Vince Staples Tells Tales of Police Brutality in “Hands Up”

The Long Beach rapper refuses the right to be silent.

September 09, 2014

Vince Staples borrows a subversive refrain that echoed through Ferguson's streets last month for the title of his powerful new single, "Hands Up." But, it's not a song about Ferguson. Rather, the Long Beach native is addressing the Los Angeles local agencies -- the LBPD, LAPD, and LASD -- he grew up under. However, his tales of police brutality and broken systems, as well as his anger, will surely resonate more broadly. Shoot him first without a warning, and they expect respect and non-violence, he spits over the brooding, No I.D.-produced beat. I refuse the right to be silent. "Hands Up" will be featured alongside "Blue Suede" on Staples's upcoming Def Jam debut, Hell Can Wait, which drops September 23.

Vince Staples Tells Tales of Police Brutality in “Hands Up”