Vince Staples, the acclaimed rapper and now creator of his own Netflix show, The Vince Staples Show, recently sat down with Rolling Stone to discuss his journey as a black creator in Hollywood. In the interview, Staples opens up about the challenges he faced in getting his show made and the importance of staying true to oneself in the industry.
Staples reveals that he had been actively trying to produce his own television show for about eight years before finally getting it over the line with its premiere on February 15. He explains that when he started pitching his show idea to people who could help make it happen, he felt like no one thought he was ready. To prove himself, Staples used his successful rap career as a testing ground for filmmaking. He incorporated elements of storytelling and visual aesthetics into his music videos and even created a beta version of The Vince Staples Show on YouTube.
The rapper’s debut album, Summertime ’06, garnered mainstream acclaim and allowed him to showcase his unique style and storytelling abilities. Staples continued to experiment with his music and visuals in subsequent albums, such as Big Fish Theory and FM!. His most recent albums, Vince Staples and Ramona Park Broke My Heart, reflect his experiences growing up in a gang-riddled hometown, which is also a central theme in his new show.
Staples credits his upbringing and exposure to old TV shows like The Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, and M*A*S*H for shaping his artistic sensibilities. He also reveals that he honed his acting skills through trial and error, taking auditions and learning from experienced actors. Staples mentions some of the people who have been instrumental in his growth as an actor, including Miles Bullock, Tyler James Williams, Quinta Brunson, Melvin Gregg, Karen Obilom, Naté Jones, Donald Glover, Cord Jefferson, and Dave Chappelle.
When asked about the recent trend of shows about rappers, Staples believes that it is a natural progression as rap music continues to grow in popularity. He cites examples like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Eve, which were rooted in hip-hop culture, as early instances of this trend. Staples explains that his show focuses more on his day-to-day life rather than his career as a rapper because he believes that most of the time, people are not doing the thing they are known for. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations.
In a fun segment of the interview, Staples provides advice for navigating various scenarios, such as dealing with someone who wants to fight you or impressing a significant other’s parent. His humorous and practical tips reflect his down-to-earth personality and wit.
The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by black creators in Hollywood. Staples acknowledges that the industry is not fair and that black creators often have limited access to resources and opportunities. However, he believes that it is up to them to create their own projects and support each other. Staples emphasizes the importance of learning how to create with limited resources and collaborating within the community. He mentions that even small-scale projects can have an impact and that black stories and voices matter at every scale.
Staples also touches on the issue of shows being canceled and the difficulty of finding them once they are no longer available on streaming platforms. He expresses the importance of physical art and preserving it for future generations. Staples encourages artists to obtain control over their art and make decisions about its distribution. He advises against getting caught up in monetary gains and instead focuses on owning one’s work.
In conclusion, Vince Staples’ journey as a black creator in Hollywood is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he has managed to carve out his own path and create meaningful art. Through his show and music, Staples continues to tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences. As he navigates the industry, he remains committed to staying true to himself and supporting fellow black creators.