This week we were treated to the comeback of Vince Staples. It marks his first release in two years following his departure from Def Jam. The rapper is now releasing music as an independent artist. Alongside the comeback single, he announced his upcoming album Cry Baby, set for release in early June. If the lead single is any indication of what’s to come, we’re in for something really good.

Vince has always been known for his experimental choices. It’s never predictable what he’ll cook up next. Now that he’s independent, he has full creative control, and that freedom is clearly heard on ‘Blackberry Marmalade’. The track leans heavily into a punk-influenced sound, with guitars, drums, and a mix of melodic vocals and his signature rapping. Lyrically, he tackles systemic racism and oppression, violence in America, and there’s a strong sense of survival in his delivery as he sings “Promise me you won’t gun me down”.

To complete the picture, he released an equally intriguing video. We won’t tell you too much, go watch it yourself. All we’ll say is that it feels intentionally unsettling and designed to start a discussion.