Photo: NBC / NBCUniversal via Getty Images
  /  06.27.2019

As KRS-One articulated throughout his catalog and in his many teachings, “Rap is something you do, hip hop is something you live.” As the culture continues to evolve today, many feel it’s not only important, but vital to preserve and honor the fundamental elements: Graffiti, emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying and knowledge. This column called “Each One, Teach One” aims to do exactly that. It will highlight various lessons that can be passed between new and old generations alike.


Vic Mensa’s artistry, much like how he divides his time on a daily basis, is very intentional. While he’s no stranger to working late nights and getting up early mornings, this past Thursday (June 20) wasn’t because of a late night in the studio or an early flight to catch for a tour stop. He instead, found himself meeting a production crew outside of his home in Los Angeles. Mensa may have technically been running on four hours of sleep or up late from an acting class running into the night before. But he was focused, calm and curiously animate when I first shook his hand at that ungodly hour.



The itinerary for the day ahead, full of activations coinciding with World Refugee Day, was one that further reinforced why such a demanding schedule is more than worth it to him. At this point in his career, Mensa has found his voice, his mission and, his purpose; three invaluable cornerstones that are shaping his legacy one dedicated creative act at a time. While we all have the same 24 hours, Mensa is making sure none of his go to waste. Even if that means catching up on sleep in hourlong pockets, while riding in a minivan on his way to Mexico, all before 7 AM hit.

Having celebrated his birthday weeks prior to his hometown of Chicago, the freshly minted 26-year-old’s first trip across the border wasn’t able to make his way to the beach or to wander the streets as a bright-eyed tourist on vacation. Such thoughts didn’t even cross his mind, with his dedication to his activism a sentiment that was further enforced when a fan recognized him at the border and asked him what he was doing in Mexico in the first place.



Mensa was kind, explaining the initiative and his intention for the day to the fan, whose demeanor flipped in reaction to hearing a response he wasn’t anticipating from a celebrity figure he ran into randomly in public. However, as Mensa learned firsthand, the gravity of the magnitude of the situation is hard to escape in Tijuana once you open your eyes to it, even as the plethora of advertisements for inexpensive prescription drugs and specialty tequila do their best to push the humanitarian crisis back into the shadows in which it operates.

On World Refugee Day, Mensa partnered with Revolve Impact, an award-winning movement building creative agency, to meet with various nonprofits working tirelessly in Tijuana and learn more about what is happening at the southern U.S. border. In addition to learning more about the work of community nonprofits, Al Otro Lado, Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Haitian Bridge Alliance, [Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – San Diego (PANASD)] (https://www.panasd.org/) and Pillars of the Community, Mensa gave a guerrilla-style performance of his latest song, “Camp America;” a political anthem that doubles as the introduction of his alternative rock/rap band, 93 Punx.



In the provocative music video, Mensa condemns Donald Trump’s immigration policy. Specifically calling out ICE director Matthew Albence for his comments likening ICE detention centers to “summer camps.” During the accompanying visual, Mensa casts white children, as opposed to minority children, and places them in cages as they outwardly celebrate while they are subjected to torture and forced to drink out of toilets.



“Sometimes people will ask me, ‘Why are you talking about all of this?’” he remarked. “With something like ‘Camp America,’ I really try to play a line (between the serious subject matter and listenability of the song). It’s something that makes me dance every time I listen to it, but it takes a very heavy turn when you understand it and when you see the visual. It’s like, man, the reason I talk about the things I do in my music is because those are the things that I talk about in my life. Those are the things I care about.“

The political satire is a tongue-and-cheek interpretation of actual occurrences reported from the detention centers. This makes a statement about how disproportionate the treatment of migrants would be if those directly being impacted by the immigration crisis at the border weren’t children of color, showing how absurd the claim is that these centers are less like prisons and more like summer camp.



“Breitbart and a bunch of other right-wing outlets wrote about (Camp America), they were mad I put the white kids in cages,” Mensa reflected. “I think when Breitbart starts hating on you–my dad told me this too–that means that you’ve made it.”

What separates Mensa from others is his dedication to elevating his advocacy through his art by following up his creative expression with action, something he refers to as a “necessary” part of the process. Throughout his burgeoning career, Mensa has helped spearhead several campaigns in his hometown of Chicago, including raising money to aid homeless people through his SaveMoneySaveLife foundation, as well as has protested against police brutality and racial inequality.



“When you look at the inner workings or the behind-the-scenes of organizations such as CoreCivic or GEO Group, the ones who operate these immigrant detention centers, you see they also operate private state prisons full of Black men,” Mensa explained. “They operate prisons in Palestine to illegally detain political prisoners. It’s all related. It’s all connected. Just follow the paper trail and you find out that it’s the same people. So, that’s why I feel like… action is necessary.”

After spending hours with representatives from the nonprofit groups and discussing the complicated issues at hand, the Roc Nation artist and his team traveled back to San Diego, making a strategic pitstop in front of the Otay Mesa Immigrant Prison. Mensa jumped on the back of a flatbed truck with members from his band–fully aware that while the street was public property, the police could be called at any moment. He then erupted into a powerful performance of “Camp America” and another track off the upcoming 93 Punx album.



With security vans from the controversial CoreCivic-owned private prison circling the parking lot as Mensa’s potent lyrics poured out of the portable speakers, it was hard not to imagine how the politically charged songs pierced through the presumably tense silence and fear found on the other side of the concrete walls housing thousands of adults and their children, hopefully bringing a message of hope and reassurance that their experiences won’t go unnoticed for much longer.

“It can be discouraging. It can be overwhelming,” Mensa says, touching on his decision to continue placing activism at the forefront of his artistry. “But that’s where courage comes in. Courage and resilience.”

In addition to raising awareness through his art, Vic Mensa is also currently raising money to help ensure the safety and freedom of unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children in the United States through his Camp America t-shirt, with proceeds going to Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). See more information here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 💔 (@vicmensa) on


More by KC Orcutt](https://www.instagram.com/kcya/

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Dig In & Drink Up | 'Bet on Black'

In this new episode of ‘Bet on Black,’ food and beverage take center stage as aspiring Black entrepreneurs from It’s Seasoned, Black Farmer Box, and Moors Brewing Co. present their business ideas to judges with mentorship from Melissa Butler. Watch here!

  /  11.15.2023

The Auditions | 'Shoot Your Shot'

The competition begins at REVOLT WORLD as rising rappers, singers, and musicians line up to audition for their spot on the main stage. Brought to you by McDonald’s.

  /  11.28.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Walmart brings in heavy-hitters for Black and Unlimited Tour panel

REVOLT is continuing its impactful partnership with Walmart by teaming up to showcase Black creatives at HBCUs all-across America. The panel consisted of three experienced, accomplished Black HBCU alumni: Actor and media personality Terrence J, entertainment attorney John T. Rose, and actress and “REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy-Rue McCullough.

  /  11.30.2023

Dr. Jaqueline Echols' mission to cure environmental racism

The health of a community can often be traced to the health of the environment that surrounds it. In Atlanta, a woman named Dr. Jaqueline Echols has dedicated her life to helping ensure that people in economically underserved communities have clean rivers – for better health and for the joy of outdoor recreational space.

  /  12.01.2023

Best chef's kiss | 'Bet on Black'

“Bet on Black” is back with an all-new season! Watch as judges Pinky Cole, Bun B, Van Lathan, and Target’s Melanie Gatewood-Hall meet new contestants and hear pitches from entrepreneurs Saucy D and Chef Diva Dawg.

  /  10.24.2023

Good taste test | 'Bet on Black'

With the help of host Dustin Ross and correspondent Danielle Young, entrepreneurs Diva Dawg, Brooklyn Tea, and The Sable Collective pitch their ideas to the judges. Watch the all-new episode of “Bet on Black” now!

  /  10.31.2023

From city lots to lush gardens: The power of urban farming with Karen Washington

This is the inspiring story of Karen Washington, a pioneering urban farmer who has been revolutionizing urban spaces by transforming them into vibrant community gardens and educational hubs. Sponsored by State Farm.

  /  11.17.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes