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.