Vince Staples Helps Launch Long Beach Youth Program

Vince Staples has made a name for himself as one of rap's youngest and talented artists. Last year's Summertime '06 showcased the Long Beach native as a compelling storyteller, offering listeners a coming of age tale that is engaging from beginning to end.

Now, the rapper is using his platform to launch a youth program for kids in his hometown. As the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports, Staples has partnered with local officials in the city to back a YMCA program called the Youth Institute. Through the Youth Institute 20 kids will learn filmmaking, graphic design, music production, 3D printing and product design.

"I think the most important thing is opportunities," Staples told the Press-Telegram. "What I can say is, living over here my entire life, I've never had an opportunity given to me from the area, only examples of how to mess up, and what I didn't want to do."  

The program will take place at a local middle school and will serve eighth and ninth grade students. Staples, alongside Councilman Rex Richardson and other city staffers, announced the program's launch at Ramona Park (the neighborhood might sound familiar because it's the same one he references on Summertime '06's "Norf Norf".) He also contributed an undisclosed amount to the program.

"I want to be able to be one of the people that reinforces the fact that we matter just as much as the next person," Staples said. "That's actually the biggest thing I can do for this community."

Aside from giving back to his community Staples is still giving fans good raps, making an appearance on Clams Casino's forthcoming major label debut, 32 Levels. The West Coast rapper is featured on the East Coast producer's latest single from the album "All Nite," which offers listeners a new side of Clams that they've never heard before.

Check out "All Nite" below and stay tuned for more on Staples good works in the LBC.