In a recent conversation on Vulture’s Good One Podcast, Vince Staples shared his thoughts on his friendship with comedy icon Dave Chappelle and the prospect of diving into stand-up comedy himself. At the age of 32, the rapper and actor reflected on how Chappelle’s influence has shaped his creative perspective and his broader understanding of life.
Staples highlighted the authenticity of their relationship, emphasizing that their interactions are based on meaningful dialogue rather than the typical conversations found in the entertainment industry. “Dave’s just nice and Dave’s like a regular person,” he said, noting that their discussions often center on personal experiences and hip hop, steering clear of mere industry chatter. He praised Chappelle’s remarkable storytelling prowess, pointing out how the comedian communicates profound ideas through engaging tales often presented in the form of riddles.
“I’ve kind of seen his process, like his stand-up process, which is interesting because it’s kind of similar to that,” Staples commented. He shared insights on how Chappelle extracts material from everyday interactions, crafting it into thoughtful performances. “He pulls from kind of conversations in the room,” Staples observed, expressing admiration for Chappelle’s ability to swiftly transition casual exchanges into structured stand-up routines.
When the discussion turned to the possibility of Staples embarking on his own stand-up journey, he admitted feeling hesitant due to the intense commitment required. “I hear it all the time, but I’ll never do that,” he reported, recognizing the artistry involved yet conveying the discipline and effort it demands. “I would really need to take in the time … I don’t know if I got that in me right now,” he confessed.
The interviewer suggested starting with structured Q&As, prompting Staples to recall witnessing Chappelle’s exceptional talent in an intimate comedy club setting. He reflected on the experience of watching the comedian seamlessly engage with the audience for hours, eventually leading to an impressive compilation of material. “I’ve never seen some sh*t like that in my life,” he humorously remarked, playfully labeling Chappelle a “psychopath” due to his deep commitment to the craft.
While Staples expresses uncertainty about stepping onto the stand-up stage anytime soon, he did not rule out the possibility of exploring this path in the future. “It’s a really interesting muscle to develop, you know? … Maybe one day,” he remarked, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any future developments in his potential comedic journey.