Vince Staples has amassed one of Hip-Hop’s most versatile discographies while also becoming a highly entertaining interview subject for journalists. Known for his dry wit, Vince Staples sparked a passionate debate regarding the nonchalant views he holds regarding his music career.
X user @ByDobson shared a TikTok video from FDFROMTHEFUTURE in where the content creator asks Vince Staples what is his best song. In response and clearly in jest, Staples answered with, “This my job. They don’t got a favorite burger when they flip them at McDonalds.”
The reactions to Staples answer were, in a word, brisk, via the X social media platform. Almost immediately, fans and observers, including those who work in music media, levied critiques at Staples’ jokingly sarcastic but potentially sincere answer.
The fervor in which fans online reacted to the clip caught the eyes of Staples, who took to X to address the comment and pushed back with some of his own.
“My bad I was enjoying myself next time I’ll pick a burger for you hoe ass n*ggas,” Staples said, setting off a quick flurry of replies that only seemed to incite more vitriol in his direction.
One fan asked Staples directly, “N*gga is you making art or is you making burgers?” with Staples quote-tweeting and writing in the caption, “A burger cost more than a song.”
Fans of Staples are fully aware that the Long Beach, California native’s view of the music industry is a unique one. Yes, he is regarded as one of the standout acts of his generation but he’s also a staunch critic of the payment scale and how artists are largely treated as disposable.
Further, FDFROMTHEFUTURE’s question was, respectfully, banal and indicative of him not understanding his subject and just going with the first thing he could come up with instead of asking a more measured question.
Staples also added in his string of thoughts a direct rebuttal to the chatter around the clip while also promoting his 5 On Fridays radio show.
“See, y’all aren’t mad that I don’t have a favorite song. Y’all are mad because you assume I’ve reached a level of success and finances that people dream for, which is true. But you also think I am undeserving of that because I don’t adopt the way of thinking that we were told we need to make it. But I still love you. 5 on Fridays,” Staples wrote.
Owing to that afrorementioned wit and sarcasm, Staples pinned a tweet to his X feed directing fans and critics alike to his Apple Music program.
“Do you want to know my favorite song? If so, be sure to check out 5 on Fridays with Vince Staples, where we play 5 new releases as well as some other cool things you might have missed. 5 on Fridays with Vince Staples, every Friday at 11AM PT. Only on Apple Music!” Staples added.
Vince Staples has also in the past explained that his jaded outlook on the music industry was partly shaped by his rough upbringing, and a desire to be more than his circumstances. But it appears that his fans want him to be more grateful and reverent of the art he made for their consumption, instead of the other way around.
Below, we’ll share the rest of Vince Staples’ X feed in response to his answer in the clip, along with comments from all sides, below.
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Photo: Getty