Vic Mensa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vic Mensa |
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Mensa in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Victor Kwesi Mensah |
| Also known as | Vino |
| Born | June 6, 1993 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
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Victor Kwesi Mensah, known as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. He was born on June 6, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois. Before becoming a solo artist, he was part of groups like Kids These Days and Savemoney. His first solo music, a mixtape called Innanetape, came out in 2013. Vic Mensa has worked with major music labels like Roc Nation and Def Jam Recordings.
His first single, "Down on My Luck" (2014), was a mix of hip hop and house music. His 2015 song, "U Mad" featuring Kanye West, was a popular hit. His first album, The Autobiography (2017), was well-liked by critics. He has worked with famous artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, and Skrillex.
Vic Mensa is also known for his work in the community. He speaks out about important issues like gun violence in his hometown of Chicago. He started the SavemoneySavelife foundation. This group uses art and entertainment to help make positive changes. It supports programs in Chicago that focus on health and the arts.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Victor Kwesi Mensah was born on June 6, 1993. His father is from Ghana, and his mother is American. He grew up in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. He went to Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.
Vic Mensa started his music career in 2009. He formed a band called Kids These Days. The band released an EP (Extended Play) called Hard Times in 2011. They also released a mixtape called Traphouse Rock in 2012.
Music Career Highlights
Early Solo Work and Recognition
The band Kids These Days broke up in May 2013. After that, Vic Mensa began his solo career. He performed with Gorillaz singer Damon Albarn in 2014. He sang the song "Clint Eastwood" with him.
In September 2013, Vic Mensa joined J. Cole and Wale on their "What Dreams May Come Tour." His first solo mixtape, Innanetape, was released on September 30, 2013.
After his tour, he went on a European tour with Danny Brown in early 2014. Vic Mensa was also featured on the cover of XXL magazine. He was part of their "Freshman Class" of new artists in 2014. His first single, "Down on My Luck", was released in the UK in May 2014. The music video came out on the same day.
Collaborations and Album Releases
In February 2015, Kanye West released a song called "Wolves." It featured Vic Mensa and Sia. Vic Mensa performed this song with them on Saturday Night Live. He later released another song with Kanye West called "U Mad" in April.
Soon after, Roc Nation announced that Vic Mensa had signed with their label. He signed the deal with Jay-Z backstage at a concert. In 2015, Vic Mensa was nominated for a Best Rap Song Grammy Award. This was for co-writing Kanye West's song "All Day."
In February 2016, Vic Mensa released a song called "No Chill." It featured Skrillex and was produced by him. Vic Mensa also appeared on Kanye West's album The Life of Pablo.
On June 3, 2016, Mensa released his second EP, There's Alot Going On. This EP talked about important issues. These included the Flint water crisis and the murder of Laquan McDonald. The EP reached number 127 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
He also performed as an opening act for Justin Bieber's "Purpose World Tour" in Europe.
Before his first album, Vic Mensa released another EP called The Manuscript in June 2017. His debut album, The Autobiography, came out on July 28, 2017. It featured artists like Weezer, Syd, and Pharrell Williams. The album reached number 27 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Recent Projects and New Sounds
Vic Mensa released his fourth EP, Hooligans, on December 14, 2018. It included songs like "Reverse" with G-Eazy.
In January 2019, Vic Mensa started a new band called 93Punx. This band mixes punk rock and rap music. They released a cover of the Cranberries song "Zombie." Their debut album, 93Punx, was released on August 23, 2019.
In August 2020, Mensa released the song "No More Teardrops." This song addressed topics like police actions and the justice system. It was part of Roc Nation's Reprise album. He also released his fifth EP, V Tape, on August 21, 2020.
In 2020, Vic Mensa also started acting. He appeared in the film Akilla's Escape. The movie was nominated for several awards.
On March 26, 2021, Mensa released the album I Tape. This album explored ideas about the "American Dream." It discussed issues like racial injustice and prison reform. The album featured artists like Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean. It was popular in the underground music scene.
Following the success of I Tape, he released a four-song EP called Vino Valentino on Valentine's Day in 2022. His second studio album, Victor, was released in 2023.
Musical Style and Influences
Vic Mensa has shared that many hip hop artists have influenced his music. Some of these include Jay-Z, Kanye West, A Tribe Called Quest, Eminem, Biggie Smalls, and Nas.
Critics have praised his music for its "lyrical nourishment." They noted his skill in fitting many words into his songs. In his music and public discussions, Vic Mensa often talks about important social issues. These include gun violence and mental health.
Discography
Studio albums
- The Autobiography (2017)
- Victor (2023)
Collaborative albums
- 93Punx (with 93Punx) (2019)
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Awards | Category | Nominated work | Result |
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| 2015 | mtvU Woodie Awards | Best Video Woodie | "Down on My Luck" | Nominated |
| 2016 | Grammy Awards | Best Rap Song | "All Day" (as a songwriter) | Nominated |
| 2018 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding New Artist | Himself | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Vic Mensa para niños
