Vince Staples
Staples at the 2021 San Diego Comic-Con
Staples at the 2021 San Diego Comic-Con
Background information
Birth nameVincent Jamal Staples[1]
Born (1993-07-02) July 2, 1993
Compton, California, U.S.
OriginLong Beach, California, U.S.
GenresWest Coast hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2008–present
Labels
Member of
Websitevincestaples.com

Vincent Jamal Staples (born July 2, 1993) is an American rapper and singer from Long Beach, California. Staples first became known for his association with California-based alternative hip hop collective Odd Future, namely Mike G and Earl Sweatshirt. He signed with Talib Kweli's Blacksmith Records prior to releasing his collaborative mixtape with Mac Miller, Stolen Youth (2013). The following year, he signed with No I.D.'s ARTium Recordings, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings to release his debut extended play, Hell Can Wait (2014)—which marked his first project to chart on the Billboard 200.

His rise to prominence was supported by his appearances on projects by Odd Future members: Earl, Journey to the 5th Echelon (2010), and Doris (2013). Meanwhile, Hell Can Wait was met with critical acclaim and included the singles "Hands Up" and "Blue Suede". His debut album, Summertime '06 (2015) was met with similar reception and spawned the platinum-certified single "Norf Norf", forseeing his inclusion as part of the XXL 2015 Freshman Class.[3] His follow up albums, Big Fish Theory (2017), FM! (2019), his self-titled fourth studio album (2021), and Ramona Park Broke My Heart (2022) each further diversified his artistry, being met with continued critical acclaim and moderate commercial response. Staples' music is often described as West Coast hip hop, often containing conscious subject matter while production experiments with avant-garde, dance and electronic influences.[4]

Outside of his solo career, he is a member of the California-based hip hop trio Cutthroat Boyz with Aston Matthews and Joey Fatts. Staples has also acted in the films Dope and White Men Can't Jump, and the television series Abbott Elementary. As a voice actor, he performed in the 2015 film Mutafukaz, as well as the animated series American Dad! and Lazor Wulf. In 2015, he became a spokesperson and brand ambassador for Sprite.[5][6]

Early life and education

Staples was born in Compton, California, but grew up in North Long Beach, after his mother decided she wanted to move away from Compton due to the high crime rates.[7] Staples is the youngest of five siblings, two brothers and three sisters.[8][9] Staples grew up in poverty.[10]

Staples attended Optimal Christian Academy from 4th to 8th grade, which he said was an influential and positive experience.[9] During high school, Staples's mom sent him to Atlanta to stay with one of his sisters. He attended high school there for six months.[11] 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.[9]

Staples has been upfront regarding his involvement with street gangs during his childhood,[11][12] and is involved with speaking to the youth in his community about the dangers of the gang lifestyle.[9]

Growing up, Staples participated in sports when given the opportunity. Most notably, he played in Snoop Dogg's Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL). When interviewed by Sean Evans on the YouTube show Hot Ones, Staples recalled 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."[13]

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 become a rapper, he made some guest appearances on their songs, most notably "epaR" from Earl Sweatshirt's March 2010 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.[14] In October 2012, he released a collaborative mixtape with Michael Uzowuru, titled Winter in Prague. It was produced entirely by Uzowuru.[15]

In 2012, Earl Sweatshirt returned from Samoa and reconnected with Vince. Earl then introduced him to fellow American rapper Mac Miller. In June 2013, Miller (under the alias Larry Fisherman) and Staples released a mixtape titled Stolen Youth. The mixtape features guest appearances from Miller, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Da$H, Hardo, and Staples's Cutthroat Boyz co-member, Joey Fatts.[16] Following Stolen Youth's release, he toured as a supporting act on Miller's Space Migration Tour. After making three appearances on Earl'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.[15]

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

Staples at NXNE in June 2015

On March 13, 2014, he released his fourth mixtape, called Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2.[17] The mixtape features the production from Earl Sweatshirt, Michael Uzowuru, Childish Major, No ID, Evidence,[9] DJ Babu, and Scoop DeVille; as well as guest appearances from singer-songwriters Jhené Aiko and James Fauntleroy.[18] 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.[19]

On August 15, 2014, Staples released a music video for "Blue Suede".[20] The track was also made available on iTunes.[21][22] 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.[23] 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.[24]

On May 4, 2015, Staples released the first single from his debut album, called "Señorita". He later announced it that his debut studio album would be titled Summertime '06.,[25] In June 2015, Staples was named as one of the ten rappers of XXL's "2015 Freshman Class", and was featured on the cover alongside fellow up-and-coming rappers Dej Loaf, Fetty Wap, GoldLink, K Camp, OG Maco, Raury, Shy Glizzy, Tink, and Kidd Kidd.[3] 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".[26] The track reached viral prominence after a video of a mom tearfully complaining about the song became popular on social media.[27] The album was released on June 30, 2015.[28] It received widespread acclaim and debuted at number 39 on the US Billboard 200.[29][30]

2016–2017: Prima Donna and Big Fish Theory

Staples performing in 2017

On February 23, 2016, Staples was announced as part of the line up for the 2016 Osheaga Music Festival.[31] On August 25, 2016, Staples released his second EP, the seven-track Prima Donna, which was accompanied by a short film.[32] On February 3, 2017, Staples released "BagBak", the first single from his next studio album. A remix of the song was later featured in the trailer for the Marvel Studios film Black Panther.[33] On March 23, 2017, he was featured on the Gorillaz track "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",[34][35] which was followed by the album's third single, "Rain Come Down" on June 8, 2017, featuring Ty Dolla Sign. The album was released on June 23 and received with widespread critical acclaim.[36][37]

He and rapper Tyler, the Creator announced on November 15 that they would be doing a tour around North America from January 26 to March 4, 2018. Staples then collaborated with film composer Hans Zimmer on a remix of the UEFA Champions League Anthem for the FIFA 19 reveal trailer.[38] On December 15, Staples and celebrated singer and songwriter Billie Eilish released the single "&Burn", which would later appear on the reissue of Eilish's EP Don't Smile at Me later that month.[39] The song was certified gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on April 2, 2020.[40]

2018–present: FM!, The Vince Staples Show, self-titled album and Ramona Park Broke My Heart

Staples performing in March 2018

In 2018, Staples set up a GoFundMe page titled "Get the Fuck Off My Dick" seeking $2 million as a response to people criticizing his work; they could pay to have him retire early. However, it was briefly taken down given the low response.[41] The money made from the page was subsequently donated to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in Long Beach. On October 2, Staples released his third studio album FM!. Produced primarily by Kenny Beats, the album is framed as a radio station takeover, featuring recurring skits hosted by Los Angeles radio host Big Boy.[42] In December 2018, Staples contributed the track "Home" to the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, which was originally previewed in the movie's trailer in December 2017.[43]

In 2019, he released three singles: "So What?", "Sheet Music" and "Ad 01: Hell Bound", with the first two singles released alongside episodes from his YouTube Show The Vince Staples Show.[44][45]

In April 2021, Staples said he was scheduled to release an album in mid-2021, titled Vince Staples. It was eventually released on July 9, to critical acclaim.[46] Staples was also developing a Netflix show.[47] Staples released an album titled Ramona Park Broke My Heart on Motown Records on April 8, 2022, to further acclaim.[48][49]

Other ventures

Corporate sponsorship

Since 2015, Staples has appeared in advertising campaigns for Sprite and promoted the brand through his Twitter feed.[50] In June 2022, Staples partnered with Acura on a launch campaign for the next-gen Acura Integra.[51]

Philanthropy

On June 14, 2016, Staples announced his assistance in a YMCA program that will benefit young people in North Long Beach.[52] 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.[52] Staples donated an undisclosed amount to the program.[52][53][54]

Personal life

He is of African-American and Haitian descent and lives in Southern California.[8][55] Staples has stated that he follows a straight edge lifestyle and does not drink alcohol or take illicit drugs.[56]

Staples is a fan of the Los Angeles Clippers.[57] He is a fan of modern art and has referenced the feminist French-American sculptor Louise Bourgeois in his song "Rain Come Down" and stated his appreciation for painter and photographer Richard Prince.[58]

Discography

Concert tours

Headlining

  • Hell Can Wait Tour (2014)
  • Circa '06 Tour (2015–16)
  • The Life Aquatic Tour (2016–17)
  • Smile, You're On Camera (2019)

Supporting

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role
2015 Dope Dom's Crew Member 1
2016 Prima Donna (short film) Himself
2018 MFKZ Vinz (voice)
2019 Gorillaz: Reject False Icons Himself
2023 White Men Can't Jump Speedy
Television
2018 American Dad! Battle rapper (voice)
2019–2021 Lazor Wulf Lazor Wulf (voice)
2020 Insecure Himself
2022–2023 Abbott Elementary Maurice

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result
2014 BET Hip Hop Awards[59] Impact Track "Kingdom"
(with Common)		 Won
2016 Black Reel Awards[60] 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 March 9, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Vince Staples Signs to Motown Records/Blacksmith Recordings". Archived from the original on August 8, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  3. 1 2 "2015 XXL Freshman Class Revealed". BallerStatus.com. June 3, 2015. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  4. ↑ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/vince-staples-mn0002592118
  5. ↑ https://www.stereogum.com/1947698/vince-staples-got-his-own-sprite-can/news/
  6. ↑ https://investors.coca-colacompany.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/894/sprite-drops-its-first-ever-music-video-for-vince
  7. ↑ Scott, Dana (July 6, 2015). "Vince Staples: Long Beach's Most Wanted". HipHopDX.
  8. 1 2 Hellyer, Isabelle (February 12, 2016). "I Went On a Date with Vince Staples… the Happiest Nihilist in The World". Noisey. VICE Media.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 X, Dharmic (October 7, 2013). "Who Is Vince Staples?Growing Up In Long Beach". Complex.
  10. ↑ Millard, Drew (July 28, 2015). "Vince Staples: Calm In the Hour of Chaos". SPIN.
  11. 1 2 Darville, Jordan (January 7, 2016). "Vince Staples Gave An Insightful Lesson On Gang Life For ESPN's Highly Questionable". The FADER.
  12. ↑ Martin, Michel (April 2, 2017). "Vince Staples: 'We Live In A Space Where Your Name Isn't Enough'" (Includes audio interview). All Things Considered. NPR.
  13. ↑ First We Feast (August 10, 2017). "Vince Staples Delivers Hot Takes While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones". Retrieved September 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
  14. ↑ "Vince Staples". Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Vince Staples Def Jam Signing". Complex l. August 31, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Download Vince Staples' Album Stolen Youth". The Fader. June 20, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Twitter / vincestaples: With that being said Shyne". Twitter.com. December 8, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Twitter / vincestaples: #SCV2". Twitter.com. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  19. ↑ Estevez, Marjua. "Check Out Vince Staples' New Mixtape Cover – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Vince Staples – Blue Suede (Explicit)". YouTube. August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  21. ↑ Def Jam Recordings [@defjam] (August 12, 2014). ".@vincestaples "Blue Suede" is now available on @iTunes: http://t.co/KI6B2Av81U & @Amazon: http://t.co/FJntdmAJLW #HellCanWait" (Tweet). Retrieved July 19, 2021 – via Twitter.
  22. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Blue Suede – Single by Vince Staples". Itunes.apple.com. August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  23. ↑ Breihan, Tom (October 10, 2014). "Stream Vince Staples Hell Can Wait EP". Stereogum. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  24. ↑ C.M., Emmanuel (September 9, 2014). "Vince Staples' EP 'Hell Can Wait' Will Feature Aston Matthews And Teyana Taylor". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Vince Staples Shares "Señorita" | News". Pitchfork. May 4, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Vince Staples feat. Desi Mo – Get Paid". Bluntiq. June 15, 2015. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  27. ↑ Kaye, Ben (October 6, 2016). "Vince Staples chides Internet for response to Christian mom's "Norf Norf Rant" video". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Vince Staples Announces Debut Album Summertime '06". Pitchfork. May 5, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Reviews for Summertime '06 by Vince Staples". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 27, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  30. ↑ Hernandez, Victoria (July 8, 2015). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar & Vince Staples | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on August 10, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  31. ↑ Marsh, Ray (February 23, 2016). "Vince Staples part of hip hop line up at Osheaga Festival". RapWave. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  32. ↑ Weiss, Jeff. "Vince Staples, Regular Genius". The Fader. The Fader Media Group. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  33. ↑
  34. ↑ Ortiz, Edwin (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Announces Big Fish Theory Release Date, Drops "Big Fish" Video". Complex. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  35. ↑ Josephs, Brian (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Drops 'Big Fish,' Announces Big Fish Theory Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  36. ↑ Phillips, Amy (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Announces New Album Big Fish Theory". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  37. ↑ Blistein, Jon (May 18, 2017). "Vince Staples Previews New LP With Striking 'Big Fish' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
  38. ↑ "Behind the Music: Champions League Anthem Remix with Hans Zimmer". Electronic Arts. June 12, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  39. ↑ Howard, Lindsay (December 14, 2017). "Hear Billie Eilish's Simmering New Track '&Burn,' Featuring Vince Staples". Variance. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  40. ↑ "Gold & Platinum – RIAA: Billie Eilish". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  41. ↑ Minsker, Evan (March 8, 2018). "Vince Staples' GoFundMe for Early Retirement Was Briefly Removed". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  42. ↑ Li, Nicolaus (November 1, 2018). "Vince Staples FM! Album Is a West Coast Radio Station Takeover". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  43. ↑ Holmes, Charles (December 14, 2018). "Vince Staples Just Released 2018's Best Christmas Song". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  44. ↑ Trace, William Cowen (August 22, 2019). "Watch Vince Staples' New "So What?" Video". Complex. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  45. ↑ Saponara, Michael (November 4, 2019). "Vince Staples Drops Episode 2 of 'The Vince Staples Show' Featuring New Song 'Sheet Music'". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Vince Staples by Vince Staples Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  47. ↑ Nice, Desus (April 15, 2021). "Vince Staples Chops It Up with Desus Nice". GQ. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  48. ↑ "Vince Staples Releases New Album Ramona Park Broke My Heart f/ Lil Baby, Ty Dolla Sign, and Mustard". Complex. Complex. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Ramona Park Broke My Heart". Metacritic. Metacritic. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  50. ↑ "Twitter / vincestaples: If I ever get in a rap beef". Twitter.com. July 22, 2015. Archived from the original on October 27, 2015.
  51. ↑ "Vince Staples is Behind the Wheel of Next-Gen Acura Integra in New Launch Campaign". PR Newswire. June 2, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  52. 1 2 3 Brown, Eric (June 15, 2016). "Vince supports YMCA program". EW.com. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  53. ↑ Staples, Vince (April 20, 2016). "I've never done a drug or drank alcohol in my life". Twitter.
  54. ↑ Baker, Soren (December 18, 2015). "Vince Staples: "Drugs Have Always Been A Part Of Music"". HipHopDX.
  55. ↑ VINCE STAPLES OUT NOW! [@vincestaples] (June 12, 2020). "My ancestors whooped out the slave masters checc the scoreboard 🇭🇹 https://t.co/TUDy6Z9wVE" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021 – via Twitter.
  56. ↑ Aguirre, Abby (September 9, 2016). "Vince Staples Is the Anti-Rapper for Our Time". Vogue.
  57. ↑ Barshad, Amos (June 9, 2016). "Vince Staples: "I've Hated the Clippers My Entire Life"". Fader.
  58. ↑ Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Vozick-Levinson, Simon (April 12, 2018). "The Risk Taker: Vince Staples Doesn't Care If You Like Him". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  59. ↑ "BET Hip Hop Awards 2014 Winners, Cypher Participants Announced". HipHopDX. October 15, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  60. ↑ "16th Annual Black Reel Award Nominations". Black Reel Awards. December 16, 2015. Archived from the original on December 7, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
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