User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Prima Donna [EP] Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 106 Ratings

  • Summary: The second EP for the Southern California rapper features guest appearances from Kilo Kish and A$AP Rocky.
Buy Now
Buy on
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Aug 29, 2016
    95
    In the world of Prima Donna, black death is radical. Author Paul Beatty came to the same conclusion in his satirical novel The White Boy Shuffle, but Vince does it in 20 gripping minutes. Never has so much been done with one little light.
  2. 83
    Given its lyrical and musical density, the EP’s short runtime feels particularly abrupt. Nevertheless, it’s an accomplished collection from one of rap’s most promising young talents.
  3. 83
    Prima Donna may not stand up to the unfettered brilliance of Summertime ‘06, but it was never supposed to. Instead, it tells us just a bit about Staples’ scope as an artist.
  4. Sep 1, 2016
    80
    Staples approaches the latest chapters of his story on Prima Donna in bleak fashion, his pen and delivery both as sharp as ever.
  5. Sep 6, 2016
    80
    Prima Donna's standout title track encapsulates Staples's appeal as a lyricist—and the appeal of the EP as a whole.
  6. Sep 1, 2016
    80
    Hopelessness has always been a throughline in Staples work but Prima Donna puts a finer point on that feeling, both in its songs and interstitial spoken word bits.
  7. Sep 1, 2016
    70
    The music is as bleep-y as it is banging (James Blake produces on two tracks) and touchstones include Andre 3000, James Joyce, Leonardo DiVinci and Jay Gatsby.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Feb 19, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. everything from the title track flows like butter, every hook, every verse, every beat has you bumping your head and replaying the track, every track is so catchy you completely breeze by the amazing lyrical meaning, like the wavy title track "prima donna" completely intoxicates you with asap rockys hook also has you shedding a tear during the outro. the entire ep tells the story of a depressed gangster(its also a parallel for vince himself) thats has lost everything and has lost himself and almost kills himself in his hotel after that experience he finds himself and decides to stop destroying his home and build it up instead Expand
  2. Aug 30, 2016
    9
    Vince Staples does it again, this time in a short EP, in my opinion I wish this would have been an entire album! I like how he keeps his fansVince Staples does it again, this time in a short EP, in my opinion I wish this would have been an entire album! I like how he keeps his fans satisfied in the meantime while we all wait for the follow-up to Summertime 06'. The production on this EP is amazing with tight lyrics with good rhymes. Another great piece of work Mr. Staples. KEEP IT UP! Expand
  3. Aug 30, 2016
    9
    A concept album that where the sounds live up to the ideas, Vince employs James Blake, No ID, DJ Dahi, A$AP Rocky, and an Andre 3000 sampleA concept album that where the sounds live up to the ideas, Vince employs James Blake, No ID, DJ Dahi, A$AP Rocky, and an Andre 3000 sample for an A+ effort. Chopped and Screwed by James Blake, War Ready is one of the most interesting production I've heard on a hip hop album this year. Vince shines on Pimp Hand, solidifying his flow as one of the best in the game. Expand
  4. Sep 15, 2016
    8
    Once again, Vince has given his fans and critics something to enjoy. This brief, 7-track EP was perfect of Vince to give to his fans, and IOnce again, Vince has given his fans and critics something to enjoy. This brief, 7-track EP was perfect of Vince to give to his fans, and I enjoyed this project front to back. On his debut album almost the whole album is handled by the legendary producer No I.D., but on this project there are several producers that play into the whole EP. Vinny Staples once again pulls through with his lyrics and introspective views on American culture, and he is one of the brightest, young artists in Hip-Hop today. The overall idea and meaning behind Prima Donna is very impressive for someone that is so young and new to the game that you're just thankful that a bright, young figure is doing so well in Hip-Hop today. I think this project is very entertaining, and in some ways very upsetting when Vince comes along to his singing ballads at the beginning of the EP, and after the end of several songs. We saw a lot of heart and feelings pour out to some parts of his first album, but this time I think he's more on the depressive state of being successful which we've seen a few artists talk about before. I believe that almost all Vince Staples fans will love this album, but also if you're a fan of this new wave of talented, young rappers then you'll also dig this little taste of Vince. This EP is eccentric and creative, and this EP continues the trend of solid Hip-Hop projects released in the back half of the year. Expand
  5. Aug 30, 2016
    8
    77/100.

    Overall I'd say my summary for this album comes down to two words: Pretty Dope. The last 3 songs, "Prima Donna", "Pimp Hand" and
    77/100.

    Overall I'd say my summary for this album comes down to two words: Pretty Dope. The last 3 songs, "Prima Donna", "Pimp Hand" and "Big Time" really ride.
    Expand
  6. Nov 29, 2016
    8
    Excellent lyricism on level with Kendrick. Clever, meaningful and creative. Compelling and moving content reflective of life, death, and theExcellent lyricism on level with Kendrick. Clever, meaningful and creative. Compelling and moving content reflective of life, death, and the struggles in between. Collapse
  7. May 2, 2021
    6
    The sujects tackled in 'Prima Donna' are truly deep, accurate and unfaked. Vince Staples surely delivers some quotable lines and interestingThe sujects tackled in 'Prima Donna' are truly deep, accurate and unfaked. Vince Staples surely delivers some quotable lines and interesting states of mind. Production honestly shines here and there.

    But what I don't like in 'Prima Donna' is that it sounds really unstructured. Where you can witness some measures of brightness and intelligence you can also listen to overly painful, unoriginal and uninspired rhymes and beats. At some point I just couldn't stand these repetitve interludes anymore (like in the end of 'Smile' or even all along 'Let It Shine'). Even for an EP a lot of tracks (and it goes the same way for the overall project) look and sound unfinished. Vince Staples gets out of it by throwing a handful of glitters in our faces and ears.
    Expand

See all 10 User Reviews