Soul Meets Grit in Vince Staples’ “Black in America” Tour

By Staff Writers Kanupriya Goyal & Luna Venturo

Stepping into The Warfield for the final night of rapper Vince Staples’ Black in America tour felt like entering a time capsule. The vaudeville charm of this historic San Francisco venue included antique decor and tapestry-like walls. The mood had been set for an evocative night centered on Staples’ newest album, Dark Times. Critics praised Dark Times, released earlier in 2024, for its gritty exploration of societal and personal struggles. The concert delivered Staples’ narrative with raw intensity, though not without its highs and lows.

The venue had both Vince Staples’ tour merch and hip-hop artist and opener Baby Rose’s album and tour merch for sale. The concert started crowded but not fully packed during the opening act. However, by the time Staples was performing, it was almost completely full with an exuberant crowd. 

The show opened with Baby Rose, whose powerful voice seemed to fill every inch of the room. Dressed in rock-chic attire, she brought soul and resonance to the stage, her sound encapsulated a mix of R&B that felt both comforting and raw.Her performance was nothing short of captivating. Rose’s deep, expressive delivery matched the audience perfectly as they lit up their phone flashlights in a collective show of appreciation. As she encouraged them to sing along to the lyrics “love has the power to heal the whole wide world,” her words and energy raised the crowd’s spirits.

After Rose’s commanding performance, a long pause left the crowd restless, but as the lights finally dimmed again after 30 minutes, they went wild for Staples himself. Emerging with an American flag, he launched into his track “Black and Blue,” a stark and intense introduction that brought the tour’s message into focus. Backlit by an array of flashing blue lights, Staples set the mood with a dark, almost chaotic ambiance that aligned with the gritty narrative of Dark Times. The lighting effects ranged from strobing blue hues to softer greens and yellows, creating a visual journey that, while compelling, occasionally verged on blinding.

 Staples took a quarter of an hour to find his stride. His opening lacked emotional edge, with a voice that felt flat compared to Baby Rose’s vibrant warmth. However, as the show progressed, his energy picked up, and he began to work the stage with more confidence. Staples’ setlist consisted of a mix of tracks from Dark Times as well as fan favorites from Summertime ‘06 and Big Fish Theory, which drew a wave of excitement from the crowd. While his vocal performance remained steady for the rest of the concert, he appeared to rely more on the energy of the crowd than on vocal dynamism. Staples’ fans were more than willing to carry him through, singing along enthusiastically to every lyric, the entire venue pulsing with energy.

Staples’ visuals helped make up for some of the performance’s initial shortcomings. Intersecting spotlights and colorful backlights added a sense of depth and intensity to the stage, with each song having its own color scheme. The mix of lights created a hypnotic effect, immersing the audience in an almost cinematic experience. However, not all of the supporting aspects were smooth. A few audience members seemed to lose control in the crowd’s fevered atmosphere; one fan rudely spilled a drink on

another’s hair, showcasing the lack of decorum and comportment in some fans’ behaviors. In one moment of concern, a fan even fainted and had to be escorted out. 

Staples closed his set with tracks from Summertime ‘06 and a collaboration with Baby Rose, bringing a nostalgic touch to a night that largely focused on his latest work. The crowd erupted as the last song ended, leaving The Warfield buzzing with energy even as the lights came up. Staples’ Black in America tour, with its themes of struggle and resilience, resonated deeply with the audience, even if not every moment felt polished. The night offered a glimpse into both Staples’ personal growth and his ability to captivate an audience, if not always with seamless finesse, then with a raw, unfiltered enthusiasm that left a lasting inspirational impact on the audience.