While in New Zealand recently, Music 101's Sam Wicks has a post-performance catch up with Vince Staples.
Vince Staples. Photo: Universal Music
On his critically-acclaimed double LP Summertime ’06, LA native Vince Staples relayed a coming-of-age story located in his original stomping ground on the Northside of Long Beach, a city that’s produced other hip hop talent like Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Nate Dogg.
With harrowing accounts of Vince’s conflicted inner and outer life as a gang-related youth, what the album didn’t capture was Vince’s comedic talents, which were on display when he played St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2016 at Auckland’s Silo Park.
“We live in a time where it’s not okay to be a well-rounded person, so, whatever,” he says.
“You gotta be, it’s not bad every day; every 24 hours has a day and a night, so you gotta be mindful of that.”
Music 101's Sam Wicks talks rap and race with the multi-dimensional lyricist.