Vince Staples and Lil Herb Shut Down Red Bull Sound Select Show in Brooklyn

Red Bull Sound Select at The Shop in Brooklyn, N.Y. was the place to be last night (Aug 10). Red Bull’s monthly concert series that supports emerging and established artists in cities all across the US and internationally. Everyone who attended saw a great show by today's up-and-coming talent in hip-hop.

The Loaf Muzik Collective, a high-energy four-man faction, came up to bat first and they did not disappoint. This enthusiastic and enticing group representing Bushwick and Queens, New York truly put on for their city in the opener slot with songs like “Shinobi Warz” and “Pyrex”.

Next up was Lil Herb, who had something personal on his chest when he finally made it to the stage. The two year anniversary of the death of his late friend Jakoby “Kobe” Herron was yesterday, so appropriately his performance was dedicated to him.

Rocking out with songs like “I’m Rolling,” “Computers (Freestyle)” and “Kill Sh-t,” Herb made his first live performance in Brooklyn one to remember. He started off on stage by his lonesome, but proceeded to pull a few of his biggest fans from the crowd to join him while he preformed. He even played his verse from “Chiraq” and asked a shy female in the crowd to sing Nicki’s verse on the mic. She declined but the offer was a genuine attempt to connect with those who paid to come see him. Other notables in attendance were Vic Mensa and Joey Bada$$.

Lastly, was the highly anticipated 2015 XXL Freshman, Vince Staples—who hails from Long Beach. Calif.—released an album Summertime ‘06 last month to much praise. Donning a simple all black Supreme hoodie, he chose songs from not only his recent Def Jam debut LP but also from his most recent EP Hell Can Wait, which dropped October last year. “65 Hunnid” was his appetizer of choice to get him warmed up for his set that he was about to completely destroy. “Lift Me Up” followed shortly after and set the whole venue on tilt. He rattled off heaters like “Norf Norf” and “Señorita” and demanded to the crowd, “Whoever is here just to stand in the back and look cool, should leave.”

Vince then took a literal leap of faith as he jumped into the crowd to crowd surf. The MC rapped acapella on some of his latest songs, which warranted him an ovation of sorts. After he wrecked the stage with his final song “Blue Suede,” fans chanted “one more song” for well over a minute. They refused to stop chanting until Staples returned to the stage for a superb finale.

As a part of this year’s XXL Freshman class, it was only right we spoke to him after the concert about performing his new album for his East Coast fans. He told XXL after the show, “Everyone comes out here just to have a good time, this is a special venue. I always have shows out here, I love it.” What a night it was.—Malik Turner