The JAAM OPEN YOUR MIND w/ The Chicago Legend Vic Mensa
Dec 25, 2025
Grammy-nominated artist Vic Mensa shares insights into his Chicago roots and the music scene's evolution. He reflects on the Internet Tape era and the powerful messages in his recent projects. Topics include navigating mental health, the importance of authenticity in the digital age, and his artistic independence. Vic discusses the impact of hip-hop culture, the challenges of social media, and his political activism since 2016. He also delves into African history and its connection to contemporary issues, making a compelling case for artists as voices of change.
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Breakthrough From "Orange Soda" Era
- Vic Mensa describes "Orange Soda" as the first song from Internet Tape that took him global and reflects a raw, early period living out of high school.
- He credits mushrooms for inspiring the Internet Tape concept and his feeling of being "the internet" during that era.
Chicago's Band-Driven Musical DNA
- Vic traces Chicago's musical strength to bands like Kids These Days that emphasized live musicianship and musicality.
- That live-band foundation taught artists to pursue authenticity beyond rapping over backing tracks.
West African History Shapes His Art
- Vic explains Sundiata and Mansa Musa as inspirations: Sundiata founded the Mali Empire and Mansa Musa's wealth shaped his world-building.
- He even named his son Mansa Musa to reflect that connection to West African history.
