VINCE Staples - CRY BABY TOUR

Critic’s Pick
Mon. Oct. 19

Vince Staples, Kenny Mason, Tabernacle — Vince Staples is an artist that hip-hop so desperately needs. Combining the stylistic whims of experimental acts like Kanye West with the surgical lyrical precision of rappers like Pusha T, Vince has a knack for getting his message across succinctly while pushing listeners out of their sonic comfort zones. His latest album, the timely, politically-charged, “Cry Baby,” hits close to home for anyone trying to make sense of these chaotic times, and its unexpected deep-dive into rock and punk-rock sonics make the record all the more challenging. Longtime listeners of Vince Staples may find some alignment between “Cry Baby” and his last pithy departure album, “Big Fish Theory,” and as someone who saw that album performed live, I can only imagine how enthralling his forthcoming show in support of his new album will be when he takes the stage at Tabernacle. If you still need convincing to check this show out, local heavyweight Kenny Mason will serve as opening support. Thank me later. — joshua robinson