Vince Staples

Vincent Jamal Staples (born July 2, 1993) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and all-around beauty.[3] He is a member of the hip hop trio Cutthroat Boyz alongside fellow Californian rappers Aston Matthews and Joey Fatts. Staples was once a close associate of Odd Future, in particular Mike G and Earl Sweatshirt. He is currently signed to Motown Records and Blacksmith Records.

Vince Staples
Staples performing in March 2018
Background information
Birth nameVincent Jamal Staples[1]
Born (1993-07-02) July 2, 1993
Compton, California, U.S.
OriginNorth Long Beach, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • actor
  • songwriter
Years active2008–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitevincestaples.com

Staples rose to prominence with appearances on albums by Odd Future members and his collaborative mixtape titled Stolen Youth with Mac Miller, who produced the project. In October 2014, he released his debut EP Hell Can Wait, which included the singles "Hands Up" and "Blue Suede". His debut album, Summertime '06, was released on June 30, 2015, to critical acclaim. He was also featured as a part of the XXL 2015 Freshman Class.[4] His second album Big Fish Theory, which contains the singles "BagBak", "Big Fish", and "Rain Come Down", incorporates avant-garde, dance, and electronic influences. It was released on June 23, 2017, to further acclaim from critics. On November 2, 2018, Staples released his third studio album, FM!.

Early life and education

Staples was born in Compton, but grew up in North Long Beach, after his mother decided she wanted to move away from Compton due to the high crime rates.[5] Staples is the youngest of five siblings, two brothers and three sisters.[6][7] Staples grew up in poverty.[8]

Staples attended Optimal Christian Academy from 4th to 8th grade, which he said was an influential and positive experience.[7] During high school, Staples' mom sent him to Atlanta to stay with one of his sisters. He attended high school there for six months.[9] After returning to Southern California, Staples attended other high schools: Jordan High School in Long Beach, Mayfair High School in Lakewood, Opportunity High School home schooling, Esperanza High School in Anaheim, and Kennedy High School, among others.[7]

Staples has been upfront regarding his involvement with gangs during his childhood,[3][9] and is involved with speaking to the youth in his community about the dangers of the gang lifestyle.[7]

Growing up, Staples participated in sports when given the opportunity. Most notably, he played in well-known rapper Snoop Dogg's, Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL). When interviewed by Sean Evans on the YouTube show “Hot Ones”, Staples' participation in the SYFL was the first topic spoken of. Staples recalls playing against the “Carson Colts” and “Mission Viejo Cowboys” who he claimed had “grown ass men on the field.” Staples then went on to state, “Snoop really did it big, we got our names on our jerseys, we had the best cleats, the best helmets, you know Snoop Dogg really loved football.” [10]

The introduction to Netflix's Original Series, “Coach Snoop," appears to show a young Vince Staples, however it has not been confirmed whether it is Staples.

Career

2009–2013: Beginnings and Stolen Youth

Staples was discovered by Dijon "LaVish" Samo, and Chuck Wun, alongside his cousin Campbell Emerson. LaVish took Staples on a trip to Los Angeles, where he befriended the Odd Future collective's members Syd tha Kyd, Mike G, and Earl Sweatshirt. Although he had not intended to be a rapper, he made some guest appearances on their songs, most notably "epaR" that was taken from Earl Sweatshirt's debut mixtape Earl. After featuring on some other tracks, he decided to pursue a career in rap. He released his official debut mixtape, called Shyne Coldchain Vol. 1 on December 30, 2011, via applebird.com.[11] In October 2012, he released a mixtape, titled Winter In Prague, which was produced entirely by Michael Uzowuru.[12]

Staples performing in 2015

In 2012, Vince reconnected with Earl Sweatshirt, when he returned from Samoa and was introduced by him to a fellow American rapper Mac Miller, who later produced his mixtape Stolen Youth (2013) under the alias Larry Fisherman. The mixtape features guest appearances from Mac Miller, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Da$H, Hardo, and Staples' Cutthroat Boyz co-member, Joey Fatts.[13] Following Stolen Youth's release, he toured as a supporting act on Mac Miller's The Space Migration Tour. After making three appearances on Earl Sweatshirt's debut studio album Doris, including the single "Hive", the liner notes revealed Staples had recently signed to the hip hop record label Def Jam Recordings.[12]

2014–2015: Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2, Hell Can Wait, and Summertime '06

On March 13, 2014, he released his fourth mixtape, called Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2.[14] The mixtape features the production from Earl Sweatshirt, Michael Uzowuru, Childish Major, No ID, Evidence,[7] DJ Babu, and Scoop DeVille; as well as guest appearances from singer-songwriters Jhené Aiko and James Fauntleroy.[15] On March 2, 2014, Staples began touring in the United States with a fellow American rappers Schoolboy Q and Isaiah Rashad on the Oxymoron World Tour, to support the release of Schoolboy Q's album Oxymoron.[16]

On August 15, 2014, Staples released a music video for "Blue Suede".[17] The track was also made available on iTunes.[18][19] On September 9, 2014, Vince released another new song titled "Hands Up" via iTunes. He released the EP Hell Can Wait on October 7, 2014.[20] Prior to the EP's release Staples' revealed during an interview with XXL Magazine that it would include guest appearances from A$ton Matthews and Teyana Taylor, along with productions from No I.D., Infamous, and Hagler.[21]

On May 4, 2015, Staples released as the first single from his debut album, called "Señorita". He later announced it that his debut album would be titled Summertime '06,[22] which was released on June 30, 2015.[23] On June 15, Staples released the second single from his debut album, "Get Paid" featuring Desi Mo. On June 22, he released the album's third and final single, "Norf Norf".[24] The track reached viral prominence after a video referencing a mom tearfully complaining about the song became popular on social media[25]

2016–present: Prima Donna and Big Fish Theory
Staples performing in 2018

On February 23, 2016, Staples was announced as part of the line up for the 2016 Osheaga Music Festival.[26] On August 25, 2016, Staples released the seven-track EP Prima Donna, featuring guest appearances from A$AP Rocky and Kilo Kish; as well as it accompanied by a short film.[27] On January 31, 2017, he announced a single, BagBak, would be released on February 3, 2017. BagBak was later featured in the trailer for the Marvel Studios film Black Panther.[28] On March 23, 2017, he was featured on the Gorillaz track, called "Ascension" from their album, Humanz. In an interview on Zane Lowe's show Beats 1, he announced his upcoming album would be called Big Fish Theory and released an accompanying single, "Big Fish",[29][30] which was followed by a third single, "Rain Come Down" on June 8, 2017, which featured vocals from Ty Dolla Sign. The album was released on June 23, 2017 and received with widespread critical acclaim.[31][32] He and rapper Tyler, The Creator announced on November 15, 2017, that they would be doing a tour around North America from January 26 to March 4. Staples then collaborated with film composer Hans Zimmer on a remix of the UEFA Champions League Anthem for the FIFA 19 reveal trailer.[33]

In 2017, Staples was featured on the remix of Billie Eilish's song watch, entitled &burn.

In 2018, Staples set up a GoFundMe page seeking $2 million as a response to people criticizing his work; they could pay to have him retire early. However, it taken down given the low response. Simultaneously, the GoFundMe's title was also the same title of his upcoming single.[34]

Corporate sponsorship

Since 2015, Staples has appeared in advertising campaigns for Sprite and promoted the brand through his Twitter feed.[35]

Philanthropy

On June 14, 2016, Staples announced his assistance in a YMCA program that will benefit young people in North Long Beach.[36] The Youth Institute would teach graphic design, 3D printing, product design, music production and film making to 20 eighth and ninth graders at Hamilton Middle School.[36] Staples donated an undisclosed amount to the program.[36][37][38]

Personal life

Staples has stated that he has never drank alcohol or used illicit drugs, and that he follows a straight edge lifestyle.[39] He lives in Southern California.[6]

Discography
Main article: Vince Staples discography

Filmography
Film
Year Film Role
2015 Dope Dom's Crew Member 1
2016 Prima Donna (short film) Himself
2017 Sprite Himself
2018 MFKZ Vinz (voice)
2019 Gorillaz: Reject False Icons Himself
Television
2018 American Dad! Battle rapper (voice)
2019–present Lazor Wulf Lazor Wulf (voice)
2020 Insecure Himself

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Work Result
2014 BET Hip Hop Awards[40] Impact Track "Kingdom"
(with Common)		 Won
2016 Black Reel Awards[41] Best Original or Adapted Song "Waiting for My Moment" from Creed
(with Donald Glover and Jhené Aiko)		 Nominated

References
  1. Weiss, Jeff. "Vince Staples, Regular Genius". The FADER. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  2. "Vince Staples Signs to Motown Records/Blacksmith Recordings".
  3. Martin, Michel (2 April 2017). "Vince Staples: 'We Live In A Space Where Your Name Isn't Enoug'" (Includes audio interview). All Things Considered. NPR.
  4. "2015 XXL Freshman Class Revealed". BallerStatus.com. June 3, 2015.
  5. Scott, Dana (July 6, 2015). "Vince Staples: Long Beach's Most Wanted". HipHopDX.
  6. Hellyer, Isabelle (12 February 2016). "I Went On a Date with Vince Staples… the Happiest Nihilist in The World". Noisey. VICE Media.
  7. X, Dharmic (7 October 2013). "Who Is Vince Staples?Growing Up In Long Beach". Complex.
  8. Millard, Drew (28 July 2015). "Vince Staples: Calm In the Hour of Chaos". SPIN.
  9. Darville, Jordan (7 January 2016). "Vince Staples Gave An Insightful Lesson On Gang Life For ESPN's Highly Questionable". The FADER.
  10. "Vince Staples Delivers Hot Takes While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones". YouTube. 10 August 2017.
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. "Vince Staples Def Jam Signing". Complex. 2013-08-31. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  13. "Download Vince Staples' Album Stolen Youth". The Fader. 2013-06-20. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  14. "Twitter / vincestaples: With that being said Shyne". Twitter.com. 2013-12-08. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  15. "Twitter / vincestaples: #SCV2". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  16. Estevez, Marjua. "Check Out Vince Staples' New Mixtape Cover – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  17. "Vince Staples – Blue Suede (Explicit)". YouTube. 2014-08-15. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
  18. "Def Jam Recordings on Twitter: ".@vincestaples "Blue Suede" is now available on @iTunes: "". Twitter.com. 2014-08-11. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
  19. "iTunes – Music – Blue Suede – Single by Vince Staples". Itunes.apple.com. 2014-08-12. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
  20. Breihan, Tom (2014-10-10). "Stream Vince Staples Hell Can Wait EP". Stereogum. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  21. C.M., Emmanuel (2014-09-09). "Vince Staples' EP 'Hell Can Wait' Will Feature Aston Matthews And Teyana Taylor". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2014-10-05.
  22. "Vince Staples Shares "Señorita" | News". Pitchfork. 2015-05-04. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
  23. "Vince Staples Announces Debut Album Summertime '06 | News". Pitchfork. 2015-05-05. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
  24. "Vince Staples feat. Desi Mo – Get Paid". Bluntiq. 2015-06-15. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
  25. Kaye, Ben (2016-10-06). "Vince Staples chides Internet for response to Christian mom's "Norf Norf Rant" video". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2019-05-22.
  26. Marsh, Ray (February 23, 2016). "Vince Staples part of hip hop line up at Osheaga Festival". RapWave. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  27. Weiss, Jeff. "Vince Staples, Regular Genius". The Fader. The Fader Media Group. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  29. Ortiz, Edwin (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Announces 'Big Fish Theory' Release Date, Drops "Big Fish" Video". Complex. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  30. Josephs, Brian (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Drops 'Big Fish,' Announces 'Big Fish Theory' Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  31. Phillips, Amy (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Announces New Album Big Fish Theory". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  32. Blistein, Jon (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Previews New LP With Striking 'Big Fish' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  33. "Behind the Music: Champions League Anthem Remix with Hans Zimmer". Electronic Arts. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  34. Minsker, Evan (March 8, 2018). "Vince Staples' GoFundMe for Early Retirement Was Briefly Removed". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  35. "Twitter / vincestaples: If I ever get in a rap beef". Twitter.com. July 22, 2015.
  36. Brown, Eric (June 15, 2016). "Vince supports YMCA program". EW.com. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  37. Staples, Vince (April 20, 2016). "I've never done a drug or drank alcohol in my life". Twitter.
  38. Baker, Soren (December 18, 2015). "Vince Staples: "Drugs Have Always Been A Part Of Music"". HipHopDX.
  39. Aguirre, Abby (9 September 2016). "Vince Staples Is the Anti-Rapper for Our Time". Vogue.
  40. "BET Hip Hop Awards 2014 Winners, Cypher Participants Announced". HipHopDX. October 15, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  41. "16th Annual Black Reel Award Nominations". Black Reel Awards. December 16, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
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