Vince Staples & Michael Uzowuru, “Matlock”

When Vince Staples entered our radar on Earl Sweatshirt's "epaR", he was a decent addition to the track, but it also felt like an OF outsider was adopting their aesthetic in order to fit in. It was apparent he lacked the command of psychosis that Earl displayed. Two years later, Vince Staples is right at home over Michael Uzowuru beats on "Matlock".

Uzowuru sets the dramatic stage with sliding bassline and plenty of dark tones for the young LA rapper to speak on street codes like never bragging about the dirty deeds done. Staples is laid back, but far from sleepy as his poignant tales and witty jabs like "bad hoes get Roethlisberger'ed" sound far more in line with his style than imitating OF antics. Here's hoping, he and Uzowuru are planning an album soon.