vic mensa Archives

Vic Mensa Gets Everything Off Of His Chest On A Charged Track (Audio)

Vic Mensa does not ever go quietly. The Roc Nation MC premiered "Danger" during the Madison Square Garden Yeezy Season 3 showcase on Thursday (February 11). The song has a chip on its shoulder that explains why Mensa and Kanye West works so well together. On a jarring creation by... Read more

February 14, 2016 Audio

Kanye West Unveils Swish Tracklist & Says It’s “The Best Album Of All Time”

It is less than three weeks away from the release of Kanye West's seventh solo album. Swish will release on February 11, and already its maker is calling it "the best album of all time." The Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records release is West's first since 2013's Yeezus. So happy to be... Read more

January 25, 2016 News

Vic Mensa Ends All Questions About Why Jay Z Signed Him With This Freestyle Over Classic Biggie (Audio)

Over the past few months, Vic Mensa has been adding his own flavor to the work of others, including his re-imagining of Future's "Codeine Crazy," his "Breakfast Bars" segment attacking some vintage Ice Cube beats, and his chance to pay homage to his current boss, Jay-Z, by freestyling over the... Read more

July 30, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Vic Mensa Flexes His Singing Chops on a Complete Re-Invention of Future’s Codeine Crazy (Audio)

Before Vic Mensa went solo in 2013, he was in a band. Not a Hip-Hop band, a collective of 7 artists and musicians who excelled at playing music across genres. Like Kids These Days, Mensa's musical tastes are wide-ranging. In fact, he often cites Nirvana as one of his biggest... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa Is Back On His EDM Flavor, Thanks To Skrillex & Jahil Beats (Audio)

As one of the more versatile artists in Hip-Hop today, every Vic Mensa track is an apparent opportunity to go in any direction. Teaming with EDM superstar artist/producer Skrillex and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native Jahlil Beats (who is also part of the Roc Nation family), Vic leads up to Traffic with... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa Is Breaking New Ground. But He Can Still Crush Old Ice Cube Beats (Video)

Vic Mensa fronted a Rock & Roll band. Vic Mensa made hits with House music. But can Vic Mensa obliterate some '90s and 2000s G-Funk? Most definitely. The Save Money MC hits "The Cruz Show" to munch on some "Breakfast Bars," better described as classic Ice Cube instrumentals. The Chicago,... Read more

June 25, 2015 Video

Vic Mensa & Kanye West Make ‘Em Mad, But They Love It Though (Video)

Vic Mensa is hitting 2015's midpoint on a whole other level from where he started. The Save Money MC/vocalist went from Kids These Days to a Roc Nation solo deal in no easy steps. He made groundbreaking music, and Rap's elite took notice. While Jay Z inked Vic, Kanye West... Read more

June 9, 2015 Video

Jesse Boykins III Shares His Own Wonder Years In The Form Of Polaroids (Video)

Jesse Boykins III has released the video for his single "The Wonder Years," off of his 2014 LP Love Apparatus. Boykins, a Bilal protege, has stayed consistent through putting his own spin on popular songs, like Drake and Jhene Aiko's "From Time." This visual is compilations of images of Jesse's recent... Read more

May 27, 2015 Video

Why Did Jay Z Sign Vic Mensa? Watch His Blackout Freestyle Over Roc Boys (Video)

Less than halfway into 2015, it's already been a monster year for Vic Mensa. The multi-talented Chicago MC has collaborated with Kanye West twice, and was recently signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation. To some, the signing may have been a surprising move, but for Heads who have followed Mensa... Read more

May 15, 2015 Video

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

The month of April 2015 in Hip-Hop brought some welcomed surprises. A slew of artists released high quality freestyles over classic 90s beats, including Fabolous, Jadakiss, Styles P and Lloyd Banks, to name a few. Raekwon laid the groundwork for his F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art) album, with releases featuring... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa’s Down On My Luck Gets Chuck Inglish’s Groovy Reconsideration (Audio)

Almost to the week, it's been a year since Vic Mensa brought out some modern-day Hip-House with "Down On My Luck." Complete with a psychedelic video, the Chicago, Illinois MC touched on pain, release, sadness, and catharsis in a song that was more R&B and Deep House than traditional Rap... Read more

May 4, 2015 Audio

Skills Trump Luck…Vic Mensa Signs To Roc Nation

Vic Mensa is having an incredible last 12 months. Since INNANETTAPE two years ago, the Chicago, Illinois MC/musician has released a hit video single in "Down On My Luck," released two songs with Kanye West, and now, he's signed to one of the music industry's premiere labels. Today (April 21)... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

Vic Mensa Releases the Official Version of His Kanye West Collaboration. U Mad? (Audio)

Vic Mensa has been steadily putting in grind time for more than 6 years. The Chicago MC burst onto the scene in 2009 as part of the Hip-Hop band, Kids These Days. While a member of the group, Mensa and the Kids released a dark and stirring version of Kanye... Read more

April 10, 2015 Audio

Kanye West Says His Next Album Returns To Music, Opens Up About Class, Religion & Dame Dash (Video)

A lover of surprises, Kanye West popped in on The Breakfast Club this morning (February 20), and the superstar sat in the hot seat for nearly an hour. In a particularly light mood (especially compared to his November 2013 visit), 'Ye takes any and all questions—including some penetrating inquiries from... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Some Unreleased Vic Mensa Surfaces on the Heels of His SNL Debut (Audio)

Vic Mensa's having quite a week. With the world television stage on "SNL40" (well, those not watching the NBA All-Star Game), Mensa joined Sia and Kanye West for a highly-stylized, deeply choreographed performance of "Wolves." With folks running to their social media to ask more about the versatile MC/singer with... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Kanye West Previews a Brand New Song Featuring Vic Mensa and Sia (Video)

This is a big week for Kanye West. He performed not once, but twice at this year's Grammy Awards, both solo and with Rihanna and Paul McCartney. He later created a bit of a firestorm by taking the awards show to task for not respecting true artistry. Today (2/12), he... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

Vic Mensa Blacks Out Over a Red Hot Kaytranada Beat (Audio)

Vic Mensa and Kaytranada are no strangers. The two worked together on last year's "Wimme Nah" release by Mensa and have now reunited on "Drive Me Crazy." Like their first effort, "Drive Me Crazy" is a trapped out beat injected with melody and Vic flexing a ferocious flow. Kaytranada is... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa & Michael Uzowuru Release the First Song They Ever Recorded (Audio)

Vic Mensa and producer Michael Uzowuru have developed a special musical chemistry in the short amount of time they've known one another. Each has a love of music of all genres and defies labeling with respect to his craft. Thus, to no surprise, the music they've made together is often... Read more

November 24, 2014 Audio

Vic Mensa Says “Post-Racial Society” Is A Lie, Details Traffic Sound (Video)

While performing recently in Canada, Chicago, Illinois' Vic Mensa swung through Montreality. During the signature interview chronicling everything from video games to academic life, fetishes to romantic gestures, Vic opens up about his Traffic album. Around the 3:40 mark, the Save Money star declares that his full-length will be, in... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here Are the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers. Who Had the Best Verse (Video)

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards featured a variety of artists and different styles. From up and comers to grizzled veterans, each had something to prove. Many also had something meaningful to say, with references to the killing of Mike Brown and the protests in Ferguson manifesting throughout several verses.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of August 2014 (Audio)

August was a banner month for Hip-Hop. Not only was there good music but several artists used their talents to speak out against the killing of Michael Brown and the events that transpired in Ferguson, MO. Though the Summer is fading, the heat generated from the music in August lingers.... Read more

September 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Vic Mensa Releases a Remix of Wimme Nah With a Little More BOOM (Audio)

Three weeks after the release of his new single "Wimme Nah," Vic Mensa releases a remix courtesy of Waldo & Sango. This new version preserves the essence of the song but the trapped out drums give the track more BOOM. Check it out. Related: Vic Mensa Releases a Hot New... Read more

September 1, 2014 Audio

In Light Of The Protests In Ferguson, Vic Mensa Understands That The People Have All The Power

In a recent interview with the Huffington Post, Vic Mensa delves into his personal experiences growing up in the inner city of Chicago as compared to the recent events in Ferguson and details his belief in the power of our nation's citizens to turn this ship around. "The attitude of... Read more

August 22, 2014 Fresh

Vic Mensa Makes Some Rock & Soul With Frequent Collaborator Michael Uzowuru (Audio)

In his young career, Vic Mensa has defied being categorized. Once a front-man of a truly organic Rap-Rock group, Kids These Days, Mensa's 2014 lead single has been inspired by Chicago House. He's also tackling some Jazz tracks this year to boot. So why should Heads be surprised when the... Read more

August 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vic Mensa Releases a Hot New Track and Asks Are You “Wimme Nah?” (Audio)

Vic Mensa releases an uptempo club banger in the vein of "Feel That," with even more BANG, courtesy of Kaytranada's track. Check out "Wimme Nah." Related: Vic Mensa Raps About How He & Chief Keef Are Of The Same Water, Jay Z Meetings In SBTV Freestyle (Video)... Read more

August 8, 2014 Audio

Chance The Rapper Gives A Down-Home Performance With Vic Mensa & R. Kelly At Lollapalooza (Video)

The crowd is passionate and knowledgeable. You step out into the spotlight and all of the sights and smells you experience trigger memories from years past. The fans who are cheering for you are your neighbors. These are the same people who have grown up with you, watching and following... Read more

August 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

AFH: The Week in Video (8/3/14) (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new visuals from Scarface & Akon, The Lox & Mobb Deep, Apollo Brown and REKS, a dramatic reading from Warren G, freestyles from Taylor Bennett (Chance the Rapper's brother) and Vic Mensa, a preview of The Simpsons vs. The Family Guy and more. Check out... Read more

August 3, 2014 Playlists, Video

Action Bronson, Schoolboy Q, Vic Mensa & More Blow The Roof Off Peter Palooza III (Video)

Blow out the candles with Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg as the radio personality kicks it behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop for his third birthday bash aptly titled Peter Palooza III. After snapping a few quick pictures with the likes of Chris Rivers, Retch, and... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Raps About How He & Chief Keef Are Of The Same Water, Jay Z Meetings In SBTV Freestyle (Video)

After last week's 10-minute freestyle, Vic Mensa keeps things a bit more simple and concentrated for SBTV's Warm Up Sessions. While in the United Kingdom, the Save Money standout uses his cue to rap about Chicago's violent epidemic, and reminds Heads that just 'cause he might not talk about the... Read more

July 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

This Week in Video Brought New Redman & Method Man, DJ Quik, 1996 Kanye and More (Video Playlist)

This was a big week in Hip-Hop video, bringing new music from Method Man & Redman and DJ Quik, a bombastic lyric video from Busta Rhymes & Eminem, Nas' video for "Represent" 20 years later, a provocative video from Hopsin, footage of 19-year old Kanye freestyling, a preview of Aaron... Read more

July 20, 2014 Playlists, Video

Vic Mensa Kicks Freestyle Fire In The Booth For More Than 10 Minutes (Video)

Joining DJ/host Charlie Sloth on the BBC 1Xtra show, Vic Mensa ignites Fire In The Booth. The show's series finds MCs kicking bars over some impromptu instrumentals. It's unclear how much of it is off the dome (sure seems like most of it), but the Save Money front-man and his... Read more

July 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Wilds Out On A Pyschedelic Trap Journey In Feel That (Video)

Already with an excellent 2014 narrative-style video under his belt, Vic Mensa keeps the trip going. "Feel That" takes a literal approach, with some aurally-taken meds and a subsequent trip that would make Hunter S. Thompson proud: Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the Best Music Videos of the Year... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jon Conner, Isaiah Rashad, Vic Mensa & More Link With DJ Drama For 2014 XXL Freshmen (Mixtape)

In XXL magazine's ultra-expanded Freshmen roll-out, so comes the DJ Drama-helmed mixtape. While Chance The Rapper notably sat out the tape, other high-profile 2014 Freshmen including Isaiah Rashad (who is the only freshman this year who can claim a Top 40 album under his belt), Vic Mensa, and Jon Connor... Read more

June 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Chance The Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Vic Mensa, Kevin Gates & August Alsina Rock A XXL Cypher (Video)

Five of 2014's highest profile XXL Freshmen kick off this week's recurring series of cyphers featuring the magazine's upcoming cover stars. Two Chicago luminaries, Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa unite, joined by Southern guttural spitter Kevin Gates, TDE's Tennessee delegate Isaiah Rashad, and Interscope's breakthrough singer/rapper double-threat, August Alsina.... Read more

June 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Goes Back to Hollywood LA with a Dynamic Performance (Video)

Vic Mensa renders a dynamic performance of "Hollywood LA," one of the many standout cuts on his Innanet Tape, at Truth Studios in Los Angeles. His dynamic delivery emphasizes the intricate wordplay embedded in the deceptively laid back song. Check out the video. Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa Turns Down A “Deal” And Then Breaks Out For XXL’s Freshman Freestyle (Video)

Vic Mensa's been displaying an incredible amount of versatility lately with the releases from the Trance-like, House-inspired "Down On My Luck," to his feature on Donnie Trumpet's jazz heavy, "Pasadena." His talents have definitely not gone unnoticed, as the soon to be 22 year-old Save Money artist has recently earned... Read more

May 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Releases One of the Best Music Videos of the Year (Video)

Vic Mensa is a machine. With many styles in his repertoire, the Kids These Days MC turned star soloist released two different looks in one day. Accompanying longtime collaborator Donnie Trumpet on the Bluesy Jazz-influenced "Pasadena," Mensa also released the pepped-up Hip-House visual to his "Down On My Luck." Think... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chicago’s Musical Renaissance Is So Colorful. Donnie Trumpet & Vic Mensa Are Blue For Pasadena (Video)

Chicago has long been a musical crossroads for Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll, and even Hip-Hop. Where East meets West, at Lake Michigan, is both a collection and a tributary of so many things. In Hip-Hop's recent years, this is especially true. Two such artists are Donnie Trumpet and Vic... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

XXL Reveals Its 2014 Freshman Class (Video)

XXL has revealed its 2014 Freshman Class. Past years have generated TONS of controversy and this year's likely will follow suit. Take a look at the class below and weigh in on who your favorite MCs are from the list, as well as who you think got left off that... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Featured Scarface, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, The Roots & More (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video featured Scarface discussing how he avoided having a massive heart attack, Kendrick Lamar performing California Love, Danny Brown speaking about the disturbing side effects of sipping lean, new music videos from The Roots, Styles P, J. Cole, and much more. Check out the video... Read more

May 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Vic Mensa Kicks the Ill Freestyle with Help From a Human Beat Box (Video)

When's the last time you saw somebody kick a freestyle accompanied by a human beat box? Vic Mensa stopped by Prince Paul's All Purpose Show and, after an insightful interview, dropped some off the top bars with a human beat box version of Biggie's 10 Crack Commandments. Check out the... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Days After We Lose A Hip-House Pioneer, Vic Mensa Makes A Heartfelt Club Track (Audio)

In the last 48 hours, it was announced that DJ EZ Rock had died. The Harlem native, and musical partner of Rob Base was a prominent, gold-certified part of the late '80s "Hip-House" movement, whereby the genres of Hip-Hop and House music collided for a series of hit singles, albums,... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vic Mensa Pulls Off the Craziest Ending Yet to a Nardwaur Interview (Video)

Vic Mensa got the Nardwaur treatment while at SXSW. He spoke about everything from J Dilla to Louis Farrakhan. And, in the end, he put Nardwaur to the ultimate test with a blow up doll...Check out the video. Related: How Does Vic Mensa’s SAVEMONEY Crew Fit Into Chiraq? They Don’t... Read more

March 26, 2014 Video

Asher Roth Tries To Help People Get The Message In Fast Life (Video)

This morning, Asher Roth and Vic Mensa released "The Fast Life." Quite a different message and tone than Kool G Rap and Nas' song of the same title from nearly 20 years ago, this record challenges fast-paced living for an ode encouraging the celebration of the simple things. For the... Read more

March 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Asher Roth & Vic Mensa Sing and Rap About the Fast Life on a Lush Musical Track (Audio)

Asher Roth and Vic Mensa sing and rap on an incredibly lush track. And, while the song is soulful and instantly catchy, it is not light fare. It tackles what can happen when dealing with low self esteem. Check out Fast Life. Related: The Video For Asher Roth’s Tangerine Girl... Read more

March 25, 2014 Audio

Vado, Schoolboy Q and Vic Mensa Freestyle on RapFix Live (Video)

Schoolboy Q, Vic Mensa and Vado stopped by RapFix Live and dropped some a capella verses. Check out the video of their cypher. Related: Here's the Full Version of ScHoolboy Q & Raekwon’s Blind Threats Collaboration (Audio)... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa, Mibbs (of Pac Div) & Tokyo Shawn Take it Back to the Real with a True Freestyle Cypher (Video)

When's the last time you saw a good old-fashioned FREESTYLE cypher--not pre-written verses but MCs truly going off the top? Vic Mensa, Mibbs (of Pac Div) and Tokyo Shawn did just that and each had BARS. Check out this video and renew your faith in the art of freestyling. Related:... Read more

January 18, 2014 Video

Here Are the Best Hip-Hop Mixtapes of 2013. Stream and Download More Than 45 Mixtapes Here (Mixtapes)

2013 was a stellar year for mixtapes. In fact, with strong releases from Big K.R.I.T., Pusha T, Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Rapsody, Raekwon, Slum Village, Curren$y, Cam'ron, Lloyd Banks, Pete Rock & Camp Lo, Problem, Nipsey Hussle, Action Bronson, Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes and more, it can be argued... Read more

December 24, 2013 Audio, Mixes

Even in 2010 Vic Mensa Was a Razor Sharp Lyricist. Here’s Proof…(Audio)

For new artists, a lot can change from the time you start making noise to your breakthrough. While Vic Mensa has the Kids These Days years to point back to, he's been plugging away at solo records for sometime. With the release of an Innanet Tape package that should greatly... Read more

December 23, 2013 Audio

Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper Reunite on Suitcase. The Future of Hip-Hop is in Good Hands (Audio)

Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa are collaborators, competitors and above all brothers in a new Chicago sound and movement. They have brought back musicality and honesty to Hip-Hop in a way that has been sorely missed. Here's their latest joint effort, Suitcase. Related: Vic Mensa Talks Life, Death, Music,... Read more

December 8, 2013 Audio