Biography
Vincent Jamal Staples was born on July 2, 1993, in Compton, California, and grew up in North Long Beach after his mother relocated the family to escape high crime rates.[1][2] As the youngest of five to six siblings in a working-class household, Staples spent formative years with his maternal grandfather, Andrew Hutchins, a retired truck driver and construction worker who profoundly influenced his worldview. His early adolescence was marked by involvement with street gangs, particularly the Crips, which shaped much of his later artistic perspective. Staples attended Optimal Christian Academy from 4th to 8th grade, an experience he has described as transformative, before attending multiple high schools including Jordan High School in Long Beach and Mayfair High School in Lakewood.[1][2] A pivotal moment came when his grandfather died in 2005, an event Staples has cited as instrumental in his personal development.
Staples' entry into music was serendipitous rather than intentional. Discovered by manager Dijon "LaVish" Samo and Chuck Wun, he was introduced to members of the Odd Future collective—including Syd tha Kyd, Mike G, and Earl Sweatshirt—during a trip to Los Angeles.[1][2] Though he initially had no aspirations toward rap, Staples began making guest appearances on Odd Future projects, most notably on Earl Sweatshirt's 2010 mixtape Earl.[1][2] His breakthrough came through the collaborative mixtape Stolen Youth with producer Mac Miller, which led to a Def Jam record deal. After three years of development, Staples released his debut EP Hell Can Wait in October 2014, followed by his critically acclaimed debut album Summertime '06 in June 2015.[4] The album's title references the era when Staples was approaching thirteen and becoming deeply involved in gang culture, transforming specific Ramona Park addresses into lyrical landmarks while exploring his family's struggles and Long Beach's socioeconomic realities.
Staples' artistic evolution reflects a deliberate shift from his early detached monotone delivery toward a more emotionally vulnerable and indignant vocal style, establishing him as West Coast hip-hop's introspective chronicler of urban life.[3] His work is characterized by unflinching examinations of systemic inequality, personal trauma, and the complexities of Black identity in America. Beyond music, Staples has pursued acting and comedy, appearing in films including Black Panther (2018) and Creed (2015).[8] He remains a member of the hip-hop trio Cutthroat Boyz alongside Aston Matthews and Joey Fatts, while maintaining an independent artistic vision that resists commercial compromise.[4]
Fun Facts
- Staples played football in Snoop Dogg's Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) as a child, where he received personalized jerseys, high-quality cleats, and helmets—an experience he credits to Snoop's genuine passion for supporting youth athletics.
- His maternal grandfather moved to Compton after seeing an interview with Brooklyn Dodgers player Duke Snider, who mentioned living there; the grandfather became a lifelong Dodgers fan and this family connection influenced Staples' deep roots in the Compton/Long Beach area.
- Staples' mother paid only $200-300 per month to attend Optimal Christian Academy through an arrangement with his aunt, who owned a house with two back units; despite its modest cost, Staples has called it 'the best school I've ever been to in my life.'
- The majority of Staples' family are Haitian immigrants who initially settled in Eastern Canada before moving to Louisiana, then eventually to California—a diaspora journey that informs his understanding of displacement and systemic inequality.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dijon 'LaVish' Samo - Discovered Staples and introduced him to the Odd Future collective in Los Angeles (Early career facilitation) [2009-2010s]
- Chuck Wun - Co-discoverer who helped identify Staples' talent (Early career development) [2009-2010s]
- Andrew Hutchins (Grandfather) - Maternal grandfather and primary childhood influence; retired truck driver and construction worker who shaped Staples' worldview and values (Personal/life influence) [Childhood until 2005]
Key Collaborators
- Earl Sweatshirt - Odd Future member; early musical collaborator (Guest appearance on 'epaR' from Earl mixtape (2010)) [2010-2013]
- Mac Miller - Producer and collaborative partner on breakthrough project (Stolen Youth mixtape) [2012-2013]
- Mike G - Odd Future member and close associate (Odd Future projects) [2010-2013]
- Syd tha Kyd - Odd Future collective member (Odd Future collaborations) [2010-2013]
- Aston Matthews - Fellow member of hip-hop trio Cutthroat Boyz (Cutthroat Boyz) [2010s-present]
- Joey Fatts - Fellow member of hip-hop trio Cutthroat Boyz (Cutthroat Boyz) [2010s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | 2016-05-27 | Album |
| I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (DIRECTORS CUT) | 2025-02-03 | Album |
| Dark Times | 2024-05-24 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Nothing Burns Like The Cold (FEELS)
- Norf Norf
- &burn (with Vince Staples)
- Black&Blue (Dark Times)
- Ascension (feat. Vince Staples) (Humanz (Deluxe))
- STUNTMAN (feat. Vince Staples) (CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale)
- 6 Five Heartbeats (feat. Vince Staples)
- Étouffée (Dark Times)
- Little Homies (Dark Times)
- ARE YOU WITH THAT?
External Links
Tags: #hip-hop, #west-coast-hip-hop
References
Heard on WWOZ
Vince Staples has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2025 | 01:02 | Etouffeefrom Dark Times | Draw Fow/ Slangston Hughes & Thelonious Kryptonite |