“Norf Norf” rapper Vince Staples plays a version of himself in the new Netflix series.
Vince Staplesis a rapper, and now he plays one on TV barely.
Its just my job, for real, he tells a cellmate.
Courtesy of Netflix
You know, Ive never even had an iPod.
(Remember, beach buddies, report violence before you retaliate!
a chipper voice announces over the PA during Vince and Dejas visit to Surf City amusement park.)
Vince Staples and Myles Bullock in ‘The Vince Staples Show’.Ser Baffo/Netflix
Though each episode is self-contained, one theme is consistent: Your past is always present.
For Vince, sometimes this can be fortuitous.
How you livin, dawg?
asks the bank robber (scene-stealer Myles Bullock).
He and Vince have a friendly catch-up chat as the other gunmen round up customers in the lobby.
Sometimes, the past leads to explosive family discord.
That bitch done had it out for me since 88, she growls.
The rapper doesn’t allow the show to idealize his alter ego.
The finale ends on a bleak note, which is in keeping with the comedys undercurrent of fatalism.
Staples is creatively restless, and he regularly explores outlets beyond music.
(In addition to acting, he also published a graphic novel,Limbo Beach, in 2022.)
The Vince Staples Showpremieres Thursday, Feb. 15, on Netflix.
