For the occasion, Kenny, WahWah James, and Harper Gordon conjure up a whimsical instrumental, an arrangement that’s undeniably soothing. It’s therefore appropriate that Vince Staples kicks it off with a warning: “don’t get murdered.” It’s that exact sort of juxtaposition that makes Vince so fascinating as an artist; his unwillingness to take the obvious route, even if he’s talented enough to shine off the strength of his bars alone. “Ain’t no nerd, I left some enemies on that curb,” he spits, over Kenny’s lullaby production. “I cannot be perturbed, I live out every word I put inside my verse.”

Check out “The Shining” now, and give Vince Staples a spin in its entirety right here.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Ain’t no nerd, I left some enemies on that curb
I cannot be perturbed,
I live out every word I put inside my verse
I know my mama proud
These haters wanna down me