Album Review: Ramona Park Broke My Heart by Vince Staples

For better or worse, Vince Staples has always proudly been a product of his environment. The 28-year-old rapper has confidently claimed Long Beach, CA, as his hometown from the outset of his career. He has often contextualized the stories present in his verses by sprinkling in street names and local landmarks, giving a certain tangibility to the tales he tells. While the city, specifically his Ramona Park neighbourhood, has served as the primary setting for much of his music, it's also an integral character in his story.

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Vince Staples has never been an artist to take the expected path. 2015's outstanding 'Summertime '06' made his name, lauded in the XXL Freshman list. Follow up 'Big Fish Theory' was an about-turn, though, with the rapper absorbing a multitude of electronic influences into his sonic palette. A disorienting experience, the 20 minute radio-themed skit 'FM!' took the rapper even further out.

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