SPILL LIVE REVIEW: VINCE STAPLES w/ PRIVATE SCHOOL @ QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE, TORONTO

VINCE STAPLES w/ PRIVATE SCHOOL

@ QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE, TORONTO

NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Vince Staples has been one of the most distinctive voices in the hip-hop scene since he blew up with his 2014 EP Hell Can Wait. Known for his deep lyrics and west coast production, his latest album, Cry Baby, marks a departure from this style with a new potent rock-based sound.

Alternative rock band Private School opened with a 45-min set playing songs such as “I FEEL LIKE SHIT” and “KICK BACK.” Lead singer Khaki is a mad man and performed most of his set in the middle of the mosh pit. The band ended the night with their biggest song “NO OFFENSE.”

Vince Staples opened with “Only in America,” “TV Guide” and “Cotton.” Not only is the instrumentation on his new stuff different, but Cry Baby also reflects a shift in his lyrical approach, moving away from personal stories and anecdotes. His recent songwriting is focused on politics on a bigger scale. Songs such as “Cotton” and “TV Guide” are great examples of this. Touching on themes such as capitalism and American propaganda. They also prove that his writing is tack sharp.

His setlist was mainly songs off his latest LP, but he also played some tracks from his previous two albums such as “Black&Blue,” “Little Homies,” and “WHEN SPARKS FLY.” These two albums are quite different than his latest, but the songs flowed together seamlessly. “7 in the Morning” was a major standout, and his backing band absolutely killed it, with guitarist Jennifer Haack ending it with a nasty guitar solo.

He finished the night with “The Big Bad Wolf,” “Tulsa, OK,” and “Blackberry Marmalade.” it was a super refreshing show and it’s going to be exciting to see where he takes this new sound.

(Photography by Cory Barter)

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