Young rappers are so exciting to watch. The art form provides the perfect structure for a young person to express themselves, and it never gets old watching another kid come up in the spotlight, releasing bits and pieces of themselves to the public through music.
Vince Staples, a 21-year old kid from California, is a talent that is full of promise. The Odd Future affiliate has been climbing the ranks in the rap world since his beginnings five years ago. Whether he's touring with Earl Sweatshirt or collaborating with his buddy Mac Miller, Vince has kept busy while making a name for himself through music. After four mixtapes, an EP, and a handful of features, Staples is about to take the plunge into the hip hop LP. He'll release Summertime '06 on June 30 via Def Jam.
It's time for Vince Staples to get the essential treatment. Here's the 10 tracks you have to know by this skillful MC.
COVER
Vince Staples - Nate
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a young Vince Staples was like? "Nate" will put you on and keep your head boppin' to the Scoop DeVille beat.
Vince Staples - Screen Door
"Screen Door" provides insight to the world of drug pusher through the eyes of the dealer's offspring. It's a different type of hustler anthem, proving Staples' artistry and ability to tell stories through alternative perspectives.
Earl Sweatshirt featuring Vince Staples & Casey Veggies - Hive
Vince linked up with his homies Earl Sweatshirt and Casey Veggies on Earl's Doris album. He crushes it with one of his first major-label verses.
"Tools hit like pool sticks, the way I cue shit
If this was '88, I would have signed to Ruthless
'94, would've had 'em walking down Death Row
First is when the best go, hate is what the rest do
Voice inside my head told me, "Wet 'em if they test you"
So it's Raging Waters season
That yomper big as Larry Johnson, leave your momma seedless
Everybody hard until it's only God they seeing
Kitten soft but in they songs be trapping hard as Jeezy
I don't believe it
But to each his own, I ain't tripping long as I can reach the chrome"
Vince Staples - Fire
The opening track from Vince's debut EP was a super-hot ball of energy. "Fire" will have the crowd going crazy as Staples' progresses his sound.
Vince Staples featuring Future - Señorita
For his Summertime '06 lead single, Vince cleverly utilized a sample of Future. It's a modern sound for Vince, who is normally rapping over more traditional tempos. We're not complaining though, and "Señorita" has us fiending for the debut LP.
Vince Staples - Blue Suede
One of Vince's most successful tracks is the turnt up "Blue Suede." If this one doesn't have you with your arms up in the air, maybe this guy just isn't for you...
Vince Staples - Hands Up
Amidst a country that is having some serious tension with racial violence from the police, Staples dropped "Hands Up." Read along to these sick rhymes over a No I.D. beat, and you just might learn something.
"North Division tryin' to stop my blackness
I'm watchin' for them badges when out in traffic
Them 9-11's been a tad bit frantic
If lights start flashin', please don't panic
The DEA givin' out gang enhancements
Can barely even hang to build a case off cameras
CCAT trackin' criminal patterns
Trickin' niggas into takin' strikes to get out faster
Freedom bribery nigga, cause we hardly acquit
Social media that leave the flash photography snitchin'
Blame geography nigga, for the pride in these niggas
Take you when they fingerprint you, now you part of the system
This was all a part of Huey P. and Bobby prediction
Makin' profit off of violence, they arousin' attention
Leaders risin' lead to twenty-five to life in the prison
Better watch it cause I know they got a spot for you nigga"
Vince Staples featuring ScHoolBoy Q - Back Sellin' Crack
Producer Larry Fisherman, better known as rapper Mac Miller, makes some really awesome beats. When Vince Staples and Schoolboy Q come together to tag-team one, the result is nothing short of amazing.
Vince Staples - Outro
Let's run it back with another cut off Stolen Youth, the collaborative album between Larry Fisherman and Vince Staples. This one, the "Outro," is no-frills hip hop at its dopest.
Joey Fatts featuring Vince Staples - Million $ Dreams
You couldn't have a complete list of Vince Staples' essential tracks without having at least one with Joey Fatts. One of Vince's main homies produced this one, and both MCs do their thing on it.