Vince Staples Concert Preview

In the newly minted “Donald Trump era,” the spiteful words and actions of our nation’s president seem almost unavoidable in their scope. This environment of hatred and white nationalism spread by America’s most powerful— and loudest—individuals infiltrate all facets of life. However, in his latest single BagBak, Long Beach rapper Vince Staples directly contradicts the anger of Trump with an inspired ferocity of his own: Tell the one percent to suck a d--- because we on now / Tell the government to suck a d--- because we on now /Tell the president to suck a d--- because we on now / Staples’ unique brand of gangsta rap is fostered in the complex & vibrant environment that he calls home: Northside, Long Beach. In contrast with many other big-name rappers—Chicago’s darling Chance the Rapper in particular—Vince Staples is well known for his distaste for “cheery street rap.” “If you listen to shit about niggas being in a position where they have no hope, there should be nothing at peace about that,” Staples told Pitchfork. “There’s a way to make it listenable and likable, but it shouldn’t just be some happy stuff.” In this sense, his body of work provides a cathartic and raw response to the negative environment for the poor and marginalized in America. Vince Staples will make a stop at Foellinger Auditorium next Monday, March 6 on his first major North American tour. This will mark his second show in the Champaign area following a headlining appearance at the 2016 Pygmalion Fest. Tickets are $25 for the general public or $17 with a valid iCard.