Vince Staples recently released Summertime '06, which is being touted as one of the year's best rap albums. Now, the Long Beach newcomer is the subject of Sprite and FADER's Obey Your Thirst video series, following Drake and Nas, the subjects of episodes one and two, respectively.
Vince's placement among the two aforementioned Hall of Famers is no mistake, as Summertime '06 (on Def Jam) is one of the strongest debuts in recent memory. The narrative album places us in Long Beach, California during the summer of 2006, when Vince was introduced to gang life and his life was changed forever.
During the Obey Your Thirst visual, Vince takes us through some of the areas mentioned on Summertime '06, while relaying the most enduring wisdom he learned growing up in one of California's roughest neighborhoods. Even considering his violent environment, Staples credits all his success to his upbringing and intends to bring a voice to a place that has long gone without one.
"Nothing matters but where you come from. Without that, who are you?"
As Staples approaches mainstream success, he promises to not forget his roots.
Drake showed us around Toronto in the first installment of the video series and Nas walked us through Queensbridge in the second. After Vince's introduction to Long Beach, which rapper's hometown would you like to see Sprite docuseries next?
Vince was one of ten of this year's XXL Freshmen. Out of those on the cover, Staples is the only rapper to release an official album. Do you think anyone else can match the quality of Summertime '06?
Watch the music video to "Señorita," Summertime '06's lead single, below, and purchase the album on iTunes.
