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{{Short description|American rapper (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Vic Mensa
| image = VicMensa.jpg
| image = Vic Mensa 2014.jpg
| caption = Mensa in 2017
| landscape = yes
| birth_name = Victor Kwesi Mensah
| caption = Vic Mensa Live in 2014
| alias = Vino
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|06|06}}
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Victor Kwesi Mensah
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter|actor|record producer}}
| alias =
| years_active = 2009–present<ref
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|06|06}}
name="complexvic">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/25-new-rappers-to-watch-out-for/vic-mensa |title=Vic Mensa — 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For |publisher=Complex |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref>
| birth_place
| origin = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], United States
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| label = {{hlist|[[Roc Nation]]|[[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]|[[Capitol Records|Capitol]]|Closed Sessions|[[Virgin EMI Records|Virgin EMI]]}}
| Genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| current_member_of = {{hlist|93Punx|[[Savemoney]]}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Kids These Days (band)|Kids These Days]]}}
* [[Rapping|Rapper]]
{{Infobox person
* [[Record producer|producer]]
| child = yes
}}
| signature = Vic Mensa signature, Billboard Open Letter 2016.png
| instrument = [[Vocal]]s
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Roc Nation]]
* [[Virgin EMI Records|Virgin EMI]]
}}
| years_active = 2009–present<ref name="complexvic">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/25-new-rappers-to-watch-out-for/vic-mensa |title=Vic Mensa — 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For |publisher=Complex |date= |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref>
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
* SAVEMONEY
* [[Chance the Rapper]]
* [[Kids These Days (band)|Kids These Days]]
* Donnie Trumpet
* [[Kanye West]]
}}
| website = {{URL|vicmensa.com}}
| website = {{URL|vicmensa.com}}
}}
}}}}
'''Victor Kwesi Mensah''' (born June 6, 1993), known professionally as '''Vic Mensa''', is an American rapper.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/5-influential-rappers-that-broke-the-mental-health_us_57896a66e4b0e7c873500ec7 |last=Florez |first=Joey |title=5 Influential Rappers That Broke The Mental Health Stigma |date=2016-07-27 |work=[[HuffPost]] }}</ref> Born and raised in [[Chicago]], he was a member of the regional hip hop groups [[Kids These Days (band)|Kids These Days]] and [[Savemoney]] prior to releasing his debut solo mixtape, ''[[Innanetape]]'' (2013). As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to [[Virgin EMI Records]], [[Def Jam Recordings]], [[Capitol Records]], and [[Roc Nation]].


Mensa's 2014 debut single, "[[Down on My Luck]]" experimented with [[hip house]], while his 2015 single, "[[U Mad]]" (featuring [[Kanye West]]) adopted a [[drill music|drill]] sound; the former entered the top 40 of the [[UK singles chart]], while the latter received [[RIAA certification|gold]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://acclaimmag.com/music/listen-vic-mensa-u-mad-feat-kanye-west | title=Listen: Vic Mensa – 'U Mad' (Feat. Kanye West) | date=April 13, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ramirez |first=Erika |date=2015-04-22 |title=Vic Mensa Signs to Roc Nation |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/vic-mensa-signs-roc-nation-6538961/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2014-01-15 |title=Top Of The Year: The Deans List (Top 25 Artists of 2013) |url=http://www.ok-tho.com/2014/01/top-of-year-deans-list-top-25-artists.html |access-date=2023-10-26 |language=en}}</ref> His debut studio album, ''[[The Autobiography (Vic Mensa album)|The Autobiography]]'' (2017), was met with critical praise and moderately entered the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], while his second album, ''[[Victor (Vic Mensa album)|Victor]]'' (2023), failed to chart. Despite limited mainstream success himself, he has collaborated with high-profile artists including Kanye West, [[Jay-Z]], [[Pharrell Williams]], [[Pusha T]], [[Wyclef Jean]], and [[Skrillex]], among others.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenburg |first=Zack O'Malley |title=Hip-Hop's Future Moguls: Post Malone, Cardi B And The Class of 2018 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/01/09/hip-hops-future-moguls-post-malone-cardi-b-and-the-class-of-2018/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
'''Victor Kwesi Mensah'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/vic-mensa-2/ |title=Vic Mensa - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date= |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> (born June 6, 1993), better known by his [[stage name]] '''Vic Mensa''', is an American [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] recording artist from [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-05/entertainment/ct-ae-0908-fall-pop-preview-profile-20130905_1_greg-landfair-nico-segal-vic-mensa|title=Vic Mensa profiled|publisher=Chicago Tribune September 5, 2013|date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> He is currently signed to [[Roc Nation]] and was a member of the group [[Kids These Days (band)|Kids These Days]], which broke up in May 2013. Following their breakup he released his first major mixtape ''[[Innanetape|INNANETAPE]]''. Vic Mensa is also founder of the hip-hop collective SAVEMONEY with frequent collaborator [[Chance The Rapper]]. His debut single "[[Down On My Luck]]" was released in June 2014 by [[Virgin EMI]] and it achieved international success. <ref> "OK-Tho.com's Top 25 Artists of 2013" http://www.ok-tho.com/2014/01/top-of-year-deans-list-top-25-artists.html </ref>


Mensa has been involved in political activism and charitable efforts in his hometown of [[Chicago]], being heavily outspoken on the issue of [[gun violence]]. He also is the founder of the SavemoneySavelife foundation, whose mission is to use art and entertainment to foster sustainable change, and funds three programs in Chicago centered on health and the arts.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Mensa|first1=Vic|date=2018-07-18|title=Vic Mensa: 'I Am a Gun Owner, and I Vehemently Support Gun Control'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/vic-mensa-gun-violence-opinion-698890/|access-date=2020-08-25|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Holmes|first=Charles|title=Vic Mensa Explains How Gun Violence Has Affected His Life In New Op-Ed|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3082431/vic-mensa-gun-control/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719025003/http://www.mtv.com/news/3082431/vic-mensa-gun-control/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 19, 2018|access-date=2020-08-25|website=MTV News|language=en}}</ref>
==Life and career==
===Early life and beginnings===
Vic Mensah was born in [[Chicago, Illinois]] to a father from [[Ghana]] and a [[White American|White]] mother. His mother, Betsy Mensah, works in the Chicago Public Schools system, and father, Edward Mensah, an economics professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.<ref name="chicagotribunevic">{{cite web|author=Greg Kot |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-30/entertainment/ct-ae-1201-vic-mensa-20131130_1_nico-segal-vic-mensa-kids-only |title=Vic Mensa profile; Chicago rapper Vic Mensa interviewed |work= Chicago Tribune |publisher=Articles.chicagotribune.com |date=November 30, 2013 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> As a child, he recalls [[rock and roll]] as some of his earliest music memories that included [[The Beatles]], [[Jimi Hendrix]], and [[Miles Davis]]. It was not until fifth grade that Mensa started to take a liking to rap and hip-hop music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v621ZpuHZnA |title=Vic Mensa on "Real Late with Peter Rosenberg" |publisher=YouTube |date=February 18, 2014 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> Mensa was a good student who attended the [[Whitney Young Magnet High School]], but got caught up in shoplifting and dealing [[marijuana]]. However, his musical aspirations cut short his days as a hustler.<ref name="chicagotribunevic"/>


== Early life and education==
In July 2010, Mensa released his debut solo project titled ''Straight Up'', as part of a Ruby Hornet exclusive.
Victor Kwesi Mensah was born on June 6, 1993, in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]].<ref name="birthday">{{cite web|last=Madden|first=Sidney|date=June 6, 2016|title=Happy Birthday, Vic Mensa!|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/06/happy-birthday-vic-mensa/|access-date=June 18, 2016|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]}}</ref> His father is from Ghana and his mother is a white American.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McQuaid|first1=Ian|title=Vic Mensa: meet Kanye's punk protege|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/aug/04/vic-mensa-rapper-kanye-west-protege|work=The Guardian|date=August 4, 2015}}</ref> Mensa grew up in the [[Hyde Park, Chicago|Hyde Park]] neighborhood of Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spanos|first1=Brittany|title=How Rap Phenom Vic Mensa Cheated Death and Charmed Kanye|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/how-chicago-rap-phenom-vic-mensa-cheated-death-and-charmed-kanye-20151015?page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018001149/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/how-chicago-rap-phenom-vic-mensa-cheated-death-and-charmed-kanye-20151015?page=2|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015|publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> He attended [[Whitney M. Young Magnet High School]]. Mensa began his career when he formed a band called [[Kids These Days (band)|Kids These Days]] in 2009. The band would eventually release two projects, an [[extended play]] titled ''Hard Times'' in 2011,<ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Alex|title=Album Review: Kids These Days – Hard Times EP|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/06/album-review-kids-these-days-ihard-timesi-ep/|access-date=March 3, 2018|newspaper=[[Consequence of Sound]]|date=June 23, 2011}}</ref> and a [[mixtape]] titled ''Traphouse Rock'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vitale|first=Alyssa|title=Jeff Tweedy producing Chicago band Kids These Days' debut record|url=https://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/jeff-tweedy-producing-chicago-band-kids-these-days,65530/|access-date=March 3, 2018|newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=November 21, 2011}}</ref>


==Career==
===2013–14: ''INNANETAPE''===
===2013–2014: ''Innanetape'' and XXL Freshman Class===
{{main|INNANETAPE}}
{{main|Innanetape}}
In 2013, following the break-up of the band [[Kids These Days (band)|Kids These Days]], Mensa announced that he would be pursuing a solo career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/vic-mensa-doubling-down-on-solo-career-20131001|title=Vic Mensa Goes Solo|publisher=Rolling Stone October 1, 2013|date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> He then made an appearance on [[Chance the Rapper]]'s ''[[Acid Rap]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.audiomack.com/album/chance-the-rapper/acid-rap|title=Acid Rap|publisher=Audiomack April 30, 2013|date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> and announced plans to release a mixtape named ''[[INNANETAPE]]''.<ref name="complexvic"/> He released his second solo mixtape ''INNANETAPE'' on September 30, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/09/20/vic-mensa-teases-innanetape-with-ynsp/|title=Vic Mensa teases INNANETAPE|publisher=MTV September 20, 2013|date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> The mixtape features guest appearances by [[Ab-Soul]], [[Thundercat (musician)|Thundercat]], Chance the Rapper and [[Rockie Fresh]]. [[Record production|Production]] was handled by [[Boi-1da]], [[DJ Dahi]], [[Tae Beast]], [[Hit-Boy]], [[The Maven Boys]], Michael Uzowuru, and [[Christian Rich]] among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/09/vic-mensa-innanetape/|title=Vic Mensa Vic Mensa - INNANETAPE|publisher=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] September 30, 2013|date=October 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jackson |first=Dan |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/09/vic-mensa-releases-innanetape-mixtape-featuring-chance-rapper-ab-soul-rockie-fresh/ |title=Vic Mensa Releases 'INNANETAPE' Mixtape Featuring Chance The Rapper, Ab-Soul And Rockie Fresh - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=September 30, 2013 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> The mixtape was downloaded over 35,000 times in the first month after its release.<ref>[http://www.datpiff.com/Vic-Mensa-Innanetape-mixtape.536504.html INNANETAPE - Datpiff.com]</ref>


Mensa also performed with [[Gorillaz]] frontman [[Damon Albarn]] at Albarn's performance at the [[Governors Ball Music Festival]] where he performed the track "[[Clint Eastwood (song)|Clint Eastwood]]", filling in for MC [[Del the Funky Homosapien]].<ref>[http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/06/watch-damon-albarn-performs-with-de-la-soul-vic-mensa-at-governors-ball/ Consequenceofsound.net]</ref> When announcing a tour for 2015, Mensa said that he plans to collaborate with Albarn some time in the future.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moskovitch|first1=Greg|title=Vic Mensa Confirms Early 2015 Tour|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/vic-mensa-confirms-early-2015-tour/|website=Music Feeds|publisher=Music Feeds|accessdate=May 17, 2015}}</ref>
Following the band's split up in May 2013,<ref>{{cite web|last=Buyanovsky|first=Dan|title=Exclusive: Vic Mensa Announces End Of Kids These Days, Drops Solo Video|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/05/exclusive-vic-mensa-announces-end-of-kids-these-days-drops-solo-video/|access-date=March 3, 2018|magazine= [[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> Mensa performed with [[Gorillaz]] frontman [[Damon Albarn]] at Albarn's 2014 performance at the [[Governors Ball Music Festival]], where he performed the track "[[Clint Eastwood (song)|Clint Eastwood]]", filling in for MC [[Del the Funky Homosapien]].<ref>Young, Alex. (2014-06-09) [http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/06/watch-damon-albarn-performs-with-de-la-soul-vic-mensa-at-governors-ball/ Watch: Damon Albarn performs with De La Soul, Vic Mensa at Governors Ball]. Consequence of Sound. Retrieved on 2016-01-08.</ref> When announcing a tour for 2015, Mensa said that he has plans to collaborate with Albarn sometime in the near future.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moskovitch|first1=Greg|title=Vic Mensa Confirms Early 2015 Tour|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/vic-mensa-confirms-early-2015-tour/|website=Music Feeds|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref>


On September 18, 2013, it was announced that Mensa would be joining [[J. Cole]] and [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]] on the What Dreams May Come Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.illroots.com/read/vic-mensa-joins-j-coles-what-dreams-may-come-tour |title=Vic Mensa Joins J. Cole's 'What Dreams May Come Tour' |publisher=Illroots |date=September 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> Following the end of the tour, he toured Europe with [[Danny Brown (rapper)|Danny Brown]] beginning on February 21, 2014 and ending March 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|author=C. Vernon Coleman |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/vic-mensa-joining-danny-brown-upcoming-european-tour/ |title=Vic Mensa Joining Danny Brown For Upcoming European Tour - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=January 11, 2014 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> To cap off his rise to stardom, Mensa was also chosen for the 2014 ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' freshman class.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sia |first=Nicole |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/05/xxl-freshmen-2014-cover-revealed/ |title=XXL Freshmen 2014 Cover Revealed - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=May 5, 2014 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> On May 12, 2014, his first official single "[[Down On My Luck]]" was serviced to [[urban contemporary]] radio in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist|title=BBC Radio 1Xtra Playlist|archiveurl=http://www.freezepage.com/1399956046WIYSRVWUVF|archivedate=May 12, 2014}}</ref> That same day, the music video for the song was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/isaiah-rashard/ |title=Isaiah Rashad - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date= |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> "Down on My Luck" was then released for digital download in international markets on June 6, 2014 by [[Virgin EMI Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/down-on-my-luck-single/id874930430 |title=iTunes - Music - Down On My Luck - Single by Vic Mensa |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=June 6, 2014 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> It is the first single from his debut [[Extended play|EP]] ''Street Lights''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Montanez |first=Eric |url=http://hypetrak.com/2014/05/vic-mensa-down-on-my-luck-2/ |title=Vic Mensa – Down On My Luck |publisher=Hypetrak |date=May 12, 2014 |accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref>
On September 18, 2013, it was announced, that Mensa would be joining [[J. Cole]] and [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]] on the What Dreams May Come Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.illroots.com/read/vic-mensa-joins-j-coles-what-dreams-may-come-tour |title=Vic Mensa Joins J. Cole's 'What Dreams May Come Tour' |publisher=Illroots |date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref> Mensa would eventually release his debut [[mixtape]], ''[[Innanetape]]'', which was released on September 30, 2013.
[[File:Vic Mensa 2014.jpg|thumb|Vic Mensa in 2014]]
Following the end of the What Dreams May Come Tour, he toured Europe with [[Danny Brown]], for the beginning of February 21, 2014 and ending on March 8.<ref>{{cite web|author=C. Vernon Coleman |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/vic-mensa-joining-danny-brown-upcoming-european-tour/ |title=Vic Mensa Joining Danny Brown For Upcoming European Tour – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=January 11, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref> To cap off his rise to stardom, Mensa was chosen to be on the cover of ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' for the [[XXL (magazine)#Annual Freshman List|Freshman Class]] of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sia |first=Nicole |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/05/xxl-freshmen-2014-cover-revealed/ |title=XXL Freshmen 2014 Cover Revealed - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=May 5, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref> Mensa's debut single "[[Down on My Luck]]" was serviced to [[urban contemporary]] radio in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist|title=BBC Radio 1Xtra Playlist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613121623/http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/|url-status=live|archive-date=June 13, 2006|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That same day, the accompanying music video was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/isaiah-rashard/ |title=Isaiah Rashad – XXL |date=May 9, 2014 |publisher=Xxlmag.com |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref> "Down on My Luck" was then released for digital download in international markets on June 6, 2014, by [[Virgin EMI Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/down-on-my-luck-single/id874930430 |title=iTunes – Music – Down On My Luck – Single by Vic Mensa |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=June 6, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Montanez |first=Eric |url=http://hypetrak.com/2014/05/vic-mensa-down-on-my-luck-2/ |title=Vic Mensa – Down On My Luck |publisher=Hypetrak |date=May 12, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref>


===2015–2017: ''There's Alot Going On'' and ''The Autobiography''===
===2015–present===
{{main|There's Alot Going On|The Autobiography (Vic Mensa album)}}
On February 12, 2015, [[Kanye West]] debuted a track titled "Wolves" from his upcoming album, ''Swish'', featuring Vic Mensa and [[Sia (musician)|Sia]] at his [[adidas Originals]] showcase. It was also revealed that the song will be number one on the tracklisting. Mensa later performed "Wolves" alongside West and Sia on [[Saturday Night Live]]'s 40th Anniversary Celebration on February 15, 2015. Two months later, on April 10, 2015, Vic Mensa released another collaboration with Kanye West, titled "U Mad," on Soundcloud. The song is the second single from his upcoming debut album, ''Traffic''. On April 21, 2015, [[Roc Nation]] announced that it had signed Vic Mensa to its label, a video of Mensa signing the deal alongside [[Jay Z]] backstage at his [[On the Run Tour (Beyoncé and Jay Z)|On the Run Tour]] in Chicago was released on TIDAL. Jay also tweeted an iTunes link to Mensa's new Kanye-featured single in the process. He has stated the album is around 80-90% done and should be released in the upcoming months.
On February 12, 2015, [[Kanye West]] debuted a song, titled "[[Wolves (Kanye West song)|Wolves]]" at his [[Adidas Originals]] showcase. The song featured Mensa himself, along with [[Sia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/54746/kanye-unleashes-wolves-at-fashion-show/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011020107/http://www.vh1.com/news/54746/kanye-unleashes-wolves-at-fashion-show/|url-status=live|archive-date=October 11, 2015|title=Kanye Unleashes 'Wolves' Featuring Sia And Vic Mensa At His 750 Boost Fashion Show|access-date=March 4, 2018}}</ref> Mensa later performed "Wolves" alongside West and Sia on [[Saturday Night Live]]'s 40th Anniversary Celebration three days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/02/everything-we-know-kanye-west-wolves|title=Everything We Know About Kanye West's "Wolves"|website=Complex|access-date=March 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6472986/watch-kanye-west-perform-new-song-wolves-on-snl-saturday-night-live-40-anniversary|title=Watch Kanye West Perform New Song 'Wolves' on 'SNL' 40th Anniversary Special|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=February 16, 2015|access-date=March 4, 2018}}</ref> Mensa would later release an official collaboration with Kanye West, titled "U Mad" on April 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/u-mad-feat-kanye-west-single/987725958|title=U Mad (feat. Kanye West) by Vic Mensa on Apple Music|work=April 20, 2015|date=April 20, 2015|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref> Eleven days later, [[Roc Nation]] announced that Vic had signed to its label, and a video of Mensa signing the deal alongside [[Jay-Z]] backstage at his [[On the Run Tour (Beyoncé and Jay-Z)|On the Run Tour]] in Chicago was released on [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]]. Later on in 2015, Mensa received a nomination for [[Best Rap Song]] at the [[58th Grammy Awards]] as a songwriter for co-writing Kanye West's single "[[All Day (Kanye West song)|All Day]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list|title=Grammy Nominations 2016: See the Full List of Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref>
<ref>[http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.33518/title.vic-mensa-signs-to-roc-nation Hiphopdx.com]</ref>


On February 8, 2016, it was announced that Mensa, along with [[Travis Scott]] and [[iLoveMakonnen]], will be a part of [[Alexander Wang (designer)|Alexander Wang]]'s "WANGSQUAD" campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/travis-scott-vic-mensa-makonnen-to-be-featured-in-new-alexander-wang-campaign-news.20050.html|title=Vic Mensa part of Wang Campaign|last=Smith|first=Trevor|work=Hotnewhiphop|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=February 8, 2016}}</ref> On February 19, Mensa released a single, "No Chill", featuring [[Skrillex]]. It was produced by Skrillex himself and [[Jahlil Beats]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-chill/1083783884|title=No Chill - Single by Vic Mensa & Skrillex on Apple Music|website=[[iTunes]]|date=February 19, 2016|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref> Mensa guest appeared on Kanye West's single "[[Wolves (Kanye West song)|Wolves]]", from his seventh studio album ''[[The Life of Pablo]]''. A reworked version of the song, which included previously removed guest vocals from Mensa and Australian singer [[Sia]], separated [[Frank Ocean]] vocals into a separate track, and was released on [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]] on March 16, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brandle|first1=Lars|title=Kanye West Shares Reworked Version of 'Wolves' on Tidal|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7262733/kanye-west-reworked-version-wolves-tidal|access-date=March 3, 2017|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=March 16, 2016}}</ref>
==Artistry==


On June 3, 2016, Mensa released his second [[extended play]], ''[[There's Alot Going On]]''. With one guest feature from American singer [[Ty Dolla Sign]], the EP tackled issues such as the [[Flint water crisis]], the [[murder of Laquan McDonald]], and self-inflicted wounds.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7393451/vic-mensa-theres-a-lot-going-on-interview|title=Vic Mensa Talks Emotional 'There's Alot Going On' EP, Encourages Fans to Vote|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2018}}</ref> Mensa's EP debuted at number 127 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="US albums">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/vic-mensa/chart-history/tlp/|title=Vic Mensa – Chart history: Billboard 200|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref>
===Influences===
In interviews with [[XXL (magazine)|XXL]] and [[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] Mensa cites hip hop artists like [[Timbaland]], [[Jay Z]], [[A Tribe Called Quest]], [[Eminem]], [[The Notorious B.I.G.|Biggie Smalls]], [[Missy Elliott]], [[Lupe Fiasco]], [[UGK]], [[J Dilla]], [[Nas]], [[The Pharcyde]], [[2Pac]], and [[Hieroglyphics (group)|Hieroglyphics]] as well as rock artists like [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Guns N' Roses]], [[AC/DC]], [[Gorillaz]] and [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] among his influences.<ref>[http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/vic-mensa-2/ Xxlmag.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/who-is-vic-mensa Complex.com]</ref>


He and his friends were stopped by police for assumed stealing after his spending spree at [[Barneys New York|Barney's]] of $4,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1892666/lapd-accuse-vic-mensa-of-stealing-from-barneys/video/ |title=Vic Mensa and his friends stopped by police |last=Robinson |first=Collin |date=August 5, 2016 |website=[[Stereogum]] |access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref> He has performed as the opening act during [[Justin Bieber]]'s [[Purpose World Tour]] in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hypetrak.com/2016/08/vic-mensa-justin-bieber-announce-european-tour/|title=Vic Mensa & Justin Bieber Announce European Tour|last=Huynh|first=Davis|work=Hypetrak|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref>
===Musical style===
Mensa has received a wide range of recognition for his lyrical ability. In 2013, [[XXL (magazine)|XXL]] called his breakthrough mixtape [[Innanetape]] "lyrical nourishment" and commenting on his ability to "bend words at will, cramming syllables into lines with obvious glee."<ref>[http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2013/10/vic-mensa-innanetape-mixtape-review/ Xxlmag.com]</ref>


Leading up to the release of Mensa's debut studio album, he released his third extended play, ''[[The Manuscript (Vic Mensa EP)|The Manuscript]]'' on June 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-manuscript-ep/1244207336|title=The Manuscript - EP by Vic Mensa on Apple Music|website=[[iTunes]]|date=June 10, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref> Three days later, Mensa announced and revealed the album's title of his debut studio album titled, ''[[The Autobiography (Vic Mensa album)|The Autobiography]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2017/07/vic-mensa-announces-the-autobiography/|title=Vic Mensa Announces Debut Album 'The Autobiography'|website=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=July 12, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref> Mensa would release the lead single titled, "Wings" featuring [[Pharrell Williams]] and [[Saul Williams]] on July 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/nevqqb/listen-to-wings-vic-mensas-new-single-with-pharrell-and-saul-williams|title=Listen to "Wings," Vic Mensa's New Single with Pharrell and Saul Williams|work=Vice|date=July 14, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref> ''The Autobiography'' was released on July 28, 2017, through [[Roc Nation]].<ref name=autobiography>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/07/11/vic-mensa-announces-debut-album-the-autobiography|title=Vic Mensa Announces Debut Album The Autobiography|work=[[The Fader]]|first=Ben|last=Dandridge-Lemco|date=July 11, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref> The album featured guest appearances from [[Weezer]], [[Syd (singer)|Syd]], [[The-Dream]], [[Chief Keef]], [[Joey Purp]], Pharrell Williams, Saul Williams, Ty Dolla Sign, and [[Pusha T]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/07/vic-mensa-the-autobiography-album-cover-tracklist-song-wings/|title=Vic Mensa Shares 'The Autobiography' Album Cover, Tracklist and New Song "Wings"|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|first=Peter A.|last=Berry|date=July 14, 2017|access-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref> The album debuted at number 27 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart with first-week sales of 15,000 units first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.44294/title.hip-hop-album-sales-vic-mensas-the-autobiography-is-his-biggest-project-yet|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Vic Mensa's "The Autobiography" Is His Biggest Project Yet|work=[[HipHopDX]]|first=Kyle|last=Eustice|date=August 7, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2017/12/first-week-album-numbers-2017/|title=Here Are the First Week Album Numbers in 2017|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|first=Edwin|last=Ortiz|date=December 30, 2017|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name="US albums"/>
==Discography==


===2018–2019: ''Hooligans and'' ''93Punx''===
===Albums===
Mensa released his fourth EP, ''Hooligans'', on December 14, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2018/12/vic-mensa-hooligans-ep-stream/|title=Vic Mensa drops new Hooligans EP: stream|work=Consequence of Sound|date=December 14, 2018|access-date=December 14, 2018}}</ref> It was supported by the singles "Reverse", featuring [[G-Eazy]], and "Dark Things".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/89756199|title=Reverse / Vic Mensa TIDAL|date=June 8, 2018 |publisher=[[Tidal (service)|Tidal]]|access-date=December 29, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/vic-mensa-cuts-his-teeth-in-goth-rap-with-dark-things-new-song.1981147.html?_amp|title=Vic Mensa Cuts His Teeth in Goth-Rap with "Dark Things|date=November 21, 2018 |publisher=HotNewHipHop|access-date=December 29, 2019}}</ref>
* ''Traffic'' (2015)


In January 2019, Mensa formed a punk rock and rap band named 93Punx, which subsequently released a cover of [[the Cranberries]] song "[[Zombie (The Cranberries song)|Zombie]]".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-vic-mensa-cover-zombie-honoring-cranberries-singer-dolores-oriordan-779577/|title=Hear Vic Mensa Cover 'Zombie' Honoring Cranberries' Singer Dolores O'Riordan|first1=Brendan|last1=Klinkenberg|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=December 2019}}</ref> 93Punx later issued their debut single, "Camp America", featuring children in cages in an ICE-inspired video.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-vic-mensa-led-93punxs-shocking-ice-inspired-rap-video-for-camp-america-featuring-white-kids-in-cages|title=Exclusive: Vic Mensa's Shocking ICE-Inspired Rap Video Featuring White Kids in Cages|last=Stern|first=Marlow|date=2019-06-14|access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref> The singles "3 Years Sober" with [[Travis Barker]] and "It's a Bad Dream", featuring [[Good Charlotte]], came out in July and August 2019, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cowen|first1=Trace Willam|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/08/vic-mensa-93punx-its-a-bad-dream-good-charlotte|title=Vic Mensa Announces Debut 93PUNX Project, Shares "It's a Bad Dream" f/ Good Charlotte|publisher=Complex|date=August 16, 2019|access-date=December 29, 2019}}</ref> The band's self-titled debut album was released on August 23, 2019.<ref name="93Punx">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/93punx/1476572448|title=93PUNX by 93PUNX & Vic Mensa on Apple Music|date=August 23, 2019|publisher=iTunes|access-date=December 29, 2019}}</ref>
===Mixtapes===
* ''[[Innanetape|INNANETAPE]]'' (2013)


=== 2020-present: ''V Tape, Akilla's Escape, I Tape and Vino Valentino'' ===
===Singles===
Mensa returned in August 2020 with his first single of the year, "No More Teardrops", featuring [[Malik Yusef]] and Wyatt Waddell, a song tackling police brutality, street crime, corruption and the prison system. The song appeared on [[Roc Nation]]'s compilation album, ''Reprise''.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2020 |title=Vic Mensa Speaks On Our Troubled Times With "No More Teardrops" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/vic-mensa-speaks-on-our-troubled-times-with-no-more-teardrops-new-song.1988229.html? |access-date=August 12, 2020 |work=HotNewHipHop}}</ref> Mensa would later release his fifth extended play, ''V Tape'', on August 21, 2020, which features from Snoh Alaegra, SAINt JHN, BJ Chicago Kid, Peter Cottontale and Eryn Allen Kane.<ref name="VTape">{{cite web |date=August 21, 2020 |title=V TAPE by Vic Mensa |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/v-tape/1526765338 |access-date=August 21, 2020 |work=Apple Music}}</ref>
====As lead artist====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:15em;" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year
! scope="col" colspan="7" | Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US<br />R&B]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot Rap Songs|US<br />Rap]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[ARIA|AUS]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |[[Ultratop 50|BEL<br>(FL)]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |[[Ultratop 50|BEL<br>(WA)]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%," | [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Down On My Luck]]"
|| 2014
| — || — || — || —{{efn| "Down On My Luck" did not enter the [[ARIA]] Australian Top 100 Singles, but peaked at number 16 on the Australian Top 40 Urban Singles chart.<ref>{{cite web | title= ARIA Australian Top 40 Urban Singles Chart| url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/chart/urban-singles|archiveurl=http://www.freezepage.com/1402774462AAAWHCPIRA |archivedate=June 14, 2014| publisher=[[ARIA]] | accessdate=June 14, 2014}}</ref>}}|| 55 || 62 ||37
| rowspan="2"|''Traffic''
|-
! scope="row"| "U Mad"<br /><small>(featuring [[Kanye West]])</small>
|| 2015
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
|colspan="15" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
|}


Also in 2020, Mensa would take a leap into acting in the [[Toronto International Film Festival|TIFF]] film [[Akilla's Escape]], in which he played the character Prince.<ref>{{Citation |last=Officer |first=Charles |title=Akilla's Escape |date=2021-07-15 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12779696/ |type=Crime, Drama |publisher=Canesugar Filmworks |access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> The film would go on to be nominated for 8 [[Canadian Screen Awards]] subsequently winning 5 of them, including Best Original [https://www.academy.ca/virtualpresentations/ Screenplay]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canadian Screen Awards Virtual Presentations |url=https://www.academy.ca/virtualpresentations/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Academy.ca |language=en-US}}</ref>
====As featured artist====

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
On March 26, 2021, Mensa put out the album I Tape, again under [https://www.rocnation.com/ Roc Nation]. The album further explored the themes of the [[American Dream]] that riddled his prior works, discussing the shattering of expectations brought on by the reality of systematic abuse.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-08 |title=One Listen Album Review: "I Tape" by Vic Mensa |url=https://stanforddaily.com/2021/04/07/one-listen-album-review-i-tape-by-vic-mensa/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=The Stanford Daily |language=en-US}}</ref> The album quickly garnered commendation from rap news outlets for its unabashed condemnation and meditation on [[Social inequality|racial injustice]] in America and its message of [[prison reform]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-26 |title=Vic Mensa – 'I Tape' EP review: Chicago rapper channels the voice of the voiceless |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/vic-mensa-i-tape-review-2908617 |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> With tracks featuring [[Chance the Rapper|Chance The Rapper]] and [[Wyclef Jean]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-26 |title=Vic Mensa Delivers New Project 'I TAPE' |url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/3/vic-mensa-i-tape-album-stream |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=HYPEBEAST}}</ref> the album saw a good wave of popularity in the [[Underground hip hop|underground scene]], and signaled a return to form for the rapper from a critical standpoint.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Büsh |date=2020-08-22 |title=Vic Mensa's 'V Tape' Proves That We Give Up On Artists Too Easily |url=https://www.lampinblog.com/single-post/2020/08/22/we-give-up-on-artists-too-easily |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=lampin |language=en}}</ref>
|+ List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name

! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:15em;" | Title
Off the heels of I TAPE's praise, he would go on to release the 4 song EP Vino Valentino on [[Valentine's Day]] 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Listen to Vic Mensa's New EP 'Vino Valentino' f/ Malik Yusef, Peter CottonTale, and More |url=https://www.complex.com/music/vic-mensa-vino-valentino-new-ep |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref>
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year

! scope="col" colspan="7" | Peak chart positions
== Controversy ==
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album
In October 2018, as part of his [[2018 BET Hip Hop Awards|BET Hip Hop Awards]] Cypher, Mensa dissed late rapper [[XXXTentacion]], referencing his domestic abuse charges and mocking [[Killing of XXXTentacion|his murder]]. Subsequently, he received backlash on social media as well as from other artists.<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/vic-mensa-xxxtentacion-controversy-empathy-739396/amp/ Vic Mensa Addresses XXXTentacion Controversy on ‘Empathy’] - Rolling Stone Reports</ref> Mensa later apologized on Instagram for dissing XXXTentacion in front of his mother, but stood by the lyrics, saying: <blockquote>"Recently, I did a freestyle for the BET [Hip Hop] Awards cypher addressing and condemning rappers who unabashedly abuse women and those who stand up for them and even call them legends, I stand behind those statements. It was pre-recorded weeks ago, and I had no idea a grieving mother would be in the audience to honour her lost son. I never intended to disrespect her, and I offer my deepest condolences for her loss at the hands of gun violence. However, I vehemently reject the trend in Hip Hop of championing abusers, and I will not hold my tongue about it. I don't give a fuck about getting attention. I care about bringing awareness and holding people accountable for their actions".<ref>{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Trendel|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/vic-mensa-apologises-dissing-xxxtentacion-front-mother-bet-awards-freestyle-2388068|title=Vic Mensa apologises for dissing XXXTentacion in front of his mother|website=[[NME]]|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=December 30, 2019}}</ref></blockquote>
|-

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
==Legal issues==
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US<br />R&B]]
On January 15, 2022, Mensah was arrested at the [[Washington Dulles International Airport|Dulles Airport]] by the [[Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority|Metro Police]] after [[United States Customs and Border Protection|Border Protection]] discovered [[LSD]] and [[psilocybin]] mushrooms, capsules and gummies. He was charged with felony narcotics possession.<ref>[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/rapper-arrested-dulles-airport-after-cbp-officers-discovered-illicit Rapper Arrested at Dulles Airport after CBP Officers Discovered illicit Narcotics Cache in Baggage] U.S. Customs and Border Protection</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot Rap Songs|US<br />Rap]]

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[ARIA|AUS]]
==Artistry==
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |[[Ultratop 50|BEL<br>(FL)]]
In interviews with ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' and ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'', Mensa cited hip hop artists such as [[Jay-Z]], [[Kanye West]], [[Earl Sweatshirt]], [[A Tribe Called Quest]], [[Timbaland]], [[Eminem]], [[The Notorious B.I.G.|Biggie Smalls]], [[Missy Elliott]], [[Lupe Fiasco]], [[UGK]], [[J Dilla]], [[The Pharcyde]], [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]], [[Nas]], [[2Pac]], [[Hieroglyphics (group)|Hieroglyphics]], [[De La Soul]], [[Wu-Tang Clan]], [[Lil Wayne]], [[Kid Rock]], and [[Snoop Dogg]] as musical influences.<ref name="r1">{{cite web|title=Vic Mensa – XXL|date=May 16, 2014 |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/vic-mensa-2/|publisher=Xxlmag.com}}</ref><ref>[http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/who-is-vic-mensa Vic Mensa: Who is the New Chicago Rapper?]. Complex (2014-02-06). Retrieved on 2016-01-08.</ref> In 2013, ''XXL'' called his breakthrough mixtape ''[[Innanetape]]'' "lyrical nourishment" and commented on his ability to "bend words at will, cramming syllables into lines with obvious glee."<ref>[http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2013/10/vic-mensa-innanetape-mixtape-review/ Xxlmag.com]. Xxlmag.com. Retrieved on 2016-01-08.</ref> In his music and in public discourse, Mensa has been vocal about gun violence and other social issues, including mental health.<ref name="thesource">{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2021/10/19/5-hip-hop-artists-that-broke-the-mental-health-stigma/ |title=5 Hip-Hop Artists That Broke The Mental Health Stigma |last=Grant |first=Shawn |date=2021-10-19 |publisher=[[The Source]] }}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |[[Ultratop 50|BEL<br>(WA)]]

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%," | [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]
==Discography==
|-
{{Main|Vic Mensa discography}}
! scope="row"| "Fast Life"<br /><small>([[Asher Roth]] featuring Vic Mensa)</small>

|| 2014
'''Studio albums'''
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
* ''[[The Autobiography (Vic Mensa album)|The Autobiography]]'' (2017)
| ''[[RetroHash]]''
* ''[[Victor (Vic Mensa album)|Victor]]'' (2023)
|-
|colspan="15" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
|}


'''Collaborative albums'''
=== Notes ===
* ''93Punx'' {{small|(with 93Punx)}} (2019)
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}


==Awards and nominations==
==Awards and nominations==
Line 134: Line 94:
|-
|-
| 2015
| 2015
| [[mtvU#Woodie Awards|mtvU Woodie Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|title=mtvU Announces '2015 mtvU Woodie Awards' Nominees|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/18/mtvu-announces-2015-mtvu-woodie-awards-nominees/364577/|publisher=tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref>
| [[Woodie Awards|mtvU Woodie Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|title=mtvU Announces '2015 mtvU Woodie Awards' Nominees|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/18/mtvu-announces-2015-mtvu-woodie-awards-nominees/364577/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221022812/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/18/mtvu-announces-2015-mtvu-woodie-awards-nominees/364577/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2015|publisher=tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com|access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref>
| Best Video Woodie
| Best Video Woodie
| "[[Down On My Luck]]"
| "[[Down on My Luck]]"
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2016
| [[58th Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]
| [[Best Rap Song]]
| "[[All Day (Kanye West song)|All Day]]" <small>(as a songwriter)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2018
| [[49th NAACP Image Awards|NAACP Image Awards]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/naacp-image-awards-netflix-own-annapurna-universal-pictures-open-road-films-anthony-anderson-1202212017/| title=NAACP Image Awards Nominees | work=Deadline | date=November 20, 2017 | access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref>
| Outstanding New Artist
| Himself
| {{nom}}
|-
|}
|}


Line 144: Line 117:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.vicmensa.com/}}
* {{Official website|vicmensa.com}}


{{Vic Mensa}}
{{Vic Mensa}}
{{Roc Nation}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Persondata
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mensa, Vic}}
| NAME = Mensah, Victor
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Vic Mensa (stage name)
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American recording artist
| DATE OF BIRTH = June 6, 1993
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Chicago, Illinois
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vic Mensa}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American hip-hop record producers]]
[[Category:American male rappers]]
[[Category:American people of Ghanaian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Ghanaian descent]]
[[Category:African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:Midwest hip-hop musicians]]
[[Category:Rappers from Chicago, Illinois]]
[[Category:Rappers from Chicago]]
[[Category:Midwest hip hop musicians]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Illinois]]
[[Category:American hip-hop singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:Record producers from Illinois]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:American male songwriters]]

Latest revision as of 10:29, 13 December 2024

Vic Mensa
Mensa in 2017
Mensa in 2017
Background information
Birth nameVictor Kwesi Mensah
Also known asVino
Born (1993-06-06) June 6, 1993 (age 31)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • record producer
Years active2009–present[1]
Labels
Member of
Formerly of
Websitevicmensa.com
Signature

Victor Kwesi Mensah (born June 6, 1993), known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper.[2] Born and raised in Chicago, he was a member of the regional hip hop groups Kids These Days and Savemoney prior to releasing his debut solo mixtape, Innanetape (2013). As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation.

Mensa's 2014 debut single, "Down on My Luck" experimented with hip house, while his 2015 single, "U Mad" (featuring Kanye West) adopted a drill sound; the former entered the top 40 of the UK singles chart, while the latter received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[3][4][5] His debut studio album, The Autobiography (2017), was met with critical praise and moderately entered the Billboard 200, while his second album, Victor (2023), failed to chart. Despite limited mainstream success himself, he has collaborated with high-profile artists including Kanye West, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Wyclef Jean, and Skrillex, among others.[6]

Mensa has been involved in political activism and charitable efforts in his hometown of Chicago, being heavily outspoken on the issue of gun violence. He also is the founder of the SavemoneySavelife foundation, whose mission is to use art and entertainment to foster sustainable change, and funds three programs in Chicago centered on health and the arts.[7][8]

Early life and education

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Victor Kwesi Mensah was born on June 6, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois.[9] His father is from Ghana and his mother is a white American.[10] Mensa grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.[11] He attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Mensa began his career when he formed a band called Kids These Days in 2009. The band would eventually release two projects, an extended play titled Hard Times in 2011,[12] and a mixtape titled Traphouse Rock in 2012.[13]

Career

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2013–2014: Innanetape and XXL Freshman Class

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Main article: Innanetape

Following the band's split up in May 2013,[14] Mensa performed with Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn at Albarn's 2014 performance at the Governors Ball Music Festival, where he performed the track "Clint Eastwood", filling in for MC Del the Funky Homosapien.[15] When announcing a tour for 2015, Mensa said that he has plans to collaborate with Albarn sometime in the near future.[16]

On September 18, 2013, it was announced, that Mensa would be joining J. Cole and Wale on the What Dreams May Come Tour.[17] Mensa would eventually release his debut mixtape, Innanetape, which was released on September 30, 2013.

Vic Mensa in 2014

Following the end of the What Dreams May Come Tour, he toured Europe with Danny Brown, for the beginning of February 21, 2014 and ending on March 8.[18] To cap off his rise to stardom, Mensa was chosen to be on the cover of XXL for the Freshman Class of 2014.[19] Mensa's debut single "Down on My Luck" was serviced to urban contemporary radio in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2014.[20] That same day, the accompanying music video was released.[21] "Down on My Luck" was then released for digital download in international markets on June 6, 2014, by Virgin EMI Records.[22][23]

2015–2017: There's Alot Going On and The Autobiography

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Main articles: There's Alot Going On and The Autobiography (Vic Mensa album)

On February 12, 2015, Kanye West debuted a song, titled "Wolves" at his Adidas Originals showcase. The song featured Mensa himself, along with Sia.[24] Mensa later performed "Wolves" alongside West and Sia on Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary Celebration three days later.[25][26] Mensa would later release an official collaboration with Kanye West, titled "U Mad" on April 10.[27] Eleven days later, Roc Nation announced that Vic had signed to its label, and a video of Mensa signing the deal alongside Jay-Z backstage at his On the Run Tour in Chicago was released on Tidal. Later on in 2015, Mensa received a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 58th Grammy Awards as a songwriter for co-writing Kanye West's single "All Day".[28]

On February 8, 2016, it was announced that Mensa, along with Travis Scott and iLoveMakonnen, will be a part of Alexander Wang's "WANGSQUAD" campaign.[29] On February 19, Mensa released a single, "No Chill", featuring Skrillex. It was produced by Skrillex himself and Jahlil Beats.[30] Mensa guest appeared on Kanye West's single "Wolves", from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo. A reworked version of the song, which included previously removed guest vocals from Mensa and Australian singer Sia, separated Frank Ocean vocals into a separate track, and was released on Tidal on March 16, 2016.[31]

On June 3, 2016, Mensa released his second extended play, There's Alot Going On. With one guest feature from American singer Ty Dolla Sign, the EP tackled issues such as the Flint water crisis, the murder of Laquan McDonald, and self-inflicted wounds.[32] Mensa's EP debuted at number 127 on the US Billboard 200.[33]

He and his friends were stopped by police for assumed stealing after his spending spree at Barney's of $4,000.[34] He has performed as the opening act during Justin Bieber's Purpose World Tour in Europe.[35]

Leading up to the release of Mensa's debut studio album, he released his third extended play, The Manuscript on June 8, 2017.[36] Three days later, Mensa announced and revealed the album's title of his debut studio album titled, The Autobiography.[37] Mensa would release the lead single titled, "Wings" featuring Pharrell Williams and Saul Williams on July 13.[38] The Autobiography was released on July 28, 2017, through Roc Nation.[39] The album featured guest appearances from Weezer, Syd, The-Dream, Chief Keef, Joey Purp, Pharrell Williams, Saul Williams, Ty Dolla Sign, and Pusha T.[40] The album debuted at number 27 on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 15,000 units first week.[41][42][33]

2018–2019: Hooligans and 93Punx

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Mensa released his fourth EP, Hooligans, on December 14, 2018.[43] It was supported by the singles "Reverse", featuring G-Eazy, and "Dark Things".[44][45]

In January 2019, Mensa formed a punk rock and rap band named 93Punx, which subsequently released a cover of the Cranberries song "Zombie".[46] 93Punx later issued their debut single, "Camp America", featuring children in cages in an ICE-inspired video.[47] The singles "3 Years Sober" with Travis Barker and "It's a Bad Dream", featuring Good Charlotte, came out in July and August 2019, respectively.[48] The band's self-titled debut album was released on August 23, 2019.[49]

2020-present: V Tape, Akilla's Escape, I Tape and Vino Valentino

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Mensa returned in August 2020 with his first single of the year, "No More Teardrops", featuring Malik Yusef and Wyatt Waddell, a song tackling police brutality, street crime, corruption and the prison system. The song appeared on Roc Nation's compilation album, Reprise.[50] Mensa would later release his fifth extended play, V Tape, on August 21, 2020, which features from Snoh Alaegra, SAINt JHN, BJ Chicago Kid, Peter Cottontale and Eryn Allen Kane.[51]

Also in 2020, Mensa would take a leap into acting in the TIFF film Akilla's Escape, in which he played the character Prince.[52] The film would go on to be nominated for 8 Canadian Screen Awards subsequently winning 5 of them, including Best Original Screenplay[53]

On March 26, 2021, Mensa put out the album I Tape, again under Roc Nation. The album further explored the themes of the American Dream that riddled his prior works, discussing the shattering of expectations brought on by the reality of systematic abuse.[54] The album quickly garnered commendation from rap news outlets for its unabashed condemnation and meditation on racial injustice in America and its message of prison reform.[55] With tracks featuring Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean,[56] the album saw a good wave of popularity in the underground scene, and signaled a return to form for the rapper from a critical standpoint.[57]

Off the heels of I TAPE's praise, he would go on to release the 4 song EP Vino Valentino on Valentine's Day 2022.[58]

Controversy

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In October 2018, as part of his BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, Mensa dissed late rapper XXXTentacion, referencing his domestic abuse charges and mocking his murder. Subsequently, he received backlash on social media as well as from other artists.[59] Mensa later apologized on Instagram for dissing XXXTentacion in front of his mother, but stood by the lyrics, saying:

"Recently, I did a freestyle for the BET [Hip Hop] Awards cypher addressing and condemning rappers who unabashedly abuse women and those who stand up for them and even call them legends, I stand behind those statements. It was pre-recorded weeks ago, and I had no idea a grieving mother would be in the audience to honour her lost son. I never intended to disrespect her, and I offer my deepest condolences for her loss at the hands of gun violence. However, I vehemently reject the trend in Hip Hop of championing abusers, and I will not hold my tongue about it. I don't give a fuck about getting attention. I care about bringing awareness and holding people accountable for their actions".[60]

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On January 15, 2022, Mensah was arrested at the Dulles Airport by the Metro Police after Border Protection discovered LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, capsules and gummies. He was charged with felony narcotics possession.[61]

Artistry

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In interviews with XXL and Complex, Mensa cited hip hop artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Earl Sweatshirt, A Tribe Called Quest, Timbaland, Eminem, Biggie Smalls, Missy Elliott, Lupe Fiasco, UGK, J Dilla, The Pharcyde, DMX, Nas, 2Pac, Hieroglyphics, De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Wayne, Kid Rock, and Snoop Dogg as musical influences.[62][63] In 2013, XXL called his breakthrough mixtape Innanetape "lyrical nourishment" and commented on his ability to "bend words at will, cramming syllables into lines with obvious glee."[64] In his music and in public discourse, Mensa has been vocal about gun violence and other social issues, including mental health.[65]

Discography

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Main article: Vic Mensa discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

  • 93Punx (with 93Punx) (2019)

Awards and nominations

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Year Awards Category Nominated work Result
2015 mtvU Woodie Awards[66] Best Video Woodie "Down on My Luck" Nominated
2016 Grammy Awards Best Rap Song "All Day" (as a songwriter) Nominated
2018 NAACP Image Awards[67] Outstanding New Artist Himself Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Vic Mensa — 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For". Complex. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  2. ^ Florez, Joey (July 27, 2016). "5 Influential Rappers That Broke The Mental Health Stigma". HuffPost.
  3. ^ "Listen: Vic Mensa – 'U Mad' (Feat. Kanye West)". April 13, 2015.
  4. ^ Ramirez, Erika (April 22, 2015). "Vic Mensa Signs to Roc Nation". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  5. ^ "Top Of The Year: The Deans List (Top 25 Artists of 2013)". January 15, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  6. ^ Greenburg, Zack O'Malley. "Hip-Hop's Future Moguls: Post Malone, Cardi B And The Class of 2018". Forbes. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  7. ^ Mensa, Vic (July 18, 2018). "Vic Mensa: 'I Am a Gun Owner, and I Vehemently Support Gun Control'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  8. ^ Holmes, Charles. "Vic Mensa Explains How Gun Violence Has Affected His Life In New Op-Ed". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  9. ^ Madden, Sidney (June 6, 2016). "Happy Birthday, Vic Mensa!". XXL. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  10. ^ McQuaid, Ian (August 4, 2015). "Vic Mensa: meet Kanye's punk protege". The Guardian.
  11. ^ Spanos, Brittany. "How Rap Phenom Vic Mensa Cheated Death and Charmed Kanye". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 18, 2015.
  12. ^ Young, Alex (June 23, 2011). "Album Review: Kids These Days – Hard Times EP". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  13. ^ Vitale, Alyssa (November 21, 2011). "Jeff Tweedy producing Chicago band Kids These Days' debut record". The A.V. Club. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  14. ^ Buyanovsky, Dan (May 8, 2013). "Exclusive: Vic Mensa Announces End Of Kids These Days, Drops Solo Video". XXL. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  15. ^ Young, Alex. (2014-06-09) Watch: Damon Albarn performs with De La Soul, Vic Mensa at Governors Ball. Consequence of Sound. Retrieved on 2016-01-08.
  16. ^ Moskovitch, Greg (August 5, 2014). "Vic Mensa Confirms Early 2015 Tour". Music Feeds. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
  17. ^ "Vic Mensa Joins J. Cole's 'What Dreams May Come Tour'". Illroots. September 18, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  18. ^ C. Vernon Coleman (January 11, 2014). "Vic Mensa Joining Danny Brown For Upcoming European Tour – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  19. ^ Sia, Nicole (May 5, 2014). "XXL Freshmen 2014 Cover Revealed - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  20. ^ "BBC Radio 1Xtra Playlist". Archived from the original on June 13, 2006.
  21. ^ "Isaiah Rashad – XXL". Xxlmag.com. May 9, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  22. ^ "iTunes – Music – Down On My Luck – Single by Vic Mensa". Itunes.apple.com. June 6, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  23. ^ Montanez, Eric (May 12, 2014). "Vic Mensa – Down On My Luck". Hypetrak. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  24. ^ "Kanye Unleashes 'Wolves' Featuring Sia And Vic Mensa At His 750 Boost Fashion Show". Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  25. ^ "Everything We Know About Kanye West's "Wolves"". Complex. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  26. ^ "Watch Kanye West Perform New Song 'Wolves' on 'SNL' 40th Anniversary Special". Billboard. February 16, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  27. ^ "U Mad (feat. Kanye West) by Vic Mensa on Apple Music". April 20, 2015. April 20, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  28. ^ "Grammy Nominations 2016: See the Full List of Nominees". Billboard. December 7, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  29. ^ Smith, Trevor (February 8, 2016). "Vic Mensa part of Wang Campaign". Hotnewhiphop. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  30. ^ "No Chill - Single by Vic Mensa & Skrillex on Apple Music". iTunes. February 19, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  31. ^ Brandle, Lars (March 16, 2016). "Kanye West Shares Reworked Version of 'Wolves' on Tidal". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  32. ^ "Vic Mensa Talks Emotional 'There's Alot Going On' EP, Encourages Fans to Vote". Billboard. June 3, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  33. ^ a b "Vic Mensa – Chart history: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  34. ^ Robinson, Collin (August 5, 2016). "Vic Mensa and his friends stopped by police". Stereogum. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  35. ^ Huynh, Davis. "Vic Mensa & Justin Bieber Announce European Tour". Hypetrak. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  36. ^ "The Manuscript - EP by Vic Mensa on Apple Music". iTunes. June 10, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  37. ^ "Vic Mensa Announces Debut Album 'The Autobiography'". Vibe. July 12, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  38. ^ "Listen to "Wings," Vic Mensa's New Single with Pharrell and Saul Williams". Vice. July 14, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  39. ^ Dandridge-Lemco, Ben (July 11, 2017). "Vic Mensa Announces Debut Album The Autobiography". The Fader. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  40. ^ Berry, Peter A. (July 14, 2017). "Vic Mensa Shares 'The Autobiography' Album Cover, Tracklist and New Song "Wings"". XXL. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  41. ^ Eustice, Kyle (August 7, 2017). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Vic Mensa's "The Autobiography" Is His Biggest Project Yet". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  42. ^ Ortiz, Edwin (December 30, 2017). "Here Are the First Week Album Numbers in 2017". Complex. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  43. ^ "Vic Mensa drops new Hooligans EP: stream". Consequence of Sound. December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  44. ^ "Reverse / Vic Mensa TIDAL". Tidal. June 8, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  45. ^ "Vic Mensa Cuts His Teeth in Goth-Rap with "Dark Things". HotNewHipHop. November 21, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  46. ^ Klinkenberg, Brendan (December 2019). "Hear Vic Mensa Cover 'Zombie' Honoring Cranberries' Singer Dolores O'Riordan". Rolling Stone.
  47. ^ Stern, Marlow (June 14, 2019). "Exclusive: Vic Mensa's Shocking ICE-Inspired Rap Video Featuring White Kids in Cages". Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  48. ^ Cowen, Trace Willam (August 16, 2019). "Vic Mensa Announces Debut 93PUNX Project, Shares "It's a Bad Dream" f/ Good Charlotte". Complex. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  49. ^ "93PUNX by 93PUNX & Vic Mensa on Apple Music". iTunes. August 23, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  50. ^ "Vic Mensa Speaks On Our Troubled Times With "No More Teardrops"". HotNewHipHop. August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  51. ^ "V TAPE by Vic Mensa". Apple Music. August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  52. ^ Officer, Charles (July 15, 2021), Akilla's Escape (Crime, Drama), Canesugar Filmworks, retrieved June 2, 2022
  53. ^ "Canadian Screen Awards Virtual Presentations". Academy.ca. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  54. ^ "One Listen Album Review: "I Tape" by Vic Mensa". The Stanford Daily. April 8, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  55. ^ "Vic Mensa – 'I Tape' EP review: Chicago rapper channels the voice of the voiceless". NME. March 26, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  56. ^ "Vic Mensa Delivers New Project 'I TAPE'". HYPEBEAST. March 26, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  57. ^ Büsh (August 22, 2020). "Vic Mensa's 'V Tape' Proves That We Give Up On Artists Too Easily". lampin. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  58. ^ "Listen to Vic Mensa's New EP 'Vino Valentino' f/ Malik Yusef, Peter CottonTale, and More". Complex. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  59. ^ Vic Mensa Addresses XXXTentacion Controversy on ‘Empathy’ - Rolling Stone Reports
  60. ^ Trendel, Andrew (October 9, 2018). "Vic Mensa apologises for dissing XXXTentacion in front of his mother". NME. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  61. ^ Rapper Arrested at Dulles Airport after CBP Officers Discovered illicit Narcotics Cache in Baggage U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  62. ^ "Vic Mensa – XXL". Xxlmag.com. May 16, 2014.
  63. ^ Vic Mensa: Who is the New Chicago Rapper?. Complex (2014-02-06). Retrieved on 2016-01-08.
  64. ^ Xxlmag.com. Xxlmag.com. Retrieved on 2016-01-08.
  65. ^ Grant, Shawn (October 19, 2021). "5 Hip-Hop Artists That Broke The Mental Health Stigma". The Source.
  66. ^ "mtvU Announces '2015 mtvU Woodie Awards' Nominees". tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  67. ^ "NAACP Image Awards Nominees". Deadline. November 20, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
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