This past April, Long Beach rapper Vince Staples revealed that he had two albums coming—one self-titled and one called Ramona Park Broke My Heart (he also revealed his obsession with brushing his teeth and a Netflix show with his name attached). In a statement about the handful of creative projects he’s working on, Staples said, “I’m a mind more than I am an entertainer to a lot of people. I appreciate that my fanbase is willing to go on this ride with me. I’m ready to diversify what we’re doing and see how we affect the world.”
Today, we get the first song from the follow-up to 2018’s FM! called “Law of Averages.” The self-titled album is produced by Kenny Beats and is coming July 9. The press release revealed that the album explores Staples’ Long Beach upbringing. Over the pensive new single, featuring warped, angelic vocals akin to James Blake or Bon Iver, Staples reflects on the complexities of human connection. “Fuck a friend, I don’t want no friends with no open hands / Count my bands, all alone at home, don’t you call my phone / Everyone that I’ve ever known asked me for a loan,” he raps in the first verse.
In a press statement, Staples commented on the new self-titled project, “It really gives much more information about me that wasn’t out there before. That’s why I went with that title. I feel like I’ve been trying to tell the same story. As you go on in life, your point of view changes. This is another take on myself that I might not have had before.”
“Law of Averages” also comes with a Kid. Studio-directed video that’s unforgettable to say the least. Watch it below.