Vic Mensa: podcast appearances and interviews

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper and activist born on June 6, 1993. He was raised in Chicago and was a member of the regional hip-hop groups Kids These Days and Savemoney before releasing his debut solo mixtape, Innanetape, in 2013. As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to several major record labels including Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation. His music incorporates various styles; his 2014 debut single, Down on My Luck, explored hip house, while his 2015 single, U Mad, featuring Kanye West, adopted a drill sound. U Mad achieved gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. His debut studio album, The Autobiography, was released in 2017 and received critical praise, entering the Billboard 200 chart. His second album, Victor, released in 2023, did not chart. Mensa has collaborated with prominent artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Wyclef Jean, and Skrillex. Beyond his music career, Mensa is known for his activism and charitable work in Chicago. He is a vocal advocate against gun violence and is the founder of the SavemoneySavelife foundation. The foundation aims to use art and entertainment to foster sustainable change and funds three programs in Chicago focused on health and the arts.