Recent events in rap’s upper firmament have reinforced the conversation surrounding the so-called Big Three : Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole. The question on this writer’s mind, however, was this: why the hell exclude Vince Staples ? A figure who is perhaps comfortable being a rap outlier, he’s nonetheless created a catalogue that is – pound for pound – the equal of his peers, consistently defying expectations and crafting a unique sense of world-building.

The follow-up to his outstanding opus on adolescence ‘Ramona Park Broke My Heart’, ‘Dark Times’ finds the West Coast rapper in adulthood, surrounded by the trappings of success. Succinct – an atmospheric intro, an atmospheric outro, and 10 songs – it’s bold and to the point: be careful what you wish for. ‘Close Your Eyes And Swing’ is a drifting digital cloud that seems to slow down time, before ‘Black&Blue’ comes shuddering into view.

With its old school turntable sweeps and rock hard beat, the party feel is suddenly distorted, with Staples’ ominous bars conjuring a veil of isolation. — — ‘Government Cheese’ finds the rapper fading, his voice barely able to be discerned above the crackle of the arrangement. ‘Children’s Song’ ups the beat a little, no less abstract but a little more direct, a little more inviting.

As ever, Vince Staples’ choice of beats is fantastic. The tones on ‘Shame On The Devil’ sound like steel pan drums, while one minute refresher ‘Liars’ – th.