Forever Chuck
The nominations for best rap album for the 2017 Grammy’s included projects from Chance The Rapper, De La Soul, DJ Khaled, Drake, Kanye West and Schoolboy Q. While I enjoyed the releases from Chance, Yeezus and Q; my favourite rap project of the previous year did not feature.
Vince Staples Prima Donna didn’t qualify for nomination because it was an EP, but the fact that I enjoyed the release more than any of the nominated albums speaks volumes of the 7-track EP from the west coast rapper.
Prima Donna came with a short film which was a visually engrossing extension of the theme explored in the music being fame and it’s vices. Prima Donna sees Vince struggling with success and the video is littered with references to icons including Kurt Cobain, Tupac, Jimi Hendrix and Amy Winehouse. It’s a conceptual masterpiece which cements Vince Staples place as my favourite and the most underated rapper.
You’ll also notice that throughout the video Staples is only wearing Converse. In fact, Staples is also wearing Converse in his Jimmy Fallon performance, in the video for ‘Lift Me Up’, and even while performing live at Primavera last year.While this is on the back of a partnership with Converse,
While this is on the back of a partnership with Converse, Staples has been wearing Converse throughout his entire life and he is even wearing Converse in his most watched music video which came before the partnership.
Converse recently released a video featuring Staples in their #ForeverChuck series. In the video, Staples takes us through Long Beach, California where he grew up to give us insight into his relationship with Converse and how Chuck Taylor Los Angeles style and hip-hop. The partnership is natural and makes sense because Staples is the realest rapper around and he has never been about theatrics. The brand is a part of his life as it is a part of millions of people around the world regardless of class and stature.
“Capturing the daring spirit of youth Converse continues the celebration of the Forever Chuck Scenes videos, with the latest release of Chucks and LA Culture. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Karim Huu Do, the video is hosted by west coast rapper and style icon Vince Staples, who takes viewers on a powerful journey through the urban culture of Los Angeles and Chuck Taylor’s influence on street style and hip hop music.”
Watch the video below where Vince also gives guidance on how Chucks are to be worn. Do not choke the chucks.
