Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory Album Review
Big Fish Theory is Vince Staples’ second studio album following 2015’s Summertime ’06 and Vince’s 2016 mixtape Prima Donna. Big Fish theory was released June 23, 2017 and has received mostly positive reviews. On Big Fish Theory, Vince criticizes various social and political aspects of society and also expresses his disdain for the music industry, specifically how it impacts hip hop. The album’s production is ear-grabbing from the start and is consistent throughout. It is heavily influenced by electronic music and is quite refreshing to hear a skillful rapper like Vince rap over these beats.
The title of this album garners attention as many have questioned what exactly the Big Fish Theory is. While Vince has not explicitly stated what the title means, most have come to the same conclusion about what the title means. The most common interpretation of the Big Fish Theory can be that a fish can only grow to the size of its bowl. In Vince’s case, the “Fish” can be perceived as rappers or people of color who cannot grow more than the bowl society has placed them. Vince has not confirmed that this is what his title meant, but the lyrical content of this album is consistent with this theory.
There are many standout tracks on this album, but the songs “Yeah Right” and “BagBak” separate themselves as songs that fully encapsulate the primary themes of this album. The beats on these tracks give them a futuristic feel due to their usage of electronic music. Also on this album, Vince consistently criticizes the stereotype of what rapper should be. Specifically, on the track “Yeah Right” where Vince sarcastically raps about the image that most rappers try to keep up in the media. The very repetive “Yeah Right” chorus lets the world know that Vince is too smart to fall for the rich, young rapper façade that many mainstream rappers convey. Vince even takes on the current tumultuous political landscape. On the track “BagBak,” Vince provides his input on issues regarding race relations, criminal justice reform, a controversial president and inequality at many levels. Vince snubs his nose at the current power structure of America, particularly on the outro of the song where Vince leaves a cutting message for “the president” and “the one-percent.” “BagBak” was the lead single for this album and has been used in the promotion for the upcoming Marvel film “Black Panther.” With the type of press that movie will get, Vince’s “BagBak” should get the notoriety it deserves.
This is one of the strongest hip hop projects of the year, but it lacks in one department: Vince’s delivery. On several tracks on this album, Vince delivers his ultra-powerful lyrics in a monotone fashion. This monotone delivery doesn’t mesh well with the beat selections on the album, which are unapologetically loud. Vince sometimes seems overpowered by the loud, up-tempo beats on the album, making it hard to grasp the value of everything he is saying on this loaded album.
Big Fish Theory is easily Vince’s most experimental project to date and one of the most experimental hip hop albums this year. Vince does a quality job of combining strong lyricism with up-beat electronic music. Lyrically this album can stand toe-to-toe with many hip hop releases this year and the production on the album makes it extremely unique. Vince will have his work cut out for him when he tries to outperform Big Fish Theory on his next project.
Rating: 8/10
Jerome Taylor is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jerometaylor91697@gmail.com.
