8/10

After the release of his incredible 2015 debut album 'Summertime '06', rapper Vince Staples has been one of the hottest tickets in the world ever since. Lending his unique flow to an array of collaborators including Gorillaz and A$AP Rocky in his time between albums, Staples has gathered together a real troupe of diverse producers including SOPHIE, Flume and Jimmy Edgar as well as guest contributors such as Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla Sign and Damon Albarn to return with his highly-anticipated sophomore album 'Big Fish Theory'.

While his debut 'Summertime '06' gave a more cohesive direction to Staples' verses, opting mainly for a nostalgic, California-inspired intention, 'Big Fish Theory' is most definitely his eclectic side. The use of bringing together so many different producers together on one record has given the full-length a real multifaceted approach, that Vince has taken too like a fish to water (pun intended). He seems to be more at home adding his own twist on the vast collection of beats, creating an album that is as much about the music as it is his lyrics.

It is certainly a very different side to his personality than the debut, but it definitely shows his more experimental disposition. 'Big Fish Theory' is essentially a forward-thinking hip-hop album that aims to create a fusion of contemporary and retro influences, all wrapped up in Staples' own inspirations. We can hear the intention of wanting to stand out in every track and it gives us a sense that when we come to review album three, an entirely new beast will be waiting for us then as well.