Vic Mensa

Victor Kwesi Mensah, better known as Vic Mensa, was born on June 6, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois. He first gained recognition as a member of local hip hop collectives, Kids These Days and Savemoney, before embarking on a solo career that would see him achieve significant milestones in the music industry. Mensa released his debut mixtape, **Innanetape**, in 2013, which showcased his unique style and lyrical prowess.

In 2014, he burst onto the scene with his debut single, **"Down on My Luck,"** which blended hip house influences and climbed into the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart. The following year, he collaborated with Kanye West on **"U Mad,"** which marked a shift towards a drill sound and earned a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His critically acclaimed first studio album, **The Autobiography** (2017), made its mark on the Billboard 200, while his latest project, **Victor** (2023), did not achieve the same commercial success.

Despite facing challenges in mainstream recognition, Mensa has worked alongside renowned artists like Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, and Skrillex. Beyond music, he is a passionate advocate for social issues, particularly gun violence in Chicago, and founded the SavemoneySavelife foundation. This initiative aims to leverage art and entertainment for sustainable change, supporting various programs focused on health and the arts in his community.