Vince Staples returned to Chicago for his "Black in America Tour," at the Riviera Theatre on October 27

october 27, 2024 - chicago, illinois

The show began with the American national anthem before the curtain dropped, revealing Staples standing still until the music started and the American flag was waving behind him. "I’ve been here like three times this year," he told the crowd, explaining that he loves Chicago's energy, which motivated his return.

However, the crowd's response appeared mixed: some fans passionately sang along to every word, while others remained more subdued. Yet, even so, there was dancing in the back. Staples’ discography is grand to say the least, launching his musical career in 2009 and expanding his artistry across various platforms. With six studio albums, four mixtapes, two extended plays, multiple singles, and his own TV show, his creative output is significant.

It seemed that most fans knew only certain aspects of his work, which created a somewhat disjointed energy in the audience. Staples brought intense energy to the stage, yet the crowd didn’t always mirror it, sparking the question of whether it was a matter of crowd vibe or song selection for live performance. For the "Black in America Tour," Staples chose songs mostly from his recent albums, focusing on themes central to his identity as a Black man in America. In the songs, he explores the reality of gang culture, criticizes musicians who glamorize it, and expresses a longing for a different life, as he once did as a kid.

That poetic, journalistic quality has always been a hallmark of Staples’ albums and collaborations. His recent work, particularly on "Dark Times," reflects a more grounded and authentic style, a testament to his evolution as an artist.

Despite Staples' efforts, the live experience was hampered by the Riviera Theatre's outdated sound equipment and acoustics, which didn't do justice to his music. Hopefully, Staples’ next Chicago appearance will be at a venue better suited to his dynamic sound, with room for more dancing and improved acoustics.