Vince Staples has released his new album, Dark Times, via Def Jam Recordings.
Dark Times contains 13 tracks and was recorded over seven months in North Hollywood. In an Instagram post, Staples revealed the album is his final release on Def Jam.
“Eleven years ago, a young, uncertain version of myself was given an opportunity with Def Jam Recordings,” he wrote. “I released my first project under their banner, Shyne Coldchain Vol 2, a year later. I was unsure of what to expect from the world of music but deeply aware of what I needed: a change in my surroundings and a clear understanding of self. Ten years and seven projects later, I’ve found that clarity.”
In a separate statement about the album cover, which features a faintly seen noose, Staples explained, “I’m Black, and that’s what we’re evading. We all have our things that could kill us. We all have that imminent threat.”
Earlier this month, Staples highlighted big-picture issues in the music industry while addressing the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef — though he praised Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” shortly afterward.
Staples recently co-created, wrote, and starred in the Netflix surrealist comedy series, The Vince Staples Show. His last album, Ramona Park Broke My Heart, was released in 2022.
This summer, Staples will headline the inaugural Elsewhere Festival and play Lollapalooza. He is also slated for a brief European tour. See the schedule below, and get tickets here.
Dark Times Artwork:
Dark Times Tracklist:
01. Close Your Eyes and Swing
02. Black & Blue
03. Government Cheese
04. Children’s Song
05. Shame on the Devil
06. Étouffée
07. Liars
08. Justin
09. “Radio”
10. Nothing Matters
11. Little Homies
12. Freeman
13. Why Won’t the Sun Come Out?
Vince Staples 2024 Tour Dates:
06/04 – Köln, DE @ Live Music Hall
06/05 – Berlin, DE @ Huxleys
06/07 – Aarhus, DK @ Northside Festival
06/08 – Hilvarenbeek, NL @ Best Keep Secret Festival
06/09 – Paris, FR @ Bataclan
06/11 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
06/12 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Ritz Manchester
06/13 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute
06/15 – Barcelona, ES @ Sonar Festival
06/22 – Wichita, KS @ Elsewhere Festival
08/01 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza Chicago
08/07 – Oslo, NO @ Øyafestivalen