Long Beach rapper, actor, and producer Vince Staples is bringing his signature style to the small screen next month with “The Vince Staples Show.” The highly-anticipated Netflix comedy series premieres February 15th with five fast-paced episodes that follow Staples through zany misadventures inspired by his real life in Long Beach.
Fresh off acclaimed albums like “Big Fish Theory” and tours with Tyler, the Creator, Staples leaps into scripted television while staying true to his artistic roots. He stars as a fictionalized version of himself – a rapper navigating fame and notoriety in his hometown streets. Judging by the chaos of the first trailer, the show embraces Staples’ realness rather than sanding off his edges for TV.
Executive produced by “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris, “The Vince Staples Show” promises the rapper’s trademark blend of deadpan and insightful humor. In one scene, Staples faces off against the silent, staring mascot at a fairground; in another, he runs from a mystery assailant. Staples declares it’s “just another day” in his turbulent world of petty crime, get-rich-quick schemes, and being almost famous.
While the show belongs to Staples, he’s backed by talented co-stars who fill out the madcap world around him. Supporting cast includes:
Naté Jones (“The Savoy”) as Vince’s entrepreneurial partner-in-crime
Arturo Castro (“Broad City”) as their shady criminal associate
Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Coming to America”) as Vince’s no-nonsense mom
Bryan Greenberg (“One Tree Hill”) and Andrea Ellsworth (“Gentefied”) as Vince’s manager and publicist
Special appearances deliver added surprises, like rap veteran Rick Ross playing himself amidst the chaotic events of Vince’s life.
Staples serves as co-creator and executive producer alongside Edelman and Williams. Kenya Barris also directs the pilot episode, bringing experience from acclaimed comedies like “black-ish” and “#blackAF.” Combined with Staples’ raw charisma, their creative guidance suggests that “The Vince Staples Show” will deliver chaos and catharsis in equal measure when it premieres on February 15th.