Vince Staples shares the album that transformed his life in ‘Dark Times’. In the song ‘Radio’, he gives props to ‘Below the Heavens’ by Blu and Exile, a cult classic that expanded his rap horizons and inspired his own journey as an artist.
Vince Staples reminisces about the good old days of radio, cruisin’ with his pops, and vibin’ to his favorite tunes. He recalls the excitement of waiting for his favorite song to drop and how 92.3 and 94.7 The Wave were the go-to stations. He gives a shoutout to Nelly, his favorite rapper until seventh grade, when a friend introduced him to Blu and Exile’s ‘Below the Heavens’, a game-changer that opened his eyes to a new world of music. He nods to the influential L.A. label, and how it brought hope and inspiration to his life.
Vince Staples reflects on his musical journey, remembering how KDAY played the real deal, the records his sister swore by. As he grew older, he realized she was right – there was a raw authenticity to the music, a purity that came from having nothing to lose. He nostalgically recalls a time when rhythm and blues flowed through the streets, and hip-hop was at its most genuine.
Vince Staples’ latest album, Dark Times, dropped on May 24, marking a significant milestone – his final release with Def Jam, his label home of over 10 years. As he embarks on a new chapter, Staples is taking his time to figure out his next move, telling Rolling Stone, “I’m not rushing into new contracts or commitments. Music is evolving, and I’m embracing the uncertainty of this new era.
Vince Staples reflects on his journey, grateful for the opportunity Def Jam and Universal provided him as a teenager. However, he’s uncertain about his future with the label, saying, “I’m not sure how that’ll end up happening.” Meanwhile, he pays homage to the influential album “Below the Heavens”, released in 2007, which is widely regarded as one of the best rap albums of the decade, despite its underground status.
“Below the Heavens” combines Exile’s warm, soulful, and sample-infused production with Blu’s thoughtful and introspective lyrics, creating a timeless sound. The album features guest appearances from Miguel and Aloe Blacc, who were relatively unknown at the time, but have since achieved mainstream success. The duo has continued to evolve, releasing two more albums, including their latest, “Miles: From an Interlude Called Life”, in 2020, showcasing their enduring creative partnership.
Blu’s creative output knows no bounds! In addition to his work with Exile, he has maintained a remarkable solo career, releasing an impressive four albums in 2024 alone. His prolificacy and dedication to his craft are a testament to his passion for music and his fans.
