Are EARL Sweatshirt and Vince Staples Really Friends?

Vince Staples might not be a household name just yet, but he’s certainly on the rise. The California rapper, known for his ties to Odd Future, has been making waves in the hip-hop scene with his distinct style and honest storytelling. With the release of his first official EP, Hell Can Wait, the world is beginning to see the full scope of his talent and creativity.

In an interview Vince shared insights about his upcoming music and the creative process behind it. “What can you expect from the album? Hell Can Wait is an EP, it’s not an album,” Vince said. “Everybody knows it leads up to the album. You have to make a prelude. It’s a real descriptive storyline. You have to pay attention, but it’s upbeat and fun. You’re not at school. You’re not in class. It’s not a lecture. I’m trying to get as creative with it as possible. It’s the first time I’ve really had the access to really be able to build my vision and make music that I want to make. Just expect something new. None of my projects sound alike.”

This creative freedom is something Vince holds dear, and it also speaks to his evolution as an artist. While Vince’s sound may be new and fresh, there’s an underlying thread that ties him to his past, especially his early collaborations with fellow rapper Earl Sweatshirt.

Vince first met Earl Sweatshirt in 2010, and their friendship has grown significantly over the years. In the same interview, Vince reflected on how their bond was initially shaped by shared experiences and a mutual understanding of the struggles they faced. “I met Earl Sweatshirt in 2010,” Vince explained. “Our friendship grew from him getting in trouble, on the path to getting in trouble, being smart because I was never dumb.

I saw him making the same mistakes I did. He was smart, he was gifted in certain things but he had always wanted to be a rapper. He would say ‘Oh, I’ve got to be at the studio, blah, blah—’ and I told him, ‘There’s no reason for you to not be able to be a rapper or go to school. Do you just want to be a rapper or do you want to be someone that can make an impact?’”

This advice resonated with Earl, and it was the beginning of a deep and meaningful friendship between the two artists. Over the years, as they both navigated their own personal and professional growth, their relationship only strengthened. Vince continued, “He sees that now. I feel that our friendship has grown over the years just based on him growing as an artist and person.”

Vince’s words also reflect his philosophical approach to hip-hop. For him, it’s not about being the best rapper but about sharing your unique story. He went on to say, “I appreciate him calling me the best rapper but I honestly feel like no one is the best rapper because it’s all your story. Everyone is important in the grand scheme of things. If there was the best rapper there would be one rapper.”

This attitude speaks to the larger imbalance that Vince sees within the hip-hop industry. While the genre has made immense strides in terms of mainstream recognition, it can sometimes be a tough environment for artists who don’t fit neatly into a single mold. Vince and Earl’s friendship, built on respect, growth, and a shared understanding of the world around them, serves as a reminder that hip-hop is not just about competition—it’s about collaboration, evolution, and creating something real.

As Vince continues to rise in the music world, the friendship between him and Earl remains a key part of his journey. Their shared experiences and growth as individuals and artists show that their bond is not just a product of time spent together but of the wisdom and support they’ve given one another along the way.