Vince Staples' Unpredictable ACL Fest Performance: From Critiquing Fans to On-Stage Selfies

During his recent Austin City Limits Music Festival performance, Vince Staples noticed a sign on 17-year-old Benji Ross' phone: "Take a video." The hip-hop artist questioned, "'But why don't the phone say 'take a video *on my phone?_'" See, I'm 31. Back in my day, right ... I just don't understand it."

Since his last ACL Fest performance in 2016, much has changed for Staples. Back then, he had just released his second studio album, "Prima Donna," and shared with the audience that he was mourning his brother's death from a Xanax overdose at 4 a.m. that morning.

Now, Staples has a TV show named after him and released "Ramona Park Broke My Heart" earlier this year, his fifth studio album and final project under Def Jam. His rapping has evolved to be more mellow and diverse, less focused on inciting mosh pits.

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Staples' setlist flowed between newer, personal tracks and older summer hits. Despite his musical evolution, the rapper's brutal openness and conversational style remain unchanged. He cracked jokes and rambled about everything and nothing.

Front-row fan Ross was thrilled when Staples noticed his sign. A few songs later, Staples invited Ross on stage: "Grab the 17-year-old (Ross) so that they can take their selfie real quick ... Come on, come on my child." A stunned Ross made his way onto the stage, where Staples snapped a quick picture while continuing his wisecracks.

"It was a really fire experience," Ross said. "I thought I was just gonna give him my phone, he was gonna take a little picture and then give it back."

Afterward, Staples immediately launched into "Big Fish," his hit song from the 2017 album "Big Fish Theory," showcasing his ability to put on an unpredictable yet engaging show.