-influenced "Hands Up," he drops illuminating verses like, "Handcuffs givin' niggas gashes on the wrist/ I used to lift my fist to fight the power with," that highlights the tension and angst of the riots. If the EP has any issues, they lie in "Limos." While the track is another welcome change of pace, telling in two parts his growing apathy towards women and the women who try to sleep with him, it could've been left off. Otherwise, Hell Can Wait succeeds as a reintroduction of sorts, showing Staples as a more focused and forward-moving artist who will surely outlive "them red roses."
(Def Jam)Staples also steps up lyrically and waxes on a variety of topics that go beyond his usual bevy of gang life stories. On the Ferguson,MO-influenced "Hands Up," he drops illuminating verses like, "Handcuffs givin' niggas gashes on the wrist/ I used to lift my fist to fight the power with," that highlights the tension and angst of the riots. If the EP has any issues, they lie in "Limos." While the track is another welcome change of pace, telling in two parts his growing apathy towards women and the women who try to sleep with him, it could've been left off. Otherwise, Hell Can Wait succeeds as a reintroduction of sorts, showing Staples as a more focused and forward-moving artist who will surely outlive "them red roses."
