Are You With That?

Album: Vince Staples (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Vince Staples grew up on the north side of Long Beach in southern California among gangs and poverty. Here, he reflects on the misguided aspirations and dangers he faced in his teenage years.

    Are you with that? I want get back
    I'm gon' hop out and crack
    Are you with that? I want big racks
    I'm gon' flock, I'm gon' stack


    Staples is asking the listener if it's the gangsta lifestyle they identify with. He is now involved with speaking to the youth in his community about the dangers of getting involved in gangs.
  • During the two verses, Staples recounts how fraught his experience of street warfare was. Anytime he's tempted to look back fondly at his years as a Crips gang member, he stays grounded by visiting the graves of his deceased homies.
  • This is the opening track of Staples' eponymous fourth studio album. It features woozy production from the Long Beach native's frequent collaborator Kenny Beats (Ski Mask's "Foot Fungus," Ed Sheeran's "Take Me Back To London").
  • Staples made the 22-minute self-titled record with Kenny Beats over the course of eight nights in December 2021. The pair crafted around 30 tracks before cutting them to 10 for the album.
  • Jack Begert directed the video, which shows Staples being pursued in the middle of a suburban street. Begert also did Doja Cat's "Juicy."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.