All The Smoke

Vic Mensa Unfiltered: Chicago, ICE, Kanye & the Lies We’re Fed

Jan 22, 2026
Vic Mensa, a Chicago-born artist, activist, and cultural commentator, shares his powerful insights on activism, music, and identity. He uses social media as a platform for truth and discusses the realities of immigration in Chicago. Vic highlights the impact of redlining on systemic poverty and emphasizes addressing youth needs over policing. He shares memorable moments with Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, reflects on his biracial upbringing, and reveals how his ayahuasca experiences transformed his perspective. This discussion is a profound mix of personal journey and cultural commentary.
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INSIGHT

Strategic Use Of Social Media

  • Vic Mensa uses social media as a vessel to bring truth and new ideas to people.
  • He emphasizes strategic responses over purely emotional reactions when confronting injustice.
INSIGHT

Division Is Manufactured Power

  • Vic praises New Yorkers for unified action against ICE and contrasts it with Chicago's deep segregation.
  • He argues manufactured division prevents collective resistance and benefits those in power.
ANECDOTE

Helping Venezuelan Migrants In Chicago

  • Vic describes aiding Venezuelan asylum seekers sent to Chicago and facing backlash for it.
  • He connects the maneuver to deliberate political tactics that create division and resource strain.
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