About Vince Staples
Vincent Jamal Staples is an American rapper, singer and actor 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 . 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 —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 , and Doris . Meanwhile, Hell Can Wait was met with critical acclaim and included the singles "Hands Up" and "Blue Suede". His debut album, Summertime '06 was met with similar reception and spawned the platinum-certified single "Norf Norf", forseeing his inclusion as part of the XXL 2015 Freshman Class. His follow up albums, Big Fish Theory , FM! , his self-titled fourth studio album , and Ramona Park Broke My Heart 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.
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.
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. Staples is the youngest of five siblings, two brothers and three sisters. Staples grew up in poverty.
Staples attended Optimal Christian Academy from 4th to 8th grade, which he said was an influential and positive experience. 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. 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.
Staples has been upfront regarding his involvement with street gangs during his childhood, and is involved with speaking to the youth in his community about the dangers of the gang lifestyle.
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