Vince Staples credits hip-hop legends for making him a better rapper: he says he was just copying

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• Which artists shaped his voice and why it matters
  • Learning techniques, not imitating styles
• How those lessons changed his approach to songwriting
• “I was just doing what everybody else was doing” — context and meaning
  • From emulation to originality
• What this teaches about influence in hip-hop
  • Practical takeaways for aspiring rappers
• Why fans and critics should pay attention
  • What to listen for in his next releases

Vince Staples says two veteran figures in hip-hop helped sharpen his skills and change how he approaches music. In recent comments, the Long Beach rapper credited those influences with forcing him to rethink phrasing, tone, and how he builds a song. His reflection landed like fresh context for a body of work already known for its sharp observations and sonic restlessness.

Which artists shaped his voice and why it matters

Staples didn’t treat influence as mere admiration. He framed it as practical training. The artists he praised taught him to be intentional with cadence and to prioritize clarity.

He emphasized that these lessons were less about copying and more about learning craft. That idea resonated when he said, “I was just doing what everybody else was doing.”

Learning techniques, not imitating styles

• He focused on the mechanics: breath control, punch placement, and rhythmic space.
• He studied delivery and how sparse lines can land harder than dense bars.
• He observed performance choices—when to push, when to pull back—to create tension.

How those lessons changed his approach to songwriting

After internalizing what he learned, Staples adjusted how he constructs verses and hooks. His lines began to carry more weight because they were placed with intention.

• He trimmed excess phrasing to let key lines breathe.
• He experimented with vocal tone to match mood and narrative.
• He used silence and pauses as compositional tools.

The result was music that felt precise, deliberate, and more effective on first listen.

“I was just doing what everybody else was doing” — context and meaning

That line framed a truth many artists face: early mimicry is part of learning. Staples admitted his earlier work reflected trends he absorbed from peers and idols.

But he also made clear that admission wasn’t defeat. Instead, it was a pivot point. He used those early influences as a foundation to build a more individual voice.

From emulation to originality

1. Observation: He listened closely to masters and peers.
2. Practice: He tried techniques in his own songs.
3. Refinement: He removed the parts that didn’t serve his narrative.
4. Identity: He emerged with a style that retained lessons but sounded distinct.

What this teaches about influence in hip-hop

Staples’ remarks highlight a familiar cycle in rap. New artists look to veteran voices for craft cues. They borrow, adapt, and then innovate.

Influence is a tool, not a trap. When wielded consciously, it speeds growth without erasing personality.

Practical takeaways for aspiring rappers

• Study specific techniques rather than whole personas.
• Use silence and timing as much as wordplay.
• Keep a notebook of lines and flows to revisit and refine.

Why fans and critics should pay attention

When an artist like Staples names influences, it helps listeners trace musical lineages. Those connections reveal how sounds evolve and how artists negotiate identity.

This kind of transparency also reframes criticism. If early mimicry is part of the learning curve, then growth must be measured across time and output.

What to listen for in his next releases

• Sharper phrasing and deliberate pauses.
• Vocal choices that match lyrical content.
• Production decisions that give room for rhythmic nuance.