Vince Staples visited NPR headquarters in Washington D.C. to deliver a five-song Tiny Desk performance drawn from his latest album Cry Baby.
The Long Beach rapper showcased tracks from the rock-influenced record, which addresses ongoing disenfranchisement faced by Black Americans.
During the performance of "Go! Go! Gorilla," Staples paid tribute to Black Panther members Bobby Hutton, George Jackson, and Larry Kimmons who were killed by law enforcement.
Staples also shared a story about filming the video for lead single "Blackberry Marmalade." He recalled a friend warning that scenes of Black people in a restaurant might draw criticism, noting that a follow-up video featuring the flag would provoke stronger reactions.
The appearance comes ahead of Staples' fall tour.
