A recent GoFundMe campaign from local rapper Vince Staples has caused quite a commotion online.

Currently on tour with Tyler, the Creator, complaints received about recent performances lamented the rapper’s energy on stage and general production issues, according to the video. So Staples gave haters an alternative: send him into early retirement.

Staples said raising $2 million would be enough for him to “shut the fuck up forever,” claiming naysayers would “never hear from him again.”

Other stipulations attached to the $2 million would include Staples moving to Palmdale, buying a Honda, supplying a year’s worth of soups for the “homies locked down,” as well as purchasing a puppy.

Since the #GTFOMD GoFundMe was created Wednesday, March 7, only $2,022 was raised to see the 24-year-old hang up his mic forever.

Staples cancelled the campaign for his complete disappearance on Wednesday, tweeting that he would refund “all the little people with big voices,” and in a generous gesture toward his hometown, stated he would match the donations and give the full amount to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.

It turns out the GoFundMe was more of a promotional ploy for the artist’s latest single, “Get The Fuck Off My Dick”, which he released following the launch of the campaign.

And while the press plays right into his hands (case in point), it’s worth noting that GTFOMD seems to be a direct response to Staples’ critics, a declaration of his art’s independence from the media’s criticism and promotional value, and a commentary on the role music journalism has played in his career.

“Perhaps the biggest critique of him, especially over the past year, has been that his interviews actually slap harder — to borrow one of Staples’ staples — than his music,” writes Rodney Carmichael for NPR.

“Press is tryna block my blessings, no more talking to Vince / NPR or XXL, man, I can’t tell which is which,” Staples raps in GTFOMD. “Missed the mark, I think my label need a marketin’ switch.”

GTFOMD may be shameless self promotion, or it may be Staples’ earnest commentary on the state of music journalism. At any rate, it doesn’t look like the rapper will be giving interviews any time soon.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].