Vic Mensa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vic Mensa
Vic Mensa in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Victor Kwesi Mensah
Also known as	Vino
Born	(1993-06-06) June 6, 1993 (age 32) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper singer songwriter actor record producer
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Roc Nation Def Jam Capitol Closed Sessions Virgin EMI

Victor Kwesi Mensah (born June 6, 1993), known as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Before starting his solo career, he was part of the music groups Kids These Days and Savemoney. His first solo mixtape, Innanetape, came out in 2013.

As a solo artist, Vic Mensa has worked with several record labels like Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation. His first single, "Down on My Luck" (2014), was a mix of hip hop and house music. He also released "U Mad" (2015) with Kanye West. Vic Mensa's first album, The Autobiography (2017), was well-liked by music critics. He has also worked with famous artists such as Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, and Skrillex.

Vic Mensa is also known for his work helping his hometown of Chicago. He often speaks out about gun violence. He started the SavemoneySavelife foundation. This foundation uses art and entertainment to bring positive change and supports programs in Chicago that focus on health and the arts.

Early Life and Education

Victor Kwesi Mensah was born on June 6, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois. 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 journey in 2009 when he formed a band called Kids These Days. The band released two projects: an extended play (EP) called Hard Times in 2011 and a mixtape called Traphouse Rock in 2012.

Music Career

2013–2014: First Mixtape and Recognition

After his band split up in May 2013, Vic Mensa started performing as a solo artist. In 2014, he performed with Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn at the Governors Ball Music Festival. He sang the song "Clint Eastwood" with Albarn.

On September 18, 2013, it was announced that Vic Mensa would join rappers J. Cole and Wale on their "What Dreams May Come Tour." He then released his first solo mixtape, Innanetape, on September 30, 2013.

Vic Mensa in 2014

After the tour, he went on a European tour with Danny Brown in early 2014. To show his growing fame, Vic Mensa was featured on the cover of XXL magazine as part of their "Freshman Class of 2014." His first single, "Down on My Luck", was released in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2014. The music video for the song came out on the same day.

2015–2017: New EPs and First Album

On February 12, 2015, Kanye West played a new song called "Wolves" at an event. The song featured Vic Mensa and Sia. Vic Mensa later performed "Wolves" with Kanye West and Sia on Saturday Night Live.

Vic Mensa then released an official song with Kanye West called "U Mad" on April 10. A few days later, Roc Nation announced that Vic Mensa had signed with their label. A video showed him signing the deal with Jay-Z. In 2015, Vic Mensa was nominated for a Best Rap Song Grammy Award for helping to write Kanye West's song "All Day".

On February 8, 2016, it was announced that Vic Mensa would be part of Alexander Wang's "WANGSQUAD" campaign. On February 19, he released a song called "No Chill" with Skrillex. Vic Mensa also appeared on Kanye West's album The Life of Pablo on the song "Wolves".

On June 3, 2016, Vic Mensa released his second extended play (EP), There's Alot Going On. This EP talked about important issues like the Flint water crisis, the murder of Laquan McDonald, and mental health.

Later, Vic Mensa released his third EP, The Manuscript, on June 8, 2017. Three days later, he announced the title of his first studio album, The Autobiography. The first song from the album, "Wings," featuring Pharrell Williams and Saul Williams, came out on July 13. The Autobiography was released on July 28, 2017, through Roc Nation. The album included guest artists like Weezer, The-Dream, Chief Keef, and Pusha T.

2018–2019: Hooligans and 93Punx

Vic Mensa released his fourth EP, Hooligans, on December 14, 2018. It included the songs "Reverse" with G-Eazy and "Dark Things."

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." 93Punx then released their first song, "Camp America," with a video showing children in cages. Their first album, also called 93Punx, was released on August 23, 2019.

2020-Present: New EPs and Acting

In August 2020, Vic Mensa released "No More Teardrops," a song about police brutality and the prison system. This song was part of Roc Nation's album Reprise. He then released his fifth EP, V Tape, on August 21, 2020.

Also in 2020, Vic Mensa started acting. He played the character Prince in the film Akilla's Escape, which was shown at the TIFF. The movie won several awards.

On March 26, 2021, Vic Mensa released the album I Tape under Roc Nation. This album explored ideas about the American Dream and talked about racial injustice in America and the need for prison reform. The album featured artists like Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean.

After the success of I Tape, he released a four-song EP called Vino Valentino on Valentine's Day in 2022.

Musical Style and Influences

Vic Mensa has mentioned many hip hop artists who influenced his music. Some of these include Jay-Z, Kanye West, A Tribe Called Quest, Eminem, Biggie Smalls, Missy Elliott, and Nas.

Music critics have praised his ability to use words creatively in his songs. In his music and public talks, Vic Mensa often speaks out 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

See also

In Spanish: Vic Mensa para niños