Vince Staples has shared the visuals for his new single, ‘Are You With That’.
Staples shared the effort two days before releasing his self-titled fourth album last Friday via Blacksmith/Motown. The new video is directed by Jack Begert and follows the Californian rapper as he runs away on foot through his Long Beach neighbourhood. On his traumatic travels, Staples bumps into various colourful characters, which he also plays.
‘Are You With That’ is a sombre moment from Staples, who takes a crestfallen trip down memory lane during his formative years in Long Beach. The video is equally dark as Staples shockingly gets hit by a car and loses his life.
In the opening verse, Staples emotionally raps: “Still outside, I don’t hide, From this shit for life, Had to fight for my life, Took them hits in stride, If I die for the guys, Have my candlelight, Goin’ up like the club, After that, go slide.”
Previously discussing his new album, Staples said: “It really gives much more information about me that wasn’t out there before. That’s why I went with that title. I feel like I’ve been trying to tell the same story.”
Adding: “As you go on in life, your point of view changes. This is another take on myself that I might not have had before.”
Hip Hop Hero’s review of the record notes: “Vince Staples is a welcome return from an artist who has been sorely missed, even if he hasn’t been gone for that long. It might not be an album that will satiate the public desire for too long, but Vince Staples is most certainly an album you can sit with and explore, even if its stories are over before you want them to end.”
See the clip, below.
