Ten Essentials, Issue #1: Vince Staples

This is a piece I wrote for the Rap & Hip Hop Amino's "Essential Challenge" competition, where participants pick an artist and list ten of their tracks they believe would help a new listener get into their music. I actually want to make this a new series, so if you feel the need to you can comment which artist I might be interested in doing next.

PROFILE: Vince Staples

Age: 25

Origin: Long Beach, California

Primary Genres: Hardcore Hip Hop, Experimental Hip Hop, Trap Rap

THE ESSENTIALS

“Blue Suede” (2014)

Hell Can Wait EP

Produced by Hagler

“Hope I outlive them red roses” may be the single most macabre lyric in Vince’s entire discography, and it’s made even darker by the blood-pumping g-funk synth leading the track. Truly an essential.

“Norf Norf” (2015)

Summertime ‘06

Produced by Clams Casino

Often referred to as Staples’ magnum opus, “Norf Norf” is a grim, yet insidious track detailing his origins in his hometown of Long Beach, California. The first line of the chorus, “I ain’t never ran from nothin’ but the police”, should give you an indicator of the utter weight of the song.

“Lift Me Up” (2015)

Summertime ‘06

Produced by DJ Dahi & No I.D.

The first full-length song off Vince’s debut album, this track is a bleak portrait of life in Long Beach - he details the seemingly endless violence in his neighborhood and prays for God to take him out of his situation by any means necessary. Mellow synths line the track and give it a properly desperate feel, all making “Lift Me Up” an essential song in Staples’ discography.

“Jump Off the Roof” ft. Snoh Aalegra (2015)

Summertime ‘06

Produced by No I.D.

A searing vocal sample and frantic bells compliment this track’s heavy lyrics, dealing with the pain of drug addiction and metaphorically “jumping off the roof” as a wake-up call. It’s a gripping track that warrants repeated listens.

“Senorita” (2015)

Summertime ‘06

Produced by Christian Rich

Sampling Atlanta rapper Future for the hook, “Senorita” explores gang mentality over a piercing piano beat. The topic is presented mercilessly, with the line “kids crying, still snipe him, no lackin’” being the hardest of all to stomach.

“Big Fish” (2017)

Big Fish Theory

Produced by Christian Rich

One of Vince’s most lighthearted songs, “Big Fish” notes how far he’s come since his childhood. Complemented by a bouncy, hyphy-influenced instrumental and an infectious Juicy J hook, “Big Fish” is the perfect song to start with for anyone looking to get into Vince Staples.

“Yeah Right” (2017)

Big Fish Theory

Produced by SOPHIE & Flume

A commentary on ‘keeping it real’ in hip-hop, “Yeah Right” is easily one of Vince’s most experimental and abstract tracks. Primarily produced by SOPHIE, one of the most talented artists in the bubblegum bass scene, the track also sports a surprise Kendrick Lamar feature where the Compton MC spits some of his most venomous bars to date.

“Party People” (2017)

Big Fish Theory

Produced by Zack Sekoff

“Party People” finds Vince looking inside, dealing with his anxiety and suicidal urges. “Awkward silence, my brain scream louder, askin’ when I’m gon’ blast myself” and “how I’m supposed to have a good time when death and destruction’s all I see?” are two of Vince’s most chilling and unsettling lines, period.

“BagBak” (2017)

Big Fish Theory

Produced by Ray Brady

On “BagBak”, Vince plays the role of political revolutionary, criticizing everything from America’s broken prison system to racial inequality in the government. The closing chants of “we on now” are enough to strike fear into the hearts of what he refers to as “the 1%”.

“Feels Like Summer” (2018)

FM!

Produced by Kenny Beats

“Feels Like Summer” lives up to its name, although it’s significantly darker than your typical ode to the season. Don’t let a buttery Ty Dolla $ign hook fool you, the opening track to Vince’s latest project FM! captures yet another dark snapshot of life and violence in Long Beach.