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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

[edit]

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

[edit]

2013–2014: Innanetape and XXL Freshman Class

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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]

Political Activism

[edit]

Chicago

[edit]

Mensa's activism is rooted in his hometown of Chicago. He is a vocal critic of police brutality and systemic injustice, often using his platform to speak out against the disproportionate effects of the school-to-prison pipeline on minority communities. To directly address these issues, Mensa founded the SaveMoneySaveLife foundation, which aims to leverage art and entertainment to promote change and support programs in Chicago that provide resources for mental health and arts education.[59]

Mensa also engages in direct community-based charity work. He is known for the "Feed the Block, Warm the Block" initiative, a seasonal program that provides meals and warm clothing to Chicago's unhoused population during colder months.[60][61] Mensa has also taken an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy with his cannabis company, 93 Boyz.[62] The brand's mission is explicitly tied to social equity, as a portion of its proceeds is dedicated to providing clean water and expunging cannabis-related convictions for individuals affected by the war on drugs, representing a tangible effort to address past injustices.[63]

Palestine

[edit]

In 2017, Mensa traveled to Palestine with the organization Dream Defenders to film a music video for his song "We Could Be Free," he documented his experience in an essay for Time magazine, in which he drew parallels between the challenges faced by Palestinians living under military occupation and the struggles of Black Americans in the United States, including issues of racial profiling, incarceration, and systemic injustice. He detailed his firsthand observations of checkpoints and the separation wall, which he likened to the economic and social divides in his hometown of Chicago.[64]

In October 2023, Mensa signed an open letter for the "Artists4Ceasefire" campaign alongside over 600 other artists,[65][66] urging President Joe Biden to push for a ceasefire amid the 2023 Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip.[67]

Personal life

[edit]

Mensa is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Melanie. The couple privately welcomed their first child, a son named Mansa Musa Mensa, in 2024.[68] Mensa publicly announced the birth in February 2025, explaining his decision to keep it private was to "protect our peace."[69] He stated that the name was chosen to honor his African ancestry, specifically the 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire.[69]

Mensa has been open about his sobriety from alcohol and substance abuse, which he has maintained for several years.[70]

Mensa is Muslim, stating that "Islam has been cataclysmically impactful for me," attributing to it a significant shift in his consciousness and discipline.[71] He has also expressed admiration for traditional African spiritual systems, such as Voodoo and Yoruba, which he argues were "demonised" as a tool of colonization, describing them as systems of ancestor worship that believe in a single deity.[72]

Controversy

[edit]

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.[73] Additionally, Vic Mensa was criticized as hypocritical by radio host Charlamagne tha God, as Mensa had previously admitted to choking a woman.[74] 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".[75]

[edit]

On January 15, 2022, Mensa 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.[76]

Artistry

[edit]

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.[77][78] 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."[79] In his music and in public discourse, Mensa has been vocal about gun violence and other social issues, including mental health.[80]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Vic Mensa discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

  • 93Punx (with 93Punx) (2019)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Nominated work Result
2015 mtvU Woodie Awards[81] Best Video Woodie "Down on My Luck" Nominated
2016 Grammy Awards Best Rap Song "All Day" (as a songwriter) Nominated
2018 NAACP Image Awards[82] Outstanding New Artist Himself Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vic Mensa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Victor Kwesi Mensah (born June 6, 1993), known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper, singer, and activist raised in Chicago, Illinois. He first gained prominence as a member of the jazz-influenced hip-hop band Kids These Days, which released an EP titled Hard Times in 2011 before disbanding. Transitioning to a solo career, Mensa released his debut mixtape Innanetape in 2013, establishing his reputation within Chicago's underground rap scene through affiliation with the SAVEMONEY collective. His major-label debut studio album, The Autobiography (2017), addressed themes of personal struggle and social issues, earning critical recognition for its introspective lyricism. Mensa received a Grammy nomination in 2015 for Best Rap Song as co-writer on Kanye West's "All Day." Beyond music, he has engaged in activism focused on curbing gun violence in Chicago, supporting protests against police misconduct, and advocating for causes including water contamination in Flint and immigration enforcement impacts on Black communities. Mensa's career has included public disputes with figures like Drake and DJ Akademiks, often aired through freestyles and interviews. In recent years, he has shifted toward independent releases, including the 2023 album Victor, emphasizing artistic autonomy after experiences with major labels.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, was born on June 6, 1993, in , . His father, a Ghanaian , and his mother, an American school teacher of white ethnicity, provided a worldly and educated household environment. Mensa was raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, an area known for its mix of academic institutions and urban challenges. From an early age, Mensa's biracial heritage shaped his upbringing, with frequent visits to fostering a connection to his paternal roots. He has noted that much of his extended family remains in , emphasizing the ongoing ties to West African culture amid his American childhood. This dual exposure influenced his worldview, blending South Side realities with international perspectives from his parents' backgrounds.

Education and early influences

Vic Mensa attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in , a selective enrollment public school emphasizing performing and fine arts. During his time there, he experienced frequent disciplinary issues, including annual suspensions starting from , which he later attributed to the rigid structure of the system clashing with his creative inclinations. Despite these challenges, Mensa graduated high school, forgoing higher education to pursue full-time. His early musical influences stemmed from a diverse familial and social environment. Raised by an artist mother and an academic father of Ghanaian descent, Mensa was introduced to rock pioneers such as and through household records, fostering an initial appreciation for guitar-driven sounds. Peers at school and after-school programs expanded this to ensembles and later hard rock acts like and Nirvana, blending with his growing interest in hip-hop. These exposures culminated in high school experimentation with rock instrumentation, informing his genre-fluid approach evident in early projects like the band Kids These Days, which fused rap, , and soul. Mensa has cited hip-hop icons including Jay-Z and Kanye West—fellow Chicago natives—as pivotal inspirations, reflecting the city's South Side rap scene's impact on his lyricism and production style. Mentorship from producer No I.D., who guided earlier Chicago artists like Common and West, further shaped his technical skills and thematic depth during his formative years. This foundation emphasized raw expression over commercial conformity, aligning with Mensa's critique of institutional education's stifling effect on non-conformist talents.

Musical career

Early groups and mixtapes (2009–2012)

In 2009, at age 16, Vic Mensa co-founded the Chicago-based hip-hop band Kids These Days with high school classmates, including members who later formed other local acts. The ensemble, consisting of seven to eight musicians, fused rap with live instrumentation drawing from , rock, soul, and funk, performing frequently in Chicago venues during their formative years. Kids These Days issued their debut Hard Times in 2011, followed by the album Traphouse Rock on September 18, 2012, which showcased Mensa as the primary rapper and vocalist amid the group's eclectic sound. Additional releases in 2012 included the EP Traphouse Cuts and Don't Harsh My Mellow, building local buzz through self-produced tracks and live shows that highlighted the band's improvisational style. Concurrently, Mensa pursued solo endeavors within the band context, releasing his debut EP Straight Up on July 5, 2010, via Bandcamp. The seven-track project, produced with early collaborators including Kids These Days instrumentation on select cuts, featured youthful themes of ambition and street life, marking Mensa's initial foray into independent rap output as a 17-year-old.

Breakthrough and mixtapes (2013–2014)

Following the breakup of his band Kids These Days in May 2013, Vic Mensa transitioned to a solo career and released his debut mixtape, Innanetape, on September 30, 2013, as a free digital download. The project featured guest appearances from Chance the Rapper, Iesha, and members of the Savemoney collective, with production handling by Phoelix, Thelonious Martin, and others; standout tracks included "Orange Soda," "Lovely Day," and "Tweakin'." Innanetape received critical acclaim for its energetic lyricism, eclectic sampling, and exploration of personal and social themes, marking Mensa's emergence as a distinct voice in Chicago hip-hop. Reviewers praised his technical prowess, with XXL magazine highlighting the mixtape as "lyrical nourishment" due to Mensa's ability to manipulate syllables and deliver intricate flows. The release built on his earlier feature on Chance the Rapper's Acid Rap mixtape earlier that year, amplifying his visibility within the underground scene. The mixtape's success propelled Mensa into mainstream recognition, culminating in his inclusion in XXL's Freshman Class, which showcased promising hip-hop artists. In , he capitalized on this momentum by releasing "Down on My Luck" as his debut single on May 13, generating buzz ahead of a major label deal with later that year. No additional full-length mixtapes followed in , as Mensa focused on collaborations and building his profile through live and features.

Major releases and collaborations (2015–2017)

In April 2015, Vic Mensa signed a recording contract with Roc Nation, following the release of his single "U Mad" featuring Kanye West on April 10. The track "U Mad" showcased Mensa's aggressive lyricism over a sample-heavy beat produced by Kanye West and Mano. Earlier that year, Mensa had contributed vocals to Kanye West's "Wolves," featuring Sia and later Frank Ocean, which debuted at a Yeezy fashion event in February 2015 and appeared on West's album The Life of Pablo released in February 2016. His appearance on "Wolves" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song in 2016. On June 3, 2016, Mensa released his debut There's Alot Going On through , consisting of seven tracks addressing social issues and personal struggles. The EP included the protest single "16 Shots," referencing the 2014 police shooting of Laquan McDonald in , with its released on October 24, 2016, incorporating dashcam footage from the incident. Other notable tracks featured production from artists like SXWN and BoogzDaBeast. In 2017, Mensa issued The Manuscript EP on June 8, serving as a precursor to his full-length debut and featuring tracks like "The Earth" and "1 of 2." Less than two months later, on July 28, he released his debut studio album The Autobiography via and , a 24-track project blending hip-hop, , and rock elements with guest appearances from , Ty Dolla $ign, and . The album debuted at number 52 on the , selling 12,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. During this period, Mensa also collaborated on tracks like "OMG" featuring , further expanding his network within the industry.

Experimental projects (2018–2019)

In December 2018, Vic Mensa released the eight-track EP Hooligans on December 14 via and . The project included guest appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, , , and Charlie Wilson, blending and trap elements while addressing Mensa's creative process and personal reflections. Shifting toward genre experimentation, Mensa formed the rap-rock band 93Punx in 2019, releasing their self-titled debut on August 23. Produced primarily by , the 14-track fused punk, emo, and trap influences, with contributions from of and members of . Tracks like "Camp America" satirized policies through punk aesthetics, marking a deliberate departure from Mensa's conventional hip-hop output to explore rap-punk synergies rooted in shared subversive themes. The project extended to a companion line of patched, DIY-inspired apparel, drawing from street culture and punk heritage.

Recent works and shifts (2020–present)

In 2020, Mensa independently released the EP V TAPE, which included the single "No More Teardrops" and explored themes of resilience amid personal challenges. He followed with I TAPE later that year and contributed to projects like Akilla's Escape, signaling a pivot toward self-released, introspective work outside major label constraints. By 2022, Mensa issued Vino Valentino, a collaborative effort blending rap with experimental elements, alongside singles such as "Wraith." In 2023, he dropped 93' to 23': VICTOR on June 6 and the full-length Victor on September 15, both emphasizing redemption and life reflections through tracks produced with collaborators like . These releases marked a stylistic evolution from earlier aggressive, protest-driven rap to more therapeutic narratives rooted in and self-examination, as Mensa described his output shifting from "self-destruction to an art of healing." Mensa's 2025 album Sundiata, released June 19 via his own imprint, featured production from Stefan Ponce and guest appearances like Mick Jenkins on "The Word," prioritizing direct-to-fan retail models over traditional distribution. Concurrently, he expanded entrepreneurial ventures, including the Save Money Save Life initiative focused on arts, mental health support, and community equity programs in Chicago. Fatherhood, embraced around this period, further influenced his emphasis on vulnerability and purpose, integrating family stability into his creative process. Activism remained central, with Mensa advocating against perceived overreach by in Black Chicago neighborhoods, urging community vigilance and resistance in public statements as recent as October 2025. This period reflected broader career , blending with sustained urban efforts amid reduced mainstream visibility.

Activism and political views

Core causes and campaigns

Vic Mensa has centered much of his activism on addressing , , and community empowerment in Chicago's most affected neighborhoods. Despite personally owning firearms, he has advocated for stricter measures, including a ban on assault rifles, citing the loss of childhood friends to street shootings and the disproportionate impact on Black communities. In a 2018 , Mensa detailed his experiences with gun-related legal issues and emphasized the need for policy reforms to curb urban violence, while participating in events like the rally. His advocacy extends to racial justice and police reform, where he has joined protests against brutality, including those following the 2016 police killings in and the 2020 George Floyd murder. Mensa has shared personal encounters with aggressive policing, framing them as symptomatic of systemic violence perpetuated by law enforcement in underserved areas. He has publicly supported movements calling for defunding corrupt police departments and reallocating resources to community needs, drawing from Chicago's history of organized resistance. Through his SaveMoneySaveLife foundation, launched in March 2018, Mensa has run targeted campaigns to build resilience in high-violence zones, including the StreetMedics program, which trains and equips —aiming to prepare 11,000 by providing nonviolent intervention skills and medical supplies. The organization has distributed thousands of free shoes to Chicago children, partnered on school supply drives, and organized sleep-outs to fund homeless initiatives, focusing on sustainable change via art and direct aid rather than temporary handouts. Mensa has also engaged in broader voter mobilization efforts, contributing to the 2016 "Why I Vote" campaign by discussing police shootings and civic participation's role in combating inequality. His work intersects with stigma in violence-plagued communities, linking unaddressed trauma to cycles of retaliation, though he prioritizes empirical interventions like over abstract . Internationally, he has voiced support for causes like Palestinian rights and the , but his primary campaigns remain rooted in domestic and self-reliance.

Philanthropy and business initiatives

In 2018, Vic Mensa founded the SaveMoneySaveLife , a Native- and Black-led initiative based in aimed at fostering sustainable community change through art, entertainment, and direct support programs. The foundation funds three primary efforts: StreetMedics, which trains community first responders in high-violence neighborhoods to provide immediate trauma care; youth programs addressing and trauma; and homeless aid, including distributions of sleeping bags, blankets, and clothing. In January 2021, Mensa personally slept outdoors on Chicago's 47th Street to raise awareness and funds for , while the foundation's donation inventory was burglarized on 2020, prompting a public fundraiser to replenish supplies. Mensa has also led the "Feed the Block, Warm the Block" program, a seasonal effort providing free meals and winter clothing to underserved residents, often in partnership with local restaurateurs like Eldridge Williams. Launched under his 93Boyz brand, the initiative distributed resources in Englewood and other areas as recently as January 2024, emphasizing reinvestment in communities disproportionately affected by poverty and violence. Additional philanthropic actions include donating unsold shoes from a 2018 collaboration to Chicago youth in the Department of Corrections. On the business front, Mensa co-founded 93Boyz in August 2022 as ' first Black-owned and -led adult-use company, focusing on high-potency flower and pre-rolls marketed as "premium gas." The venture prioritizes by directing profits toward education and support for communities historically targeted by policies, including hiring from affected areas and tying sales to like "Feed the Block." Mensa has stated that his early informal involvement in sales informed the company's community-oriented model, though it operates within legal frameworks to avoid past criminalization pitfalls.

Criticisms of activism

Vic Mensa's public condemnation of domestic and sexual abuse within hip-hop has been labeled hypocritical by some observers. In an October 2018 Instagram post, Mensa stated that "domestic & sexual abuse are not excusable because you have talent or you are troubled," positioning himself as an advocate for protecting women amid industry scandals. Radio host Charlamagne tha God rebutted this on his "Donkey of the Day" segment, highlighting Mensa's 2016 admission during a DJ Vlad interview of choking a woman during a heated argument, arguing the rapper's personal history undermined his moral authority on the issue. Mensa's engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly his 2018 visit to the West Bank and subsequent Time op-ed drawing parallels between Palestinian civilian treatment and anti-Black racism in the U.S., elicited criticism from pro-Israel organizations for lacking historical context and relying on biased sources. The Creative Community for Peace, a group advocating for peace and countering anti-Israel narratives in entertainment, contended that Mensa's trip—organized by the activist group Dream Defenders—was curated to emphasize anti-Israel perspectives, including inflammatory claims of Israel as a "settler colonial project" and promoter of anti-Semitic tropes like profiting from Palestinian deaths via arms sales. They argued this led Mensa to uncritically adopt views opposing Israel's right to exist, contrasting with historical Black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., who supported Israel's security, and urged him to seek a more balanced understanding of the region's complexities. Broader critiques have targeted Mensa's activist rhetoric as overly or pandering, potentially alienating audiences beyond progressive circles. In a July 9, 2025, post, Mensa himself noted "a lot of pushback for my far left for about the past decade," with detractors accusing him of tailoring positions to appeal to specific ideological bases rather than fostering pragmatic dialogue. Such feedback, echoed in fan discussions and media commentary, posits that his uncompromising stances on issues like police reform and prioritize confrontation over measurable outcomes, though empirical on the impact remains limited.

Drug possession arrests

On January 15, 2022, Vic Mensa, whose is Victor Kwesi Mensah, was arrested at in after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered controlled substances in his checked luggage upon his arrival from . The search, prompted by a CBP examination, uncovered approximately 41 grams of liquid diethylamide () and 124 grams of mushrooms distributed across capsules, gummies, and chocolate bars. Mensah faced initial charges of four counts of possession of a , along with misdemeanor possession, as filed by Police. Federal law classifies as a Schedule I substance and as Schedule I, though the plea later referenced Schedule III for under state classification, carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment if convicted on felonies. On June 27, 2022, Mensah pleaded guilty to a single count of possession of a Schedule III controlled substance (), reduced to a Class 1 in court, with the LSD-related charges apparently dropped or resolved separately. He received a sentence of , avoiding further incarceration, and publicly described the incident as a learning experience tied to his advocacy for reform. No prior or subsequent drug possession arrests for Mensah are documented in .

Weapons and other charges

On February 28, 2017, Vic Mensa was arrested in , during a for an unsafe lane change, after which he admitted to police that he had a loaded, unregistered in his without a valid permit. He was charged with counts of carrying a concealed and possession of an unregistered loaded , spent one night in jail, and was released on $35,000 . Mensa pleaded guilty on July 10, 2017, to a reduced charge of carrying a concealed , receiving a sentence of two years' and avoiding jail time. In a 2018 op-ed, Mensa described the incident as stemming from his decision to carry a for personal protection amid perceived threats, while emphasizing his support for stricter measures. In January 2020, Mensa was arrested in during another for an unsafe turn, charged with felony possession of , which are classified as illegal weapons in the state. He was released after posting $20,000 , with no further public details on the case resolution.

Civil disputes and public backlash

In July 2023, Vic Mensa, whose legal name is Victor Mensah, was sued by his former landlord for over $8,340 in unpaid rent and late fees dating back to early 2023. The lawsuit, filed by attorney George Georgopoulos on behalf of the property owner, alleged Mensa had vacated the unit without settling obligations, leaving the landlord responsible for associated real estate taxes. Mensa disputed the claims publicly, asserting the building was uninhabitable due to severe mold, lack of heating during winter, and other hazards that endangered his girlfriend's health, prompting him to withhold payments and leave. Mensa's October 2018 performance at the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher drew widespread public criticism after he included lyrics targeting the late XXXTentacion, referencing the rapper's documented domestic violence allegations with lines like "Only time you bear arms is to beat on women." The remarks, delivered shortly after XXXTentacion's murder in June 2018 and in the presence of his mother in the audience, were condemned by fans and online commentators as insensitive and opportunistic, accusing Mensa of exploiting a deceased artist's tragedy for clout. Mensa defended the bars on social media, stating he stood by criticism of abusers irrespective of their status or fate, and later addressed the fallout in his October 2018 track "Empathy," where he reiterated his opposition to domestic violence. The controversy intensified due to perceived hypocrisy, as Mensa had previously detailed in lyrics and interviews his own involvement in a physical altercation with an ex-girlfriend, including admitting to her during an argument two years prior to their breakup. Radio host labeled Mensa "Donkey of the Day" in October 2018, arguing his condemnation of XXXTentacion undermined his credibility given his self-acknowledged abusive behavior. Mensa responded by emphasizing personal growth and rejecting excuses for violence, but the episode eroded support among segments of hip-hop audiences who viewed his activism on abuse as inconsistent.

Artistry

Musical style and evolution

Vic Mensa's musical foundations were shaped by his involvement in the Chicago-based band Kids These Days, formed in 2009, which fused hip-hop with , , and elements rooted in the members' jazz training. The group disbanded in 2012 amid creative differences, prompting Mensa to pursue a solo career focused on rap. His early solo output, including the 2013 mixtape Innanetape, featured gritty, aggressive flows over production blending somber introspection with high-energy bursts, establishing a raw Chicago rap aesthetic marked by tight lyricism and sonic versatility. Mensa's style evolved toward greater experimentation with the 2016 EP There's Alot Going On, incorporating brooding, momentum-building beats and a mix of hard-hitting tracks with introspective cuts, prioritizing quality and thematic depth over volume. This progression culminated in his 2017 debut album The Autobiography, which integrated soulful singing, R&B hooks, and punk-rock influences into a cohesive narrative, reflecting personal growth while maintaining rap's core aggression. In subsequent years, Mensa's output shifted dramatically following personal challenges, including and legal issues, leading to the 2023 album Victor. This sophomore effort emphasized redemption, sobriety, and through introspective lyricism and diverse production ranging from psychedelic textures to breezy vibes, marking a transition from self-destructive themes to healing and spiritual reflection. Recent announcements indicate further evolution, with upcoming work drawing on and African sounds alongside enduring rock and hip-hop roots from his youth.

Lyrical themes and influences

Vic Mensa's prominently feature critiques of and police brutality, often from real-world in . The 2016 track "16 Shots," from his EP There's a Lot Going On, directly responds to the October 20, 2014, shooting of Laquan McDonald by police officer Jason Van Dyke, who fired 16 shots at the 17-year-old. In the song, Mensa raps about the dehumanization of black youth and the perpetuated by law enforcement, stating lines like "They kill a black man every 28 hours who gon' be the next victim?" to underscore statistical patterns of fatal encounters. Similarly, "" from the same EP condemns the as an instance of environmental , linking to governmental indifference affecting predominantly black communities. Personal narratives form another core element, blending with accounts of hardship, loss, and moral ambiguity. On his 2017 debut album The Autobiography, released July 28, Mensa recounts childhood disruptions such as an absent father and expulsion from , juxtaposed against experiences of tagging and exposure to in Chicago's South Side. The album also confronts addiction, , and relational strife, with tracks like "Memoirs of a Future Star" reflecting on early aspirations amid self-destructive patterns. Earlier works, such as his 2009 mixtape Straight Up released at age 16, leaned toward braggadocio on themes of dealing and , but evolved into raw admissions of flaws, including a 2016 reference to assaulting an aggressor while intoxicated. Mensa's approach mixes sacred and profane elements, oscillating between righteous anger and profane bravado, as seen in profanity-laced indictments of corruption alongside spiritual pleas for redemption. Later projects like the 2023 album Victor incorporate fatherhood and existential searches for purpose, influenced by personal recovery and global travels. His lyrical style draws from conscious hip-hop traditions, with Mensa citing for narrative depth in storytelling about urban life. Rock influences from Nirvana contribute to an emotive, alternative edge, while skateboarding culture instills a rebellious, counter-cultural ethos that permeates his defiance of mainstream norms. Spiritual shifts, including adoption of Islamic principles around 2023, have deepened themes of consciousness and karma in recent output. predecessors like Common and inform his blend of activism and technical dexterity, evident in collaborations and shared regional focus on .

Personal life

Relationships and family

Vic Mensa was born Victor Kwesi Mensah on June 6, 1993, to Edward Mensah, a university , and Betsy McGurk, a white American school teacher of Irish and German descent. His family maintained strong ties to , where much of his paternal relatives reside, and Mensa has visited the country multiple times, including trips during childhood and later for cultural reconnection. Mensa has at least one sister, Lizzy Mensah, with whom he has collaborated on family-oriented projects, such as preparing traditional Ghanaian dishes like omo tuo in public appearances. Since approximately 2022, Mensa has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, , whom he described in a July 2025 post as the "love of my life" on their . The couple welcomed their first child, a named Mensa, on May 10, 2024, but kept the pregnancy private to "protect our peace." Mensa publicly introduced his son in the music video for "I Wanna Be Ready," released on February 4, 2025, stating that fatherhood had "forever altered" him.

Health struggles and recovery

Vic Mensa has publicly discussed experiencing challenges since childhood, including suicidal ideations beginning at age five and ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety. These issues contributed to self-destructive behaviors, such as reliance on prescription medications that proved ineffective, leading him toward as an alternative coping mechanism. Mensa has described periods of binges and other drug use, often tied to creative pursuits in hip-hop, which escalated to the point where he "didn't care about [his] life" amid depression-fueled . His substance issues intertwined with legal troubles, including arrests for drug possession, exacerbating a cycle of emotional instability. Recovery efforts intensified around 2021, with Mensa achieving from alcohol and drugs, marking four years clean by September 2025. He credits daily as essential for managing anxiety and preventing relapse into "unmanageable emotional states," alongside experiences with retreats and formal rehabilitation to address underlying trauma and anger. In interviews, Mensa has emphasized confronting emotions without numbing agents, describing as "raw dogging life" and a path to building a healthier self, though he acknowledges persistent challenges in hip-hop's high-pressure environment. These accounts stem primarily from Mensa's own disclosures in media outlets, which, while firsthand, reflect personal narratives rather than independently verified clinical diagnoses.

Discography

Studio albums

Vic Mensa's debut studio album, ''The Autobiography'', was released on July 28, 2017, through and . The album, consisting of 18 tracks, featured collaborations with artists including , , and Syd, and addressed themes of personal struggle, social issues, and Chicago's cultural landscape. It debuted and peaked at number 27 on the US chart, selling 15,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. His second studio album, ''Victor'', followed on September 15, 2023, via . The project, self-produced in part by Mensa and featuring guests like Joey Bada$$ and Saba, explored introspection, resilience, and artistic independence, drawing from a six-year creative process. It did not enter the chart.
TitleReleasedLabel(s)US Billboard 200 peak
''The Autobiography''July 28, 2017, 27
''Victor''September 15, 2023—

Mixtapes and EPs

Vic Mensa released his debut , Straight Up, on July 5, 2010, via when he was 16 years old. The seven-track project featured tracks such as "Like The Way" and "Lights Out," showcasing early influences. His first , Innanetape, followed on September 30, 2013, as a free digital download. The 13-track release included collaborations with on "Tweakin'," , and , blending jazzy production with introspective lyrics on life and personal growth. It received positive reviews for its energy and variety. In 2016, Mensa issued There's Alot Going On on June 3, a seven-track EP through that addressed social issues including the and police violence. The project featured production from Papi Beatz and Saidy P, with the title track gaining attention for its raw commentary. The Manuscript, a four-track EP, arrived on June 8, 2017, via and , serving as a precursor to his debut . It included features from , , and , exploring themes of perseverance and industry struggles over 15 minutes. Mensa released the eight-track EP Hooligans on December 14, 2018, again under and Capitol, reflecting on , loss, , and . Guests included Ty Dolla $ign and , with tracks like "Dancing in the Streetz" highlighting societal pressures.
TitleTypeRelease DateTracksLabel(s)
Straight UpEPJuly 5, 20107Independent (Bandcamp)
InnanetapeMixtapeSeptember 30, 201313Independent
There's Alot Going OnEPJune 3, 20167
The ManuscriptEPJune 8, 20174, Capitol
HooligansEPDecember 14, 20188, Capitol

Notable singles and features

Vic Mensa released his debut single "Down on My Luck" on June 6, 2014, through , which blended hip-house elements and peaked at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart after three weeks. The track, produced by Stefan Ponce, marked his initial foray into mainstream recognition following mixtape work with collective. In April 2015, Mensa issued "U Mad" featuring as the from his debut EP The Color of Money, adopting a drill-influenced sound with production credits including West, Mike Dean, and Stefan Ponce; the boastful track addressed critics and accumulated over 91 million streams by 2025. "No Chill," a collaboration with released on February 19, 2016, via , fused rap with electronic production by and , showcasing Mensa's energetic delivery on themes of defiance. Among featured appearances, Mensa's verse on Chance the Rapper's "Cocoa Butter Kisses" from the 2013 —produced by Jones Benally—highlighted nostalgic reflections on youth and remains one of his most streamed tracks at over 100 million plays. He also contributed to 's "Wolves" alongside Sia on the 2016 album , delivering introspective bars amid West's experimental production. Additional high-profile features include "All Day" by (2015), where Mensa appeared with and Allan Kingdom, and "Reverse" with (2018), which surpassed 139 million streams.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Vic Mensa received a nomination for Best Rap Song at the in 2016 for his songwriting contributions to Kanye West's "All Day." At the , Mensa was nominated for Outstanding New Artist in 2018. He earned another nomination in 2024 for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song for "Blue Eyes."
YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
2016Best Rap Song"All Day" (songwriter)Nominated
2018Outstanding New ArtistHimselfNominated
2024Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song"Blue Eyes"Nominated

Critical reception and commercial performance

Vic Mensa's debut studio album, The Autobiography (2017), earned generally favorable , with reviewers praising its introspective storytelling and social commentary. Aggregated on from 13 reviews, it received 61% positive ratings and 38% mixed, reflecting appreciation for tracks addressing personal trauma and systemic issues. noted its shift toward political engagement amid Mensa's rising profile, though critiqued some execution as uneven. highlighted its blend of righteous anger and humor, particularly in evoking Chicago's street life. Commercially, the album debuted at number 27 on the US chart, moving 15,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 7,000 in pure sales, underscoring Mensa's stronger cult following over mainstream breakthrough. His sophomore album, Victor (2023), drew more divided responses, often lauded for themes of sobriety and self-overcoming but faulted for inconsistency and underdeveloped ideas. described it as a "scattershot" effort swinging between highs and lows after a six-year gap. acknowledged its cathartic intent post-personal struggles, including legal issues, yet argued it failed to translate into compelling music. User and critic aggregates on Album of the Year averaged around 65-75, positioning it as solid but unremarkable in execution. Commercial metrics for Victor remain sparse, with no prominent Billboard charting reported, aligning with Mensa's pattern of prioritizing artistic autonomy over sales-driven promotion following his Def Jam tenure. Earlier extended plays like There's Alot Going On (2016) fared better critically for their raw ambition and topical urgency on issues such as police violence and crises, earning Pitchfork's endorsement as Mensa's strongest release to date for its pained confidence. Mixtapes such as Innanetape (2013) similarly built underground acclaim for technical prowess, though without equivalent data. Overall, Mensa's catalog demonstrates consistent critical respect for lyrical depth amid modest commercial viability, peaking below 20,000 first-week units and reflecting hip-hop's emphasis on influence over volume in niche circuits.

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  141. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/e031ec18-f8eb-46c1-b03c-e5c71399cb16
  142. https://genius.com/albums/Vic-mensa/Straight-up
  143. https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2013/09/vic-mensa-innanetape-mixtape/
  144. https://open.spotify.com/album/5ebtbHmQ7WZpgKtH8ir14W
  145. https://genius.com/albums/Vic-mensa/There-s-alot-going-on
  146. https://pitchfork.com/news/72476-listen-to-vic-mensas-new-ep-the-manuscript-ft-pharrell-pusha-t/
  147. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/hooligans/1445799091
  148. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/vic-mensa-down-on-my-luck/
  149. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/32498/vic-mensa/
  150. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/vic-mensa-kanye-west-u-mad-listen-6531485/
  151. https://open.spotify.com/track/3KiEydhjn7yf58h9jBD5Sa
  152. https://music.apple.com/us/album/no-chill-single/1445282243
  153. https://open.spotify.com/artist/27w1NoOLMX7tJMYqcetPyG
  154. https://musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Vic%2BMensa&tab=songaswriterchartstab
  155. https://grammy.com/artists/victor-mensah/19201
  156. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6274326/awards/
  157. https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-autobiography/vic-mensa/critic-reviews
  158. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/vic-mensa-the-autobiography/
  159. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/vic-mensa
  160. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/vic-mensa-victor-album-review/
  161. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/730986-vic-mensa-victor.php
  162. https://uproxx.com/music/vic-mensa-victor-review/
  163. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21998-theres-alot-going-on/
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