Hey honeys and hustlers,

Your initial platform doesn't have to be your only one. There’s no better artist who I think embodies this statement than Vince Staples. He has seamlessly transitioned from critically acclaimed rapper to sought-after actor, all without codeswitching. I first saw him in Insecure, where he acted as himself and performed at a neighborhood concert in the show. Spoiler, sorry! But also, you should’ve watched the show by now and I’m kind of judging you if you haven’t. He now seems to march to the beat of his own drum, no hip hop pun intended.

His journey began in music, where his unflinching lyrics about life in Long Beach and his minimalist production style set him apart from his peers. But what truly distinguished Vince Staples was his willingness to experiment with different media to tell his stories. He clearly recognized early on that his narrative abilities could transcend music, leading him to explore acting and content creation. I’m a creator who started my journey only doing photography, and I’ve transitioned to many other things, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the route I took. I think Vince Staples has a more linear path that might be more attractive (read = non-chaotic) and might be more helpful to learn from.

P.S. If you want to buy CommunityOS before tomorrow night…

Before landing roles in major productions, he tested the waters with "The Vince Staples Show" on YouTube. This self-produced series demonstrated his understanding of both his audience and his strengths as a performer. The show's success showcased his deadpan humor and timing, qualities that would later make him valuable on shows like Abbott Elementary. This approach mirrors what many successful creative entrepreneurs do: using self-initiated projects to prove concepts before seeking larger platforms or investments. By creating his own show, Staples controlled his narrative while building a portfolio that highlighted his versatility. It feels like there was a deliberate progression in his acting career:

This gradual build-up reveals a strategic approach to career development that entrepreneurs in any creative field would be wise to emulate. Rather than jumping immediately to high-pressure, high-visibility projects, Vince Staples built his skills and reputation through increasingly prominent roles. I wasn’t ready when I started a podcast, but I learned a lot faster when I jumped in headfirst. That’s simply not a possibility or what’s best for others, especially when going from one medium to the next.

Perhaps the most instructive aspect of Staples' career is how his personality shines through when he’s doing unscripted things. His interview style—candid, blunt, and refreshingly honest—has become as much a part of his brand as his music or acting. His legendary appearance on "Hot Ones" demonstrated how being genuinely yourself can create memorable moments that resonate far beyond your primary audience. Being yourself is a legitimate business strategy that builds audience trust and differentiates you in crowded markets.

What makes Vince Staples particularly relevant today is his understanding that stories can and should transcend mediums. Whether through music, self-produced content, television, or film, he maintains a consistent voice while adapting to the requirements of each platform. This cross-medium approach is increasingly essential for creative entrepreneurs who need to meet audiences where they are. The ability to translate your core message across podcasts, newsletters, social media, and other platforms without diluting your voice is a skill Staples has mastered. The most important lesson may be his willingness to take risks while staying true to his voice—a balance that defines truly successful creative careers in any field.