Big Fish Theory
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89

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

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8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 375 Ratings

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  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for the rapper features contributions from such artists as A$AP Rocky, Damon Albarn, Kilo Kish, Juicy J, Ty Dolla Signn, and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon.
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Top Track

Big Fish
You can get anything you want Know what I'm saying? You want that over there? You want that over there? I got you I was up late night... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 21, 2017
    100
    Whatever this is, it’s jaw-dropping.
  2. Consequence
    Jun 26, 2017
    91
    On his new album, Big Fish Theory, Staples continues to perfect his brand of nuanced nihilism while exploring new sounds that should put the music industry on notice that the future is now.
  3. The Wire
    Aug 9, 2017
    90
    What’s most thrilling about Big Fish Theory is that it doesn’t sound leftfield or challenging; instead it provides a scintillating snapshot of both the state of the art and the untold history of underground black music for the past 30 years. [Aug 2017, p.65]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Prefix Magazine
    Jul 6, 2017
    85
    This is a very different record from Summertime ’06, both thematically and sonically, but it’s no less incisive, challenging, or flat-out excellent.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Jul 10, 2017
    80
    By weaponising his introspection and pushing his impeccably high standards outwards, Vince Staples delivers an incredible State of the Union address on rap today.
  6. PopMatters
    Jun 26, 2017
    80
    The Big Fish Theory is a powerful and troubling record. It’s an epic in miniature that shows a natural progression from Staples’s previous work.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Jun 23, 2017
    70
    Sure, it's less focused than the reportage of 2015's Summertime '06, but the varying emotions and outlooks mark a full step forward into becoming a multi-layered, genre-crossing, emotion-spilling pop auteur in the vein of West, Drake or Childish Gambino.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. Aplucity
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    This album is by far Vince's best work. Every song is magnificent. 10/10 .................
  2. ArthurMullings
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    Vince Staples. The Rap Enigma. Vince's flow on this project is silky and smooth, while the production is experimental and hard-hitting. TheseVince Staples. The Rap Enigma. Vince's flow on this project is silky and smooth, while the production is experimental and hard-hitting. These tracks are abrasive and dystopian, while being supported by a brilliant feature list, which is a bonus. His lyrical ability is more seasoned and deep than ever. Definitely one of the best and most captivating listens of 2017. Can't wait to hear more from Vince in the future.… Expand
  4. gersg
    Jul 14, 2017
    9
    Vince Staples has one of the most promising careers in hip-hop nowadays, his style is fresh and yet aggressive but it's genius, one of thoseVince Staples has one of the most promising careers in hip-hop nowadays, his style is fresh and yet aggressive but it's genius, one of those artists who people should be rooting for. Personal favorite track "Samo"… Expand
  5. barrk
    Jun 24, 2017
    9
    Vince Staples is doing what Kendrick Lamar thinks he's doing. No wonder the Kendrick sxn on KTT is so dead, they all left for the VinceVince Staples is doing what Kendrick Lamar thinks he's doing. No wonder the Kendrick sxn on KTT is so dead, they all left for the Vince Staples thread.… Expand
  6. Recon97
    Oct 2, 2017
    8
    When compared to other albums by "lyrical" artists, Vince Staples stands out as having exceptional talent with wordplay and storytelling.When compared to other albums by "lyrical" artists, Vince Staples stands out as having exceptional talent with wordplay and storytelling. Solid production, great lyricism, and good stories to tell, this is a good album I highly recommend. 8/10… Expand
  7. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    8
    It's perfectly short yet not rushed. Not indulgent in it's production,features or lyrics. But feels small in comparison to his previousIt's perfectly short yet not rushed. Not indulgent in it's production,features or lyrics. But feels small in comparison to his previous catalogue. It lacks personality as a whole and isn't inviting. The songs tend to be surprising on the first listen but taxing on others. This is a showcase of a master Mc taking they victory lap although in this 1 they seem abit out of breath… Expand
  8. RapCrapTrap
    Jun 28, 2017
    0
    This is a very mixed bag of an album, plain and simple. My main gripes with the album is that at some points the beats, while often veryThis is a very mixed bag of an album, plain and simple. My main gripes with the album is that at some points the beats, while often very catchy and experimental, the beats themselves can often be almost overproduced. The way the beats can change every seconds is interesting and cool, but this often outshines the rappers and can almost be a diversion from what is supposed to be a main event. My other gripe is that Vince's main messages are nothing new, with it criticizing those who believe they are too big for those around them, which is a tired subject that is often talk about by underground or "backpack" rap. Despite these negatives though, I think that this is a very good album. Vince and most of his guests bring energy and great flows, with their lyrics not being amazing but par for the course, which is made up for by the energy brought by the beat and the rappers. While this is a good project, there are obvious flaws to me that make this a very solid project but not the next current classic, but I will admit that Vince has great amounts of potential, and could probably go toe to toe with even his greatest contemporaries with new and more nuanced ideas and lyrics, assuming he progresses on his next album.… Expand

See all 30 User Reviews

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42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2017

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