Vince Staples Announces New Album Dark Times, Drops “Shame on the Devil”: Stream

Vince Staples has announced his new album, Dark Times, out this Friday, May 24th via Def Jam Recordings. In the meantime, the Long Beach rapper has revealed the first single, “Shame on the Devil,” and its accompanying music video.

Dark Times contains 13 tracks and was recorded over seven months in North Hollywood. In an Instagram post, Staples revealed the album is his final release on Def Jam.

“Eleven years ago, a young, uncertain version of myself was given an opportunity with Def Jam Recordings,” he wrote. “I released my first project under their banner, Shyne Coldchain Vol 2, a year later. I was unsure of what to expect from the world of music but deeply aware of what I needed: a change in my surroundings and a clear understanding of self. Ten years and seven projects later, I’ve found that clarity.”

In a separate statement about the album cover, which features a faintly seen noose, Staples explained, “I’m Black, and that’s what we’re evading. We all have our things that could kill us. We all have that imminent threat.” See the artwork and full tracklist below. Pre-orders for the album are ongoing.

On “Shame on the Devil,” Staples expresses his gratefulness for making it out of his neighborhood (“Mission complete, outta the mud”) while still being haunted by the past (“Voices still in my head, voices still in my head”). “Shame on the Devil,” he raps on the chorus. “I’m touched by an angel/ The Lord made me special.”

In describing the song, Staples said, “It’s me mastering some things I’ve tried before that I wasn’t great at in the beginning. It’s a testament to musical growth, song structure — all the good stuff.” Watch the music video below.

Earlier this month, Staples highlighted big-picture issues in the music industry while addressing the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef — though he praised Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” shortly afterward.

Staples recently co-created, wrote, and starred in the Netflix surrealist comedy series, The Vince Staples Show. His last album, Ramona Park Broke My Heart, was released in 2022.

This summer, Staples will headline the inaugural Elsewhere Festival and play Lollapalooza. He is also slated for a brief European tour. See the schedule below, and get tickets here.

Dark Times Artwork: