Vince Staples: Dark Times & Creating The Vince Staples Show | Apple Music

Vince Staples joins Zane Lowe in the studio to break down his fifth studio album, Dark Times. The two have an in-depth conversation about Vince's relationship with being an artist in today's world and his role giving back to Long Beach, where he grew up. Vince also shares details about his ideas on creativity and the process of creating his show, The Vince Staples Show.
Listen to Vince Staples on Apple Music: apple.co/Vince...
Subscribe to Apple Music: apple.co/Apple...
Follow Apple Music:
TikTok: / applemusic
Instagram: / applemusic
Facebook: / applemusic
Twitter: / applemusic
Watch more Apple Music:
What’s New: apple.co/2VFatTU
Apple Music Up Next: apple.co/2MLktXE
Interviews: apple.co/32WnrPV
What’s Trending: apple.co/2Meq89t
Apple Music lets you listen to millions of songs, online or off, totally ad-free. Create and share your own playlists, get exclusive content and personalized recommendations, and listen to radio hosted by artists streaming live or on demand. apple.co/SUBSCRIBE
#VinceStaples #Interview #AppleMusic

[@mattd2026]

"Why did you make this album?" And his response is he's got 1 more album left in his contract has me dying

[@Thornhill47]

Étoufée is one of the best songs this year

[@midasmusa3660]

had that bih on repeat that hook go crazy

[@kingblemish2807]

Realll

[@k.mckirdy]

Facts

[@c0keg1rl]

facts

[@tashingagudza8187]

Big facts

[@CarterKeither]

Listened to his album twice in a row and along with this interview I get the sense that he has an innate understanding that he's separate from his ego, which is so rare to be expressed

[@ComptonFunk]

Absolutely right ma boy

[@internetj3r]

The intelligence and awareness level outside yourself and for yourself has a huge impact on how you perceive the world. It’s almost a gift and a curse. It’s what makes you get out of bed or stay in bed everyday, a burden if you will.

[@nolanjohnson7401]

exactly what im doing rn lmaooo

[@FreeTheColonized]

This is the exact kind of comment i was hoping to see in the comment section

[@belloatolagbe1018]

That's why he's the realest.

[@christhesoprano]

Vince Staples is really growing up and I love that he cares about what he cares about and doesn't trip over what he doesn't. love that!

[@spacelordaye]

I feel like that's how a lot of others should be fr

[@dayzed2]

these last three albums have been beautiful and people who appreciate introspection are the ones who love them. people saying he should drop stuff like big fish but he’s been exploring his psyche and the sound that fits this specific space and themes hes been in

[@protoT]

I’d say there’s just as much introspection throughout his entire discography, just a different soundscape

[@AIJ.productions1]

Completely agree

[@BrotherMalMusic]

@@protoTTrue but it’s more spread out. These last few albums have been really zoned in on a specific feel and sound.

[@twogmarketing303]

These last three albums are definitely his best and most introspective works

[@dayzed2]

@@protoT yeah i agree. hes always introspective and full of thought and existentialism. the sound has been reflective of what mind state hes in when writing, these last three have felt calmer & accepting. this new one feels like stillness and meditative

[@cliffrobinson509]

“Success” is so often based off metrics…..but Vince is on a 3-album run with zero skips🤯…..who else is doing that?

[@quesostuff1009]

Tyler the creator of

[@AIJ.productions1]

FACTS

[@henribarrette]

This album have no skip. Pure “happiness”

[@zaytoostxned]

Ngl his last few projects been fire🤷🏾‍♂️💯😂

[@Florenced-e7r]

right? also love that he keeps them trim and not bloated. Not 18 tracks bloated - tight and controlled. his mantra spilling out to albums

[@nikesk8er12]

My whole thing with Vince’s intellect is he’s so apathetic with it. He’s funny & he holds back bc again to speak on the truth means everyone loses their jobs, but the loss of Ego on him is heavy. He knows there are much bigger issues at play, he knows who he is and how to dance with the jones, as authentic as he is there’s almost a hidden authenticity at play.

[@imAreyz]

Unskippable album. I honestly think it might be his best work. Can’t wait to see what he does without being shackled by a label.

[@robace.holmes]

Tbh I’m wondering 🤔 the same thing

[@reekhavoc2932]

He's bout to retire 😂 you can't tell by this interview? Vince is done with the world

[@imAreyz]

@@reekhavoc2932 honestly wouldn’t be surprised, he been done with the music industry😂

[@RayTheomo]

​@@reekhavoc2932he definitely gives me vibes of "im about to buy a flute and go to japan"

[@sinez999]

Agreed, it's by far his best work imo. 0 skips. I'm not even the biggest vince fan musically but this one will be in heavy rotation

[@p__kingg]

THAT HATTTT....is PHUCCIN EVERYTHING!!!!! Only real southern California HEADS KNOW..... Art Laboe was not just the king of the OLDIES FOR MY GENERATION and generations after me....but for my PARENTS GENERATION TOO... I'm talking folks in their 70s and 80s. RIP ART LABOE.... The real dedicated to you OLDIES LEGEND FOREVERRR.. 🕊️🕯️🕯️

[@tracysimon7972]

99.1 Art Laboe show

[@jennifferssister]

💯 neeeeeeed that hat like yesterday

[@jaikub7]

they still tune in sunday nights on 93.5 kday 🙌🙌

[@izaestrada6170]

i want his hat 🥲

[@lordlc]

The whole album is beautiful, the way it flows, the chorus and orchestral sounds. Mac would be so proud of Vince

[@McJar]

That was my first thought bruh, he has come a long way from Stolen Youth

[@lordlc]

@@McJar Yeah! Just Listend to it again the other day!!

[@benmckinstry4023]

Vince is one of the best in the game right now. This album was great, he has evolved so much as an artist and I can't wait to see what is next for him.

[@SuperMustache555]

As Zane pointed out at the beginning of this interview, Vince quietly does an outstanding job at everything he sets his mind to. He's honest, but he doesn't grandstand about being truthful. He makes great records, but doesn't boast about their performance or quality. He made an incredible TV show, but I haven't seen him showing off just how good it is. He shines in interviews for both his comedic and inspirational talents, but he doesn't overdo it. Just seems like a genuine, humble dude doing his job. I love being a Vince Staples fan!

[@DomGeez12357]

“Life hard but I go harder, Life hard but I go harder🎶”

[@catkibble6013]

been rocking with Vince since 2008 and getting to witness his growth has been an absolute blessing to experience. I completely understand where he's coming from when he talks about knowing his place in the ecosystem but every time he says he doesn't see himself as the "music guy", while I appreciate his self awareness and respect that his heart doesn't lie solely within music and that he has other avenues of creativity to venture into (the Netflix show was amazing), I wish he would give himself more credit. this album marks one of the best 3 album runs I've seen in a while (and personally, my favorite). I know the praise and accolades don't do it for him but I'm really so proud of him. I don't want recency bias to get the best of me and it's still so fresh but this is really feeling like his best album. I loved this interview so much. I feel like in some past interviews, there have been times where interviewers didn't know how to work with Vince's nihilistic viewpoints/answers and sort of just leave it on the table but Zane did really well to frame questions in a way that get to the heart of what Vince is saying without shrugging it off as him being disinterested. another great interview for the books. 💙

[@agweeta]

how were you fw vince when he was 15 yrs old brother

[@catkibble6013]

​@@agweeta oops, meant 2010, with the Earl feature that shall not be named. and not a brother. hope that helps!

[@nicolauslavergne4237]

⁠@@catkibble6013ha if you know you know

[@DouglasDeezy]

Not the album we deserve, but the album we need 🙏

[@b.o.1951]

Absolutely. He put out a good project.

[@therealbravo_]

💯

[@N0cturnalAnimaL]

Vince will always create a moment for himself, and I’ll listen every time.

[@matsimelamiller9998]

“I actively run from the ‘thing’, & they tell me I’m just tryna be different “ Bar

[@yo-man928]

Dark times and Self titled are some of the most beautiful music Vince has made ❤

[@diorgasmask]

Self Titled is literally perfect.

[@BrotherMalMusic]

Don’t sleep on _Ramona Park Broke My Heart_

[@290Rick]

@@BrotherMalMusicthank you💯

[@user-pd9fe1vx3i]

The new album is so refreshing. Can’t wait to peel it back more.

[@Ernan_Films]

Vince’s spike Lee era I fw it

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

Vince and his discography are very under appreciated. He’s been truly unique in his view and how he taps into his influences. He always comes with the quality

[@JuanTonSoupXP]

I was so hyped to hear the style Vince was hinting at when he released shame on the devil as a single. After listening to dark times fully, bro really branched out with this project

[@calebkennedy7460]

This album is amazing, his self titled one is my personal favorite it’s a classic to me. He’s been on a crazy run, Étoufée is so fyeee.

[@maceckstrand6849]

Vince has this quiet confidence that I really respect. The new album is so good. Really hoping he gets another season of the show too.

[@RebelliousRenegade21]

Gonna finish the rest of the interview later I gotta head off to work but I just wanted to give my praises. I’ve been following Vince since Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2 and the growth is amazing. I’m 27 and a resonate so much with Dark Times especially now how my life has been moving. I really appreciate you Vince for making a great work of art, this album has definitely been in constant rotation ✊🏾💯

[@matthewkeller4218]

Vince is a national treasure. Hilarious, introspective, driven, talented. He’s a force!

[@WANDIVISIONSTUDIOSLLC]

Everything Vince does speaks volumes & it’s shown through his music since winter in Prague! He deserves his flowers

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

Look at my guy. Hits netflix and immediately looking like spike lee 😂

[@runup3639]

He on some grown man ish.

[@scampbell21]

On God 😅

[@cleanthestreets9564]

I love this album. He brought music to real life. Showcasing the blessed and worst pasts of life with keys, guitars, word-play lyricism, dialogues, ambience, etc. I’ve played this album on repeat everyday because it just resonates. Thank you Vince, good job.

[@younggod1443]

Shout out to Vince for keeping it 💯 wherever he go

[@brianlynch7260]

He’s been waiting to get out of that deal for a while. Can’t wait to hear his next album.

[@Eslice_25]

Vince Staples discography is so good and dark times is beautiful and I feel it🔥🔥🔥🔥💯❤️

[@wencytheintern]

i was just binging vince interviews again. perfect timing.

[@reekhavoc2932]

His first breakfast club interview when he was BALD is my favorite interview of his......the PRIMA DONNA era

[@yeonlyn]

seems like etouffee is everyone's favorite. where's my black and blue gang at

[@michaelman8751]

Here🎉

[@matthewstrohmaier1647]

NATE

[@matthewstrohmaier1647]

TRUNK RATTLE

[@dakotac180]

I've seen him in concert like 6 years ago, he's super good.

[@just_Doron]

Vince is what we need in this industry although he don’t want be . Great album , cant wait for the next one .

[@sharkyfbabyjg]

Never been a huge Vince staples fan but this already might be my favorite album of the year.

[@hakeemsesay15]

As always I see a Vince interview and new music I click

[@lilcheetuh9341]

thank you Vince Staples

[@NStar9]

I love Vince so much he’s so relatable from a person to a artist

[@lorenzodawkins7500]

20 minutes in and for the first time I have no idea what they talking about in a Vince staples interview I’ve lost it 💀

[@oliverwashburn5496]

the split in your desk is perfect. thanks to whoever. very nice.

[@btrkrishu]

that question ab kendrick-drake beef was kinda ignorant/disrespectful im glad vince contextualized it

[@akalui007]

I haven't listened to Vince in a while but I love this interview and am very curious to catch up on what he has been making, so refreshing to hear him talk

[@ilychrisfranco]

his last three albums are a win streak that needs to be studied, get back on it bro i'm sure you'll love what you hear

[@SavingSoulsMinistries]

I check in on Vince once every three years on average. I’ll mess with him heavy for a couple weeks and then 3 years no contact

[@weirdlygoodmorningvideos]

This studio is the most apple studio 😂 Looking like a whole Apple Store without the apple products

[@versace0018]

lmao thought i recognized that table/desk from somewhere

[@rustybladesmith485]

Bro, this new album "dark times" is my favourite vince staples project fo sho.

[@yxseph777]

He's politely saying, "I am not your savior!" But he knows it's great 😂

[@THEGMSSHOW]

VINCE MUSIC NEVER MISSES!!

[@astrologicalbum6616]

I love Vince his growth throughout the years has been amazing

[@tonysmith5878]

IF YOU'RE ABLE TO SEPARATE THE EGO FROM YOURSELF.... THAT'S HALF THE BATTLE. REMAINING HUMBLE IS AWESOME...NUFF SAID.

[@joziehaze]

album of the year so far. this blew me away

[@AntiSocialExtrovert323]

Love The Vince Staples show! You get some scenes which feel real & where the wit is deadpan and sharp. Then you randomly get a goofy sketch which is laugh out loud quality and very creative. The plots are both non-linear and cohesive. The robbery episode is my favorite…The reveal, the goth clown makeup, the lattes, Airbnb in Tulum, when 1963 (of all years) is the code ☠️. If a second season doesn’t air I will buy a guillotine and start a movement against Netflix.

[@joziehaze]

zane is probably one of my favorite interviewers ever. right off the bat starting the interview with such a provocative and natural sounding question, he’s so professional and energetic, yet heartfelt and personable. fine lines

[@shingielee]

vince always delivers mane 🤞

[@asafeatherstoneiv371]

I feel like Vince is living life for the second time with all the wisdom he has

[@Obs1d1ous]

Mans really had me crying on track 1, album is amazing and an instant classic.

[@szn1580]

Gonna be banging this album for the rest of the year. Amazing body of work. Vince is super talented and deep his lyrics are amazing

[@CalebRobinson-bs1vy]

Vince is very self aware and that’s what I respect about him

[@brimillions]

project is fire. i’m still stuck on the first 5 tracks

[@reekhavoc2932]

Same 😂 I haven't finished the album haha for 3 days I've only played the first few! I need a day off to sit with this

[@jarredshorter]

Vince sound mad tired of explaining himself.

[@keeseanskinner8195]

This year is the most press he’s done in his career. He already said he doesnt like people like that lol he’s ready to go back to work

[@crispinousa5806]

Ètoufée,Magic,Aye!(free the homies)&Big fish are all just timeless bangers🔥

[@MsAvatar44]

Genius with words

[@c0c0banks]

Awesome interview. I found a lot of peace listening to it.

[@NickFreeJr]

One of my favorite people that I don’t know personally.

[@tomazm9]

I love you vince

[@Bluezey-s3d]

It’s kinda funny bc Vince does not seem enthusiastic about making music or explaining himself lmao which is news to me bc the album is so well executed and reflective. Down to the production. Hope he’s doing well ❤️

[@Bluezey-s3d]

Then again he don’t be overly enthusiastic abt much anyways so lmaooo

[@reekhavoc2932]

He from Ramona Park 😢 he seen a lot of DARK TIMES...I think buddy is retiring

[@morgancottingham9887]

@reekhavoc2932 you got an alarm set or something?? U woke up JUST TO give me anxiety huh

[@reekhavoc2932]

@@morgancottingham9887 haha no ma'am I would never 😭 I don't want vince to retire I know about 4 of his albums word for word front to back

[@morgancottingham9887]

Just a Lil worn out lol we gunna get him back and better than ever.

[@ASAPcarti1]

Best interview ever watching this at 4am rn

[@ComptonFunk]

VINCE IS THE MOST UNDERRATED ARTIST 😭🙏🏽🔥

[@RappersDelight808]

Love his honesty, real reckonise real. Always been a fan of his Anyone get the sense he really wanted to say something about the music industry that was BAD but he still wants to be here to do more music. And clearing up that video where someone cut out all the positives leaving him looking bad. He gets wiser every album ✌️ Reminds me a lot of Earl a lil bit

[@badbadgoodcd]

i can't wait to hit 30 and start looking like Spike Lee

[@missevelynr]

I cannot wait to meet you Vince.❤

[@milegexgen]

Dark Times was amazing and this was 🔥🔥🔥.

[@mr.gabriel5896]

Étoufée is hella doPe!!! Personal favorite!

[@alimuh007]

The album is amazing and should be considered

[@fentanyljones6956]

I thought Vince Staples was a perfectly produced album, i can’t imagine adding or taking anything from it.

[@guccibrix312]

Vince Staples is a very well spoken intelligent young black man salute💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@coltonroedl5736]

Fantastic album and interview

[@timy9197]

14:41 This dude is naturally funny lol even in his serious interviews he still finds a way

[@theeggreat4]

Very few three album runs have Touched this

[@oscarhoare3461]

three? try six man

[@reekhavoc2932]

​@@oscarhoare3461yeah!!!! None of his projects miss. Front to back thought provoking raps

[@tsheponicholas1116]

first album ive listened to from him .its amazing like everysong its weird

[@Ghettovirgil]

9:09 "if it , hey ,sounds good to me man" 😂😂😂 = completely wrong ,but you got it !

[@royalvibes4433]

@18:10 - @18:31 Dropped a bomb on em, Ace Ventura style 🤣

[@morgancottingham9887]

Zane said you've been overstood lol now try again

[@ki3vn]

im asian american and grew up with a fish allergy, spent my whole life deprived from almost half of my cultural meals shared with family. that can't have a sandwich line pulled me back miles. this why ima vince staples fan. that liar interlude into justin a real "thats life huh"

[@JakeBodenhamer]

such a good album. listened twice on the day of release

[@drewsnothim]

This album is his most cohesive sounding album he’s made. Also Self titled

[@kibreaux]

My dawg his thought process is amazing

[@k.mckirdy]

“Justin” is incredible

[@Deepbarns]

My Fav Artist Vince Staple mannnnn🔥🔥🔥

[@sleepsmuggler3833]

Ever since the Joe Budden interview that Vince did in 2018, Pull Up Episode 6, I became a fan. its cool to see the growth.

[@darneldey1611]

38:12 never heard someone articulate this so well.

[@Countmacula666]

I hope bro okay, I’ve never seen him look so empty before

[@zhuoer1762]

Just simply love this man

[@nononowhyno]

god i love vince.

[@ChamaldMartin]

First time I’ve ever seen bro without a fresh fade

[@c0keg1rl]

Loved the new album “Dark times” especially Étouffée and Black&blue 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@s.l.tabannotary1549]

Vince is really so intentional, even in his listening skills.

[@KEMBEE319]

Album 🔥

[@pitt5528]

Listened to the album and then I saw him front row a gazebo festival he brought out his daughter for her birthday he’s just genuine awesome human

[@reekhavoc2932]

VINCE HAS A CHILD?!?!?!?!?!?!

[@pitt5528]

@@reekhavoc2932 yes it was her 9th birthday

[@tossmaru]

I thought that was Corey's daughter

[@YungLilBomb]

Bruh, Vince ain't got no kids...it was probably Corey's or someone else's

[@SHADOWTALKS92]

First comment..this album is classic 💚

[@kylegriffith7895]

slow down bud

[@SHADOWTALKS92]

@@kylegriffith7895 I listened to it a few times already just to gain a clearer perspective sonically, it’s deff a conceptual masterpiece that will go down as 1 of his best projects

[@thatguyjersey]

Vince is very intelligent and his music is really underrated