Vic Mensa waited too long to kick off his solo career. For nearly every very mainstream rapper right now, what you’ll notice is that once they breakthrough, they QUICKLY capitalize on their newfound success by embracing their major affiliate (Jay Z in Vic’s case), releasing singles, music videos, interviews, but most importantly, a full-length album. The latter alone establishes your place and identity when your name is buzzing. This creates a large and solid fanbase. Nearly every excellent name in music has done this to a degree. For example: Drake had So Far Gone in 2009, because of this he’s buzzing. Shortly after signing to Young Money, very quickly we were bombarded with singles, music videos, and (I remember) BET and radio interviews of him. Just a year later, Thank Me Later was selling nearly 500k in the first week. You have to strike while the iron is hot and Vic (as he revealed in interview and on the title track “There’s A Lot Going On” ) dealt with a lot of psychological issues shortly after being signed that delayed his album. “Innanetape,” his breakout project was the end 2013. Then after being signed, he teased his debut album “Traffic” which was to be released probably early 2015. But it was stalled and completely scrapped. We heard very little of Vic all the way until 2016 and that was just an EP. His debut came out just in 2017. And even in that breathe, “The Autobiography” was average. Vic is musically like everyone else and is still just ok as a songwriter. There’s no real need to pay attention to him because he’s not unique. Vic is a strong lyricist, very intelligent and aware guy, and has a cool look but: he waited FAR too long (kills superstar potential) and still lacks musical distinction (kills sales and demand). Had everything been done right, he would AT LEAST be at the popularity level of Joey Badass, Earl Sweatshirt, and Tyler the Creator pre-Flowerboy but now to everyone he just looks like a Chicago comic book villain. I like his music but why should you?

Mans went to Whitney Young, Chance went to Jones.

He lacks to make music that clicks.. lyrically he’s a beast but he doesn’t make transition records that can spread farther than a core group... he could easily be a rapper who is compared to cole but coles music clicks

You don’t diss a person who recently passed away and has the most loyal fan base

I dont like the way Mensa acts. He always seems mad. No good vibes at all. That throws me off.

I feel like Vic tries to be every style but he would have success if he focused on one sound/style. Plus he tries to be too artistic and it comes of like he's a poser.

he stopped making music his fans liked. simple. Kept trying to go for that broad audience at first then he was lyrical again and changed from what he started with completely.

I wish I could sit down with vic and wale and have a deep ass convo with them. They most definitely need way more respect they deserve.

His verse on Kanye’s Wolves was dope

Regardless of where he’s at now, innanetape is always going be a classic to me.

Nooooooppppeee..... The thing about music, especially in HipHop, is the fact that once you’re labeled as washed up or corny, nobody is checking for you!

He could keep up with anyone lyrically. It’s just too bad that people think he’s corny so they won’t give his music a listen.

Regardless he's a phenomenal rapper. He'll forever get my respect.

His verses are amazing, just needs the right producer to develop a style for him. Pity he hasn’t gotten the same popularity as Chance.

Vic and Chance didn't even go to the same school. Chance was at Jones and Vic at Whitney Young...

Vic reminds me of someone that they ain't and trying to hard to be someone he ain't. Biggz Was Here. 33.

Vic is a dope spitter.. he got some hard ass bars and features.. i feel like the media just wants to get rid of him cuz of the whole xxx thing plus he took too long in his career

Great video. You explained everything clearly.

Lyrically he’s underrated, he still has a chance to blow up more though

He hasn’t had a hit in 4 years but he has the nerve to talk about xxxtentacion 😂

I came to your page because I’m a Vic Mensa fan. 🥰 Vic is an amazing artist with bars for DAYS! I like the video you did because it was fair. After watching a few of your videos it seems like you give information without bashing anybody. You seem to be fair to all artists. I’m gonna binge watch your videos for the rest of the day now! 💕#VicMensa #SaveMoney💕

But when rappers stay true to who they are and are really delivering a message (in this age), they may be in the light for a while because they are fresh and new, but after some time, they are put on the back burner and swept under the carpet. Because let's be real. Everyone may say that they are woke and concious, but only FEW TRULY walk that walk. We would rather vibe to "You're such a freaky girl" than to "Everybody dies but not everybody lives". 2 totally different messages but 1 will always be bumped a lot louder than the other. Especially in THIS day and age. Artists like Phora, Vic Mensa, J. Cole, even Kirk Franklin could be mainstream IF that is really what they wanted to do. But what is the use of making music if the message is lost in the midst of it all. The beauty is the energy BEHIND the drums and instruments (including jazz and classical). That energy is what makes you really feel the artist and music and message coming through your speakers. People aren't looking at Childish Gambino ALL the time. Only when it is relevant. But Cardi B, 69, Daniel Bregoli or Lil Pump for example: you see them in hip hop news just about everyday and they don't really talk about cheeit but drama and mind numbing music for the most part. In MY opinion. In this day in age (not lumping every song together but in general) if the song makes you really think and go deeper, More than just a broken heart. more than just selling bricks and being on the street ( I mean when you have to listen to the song multiple times because there is so much to gain), it is undermined in a sense because it makes you think. Now, those strong songs are listened to for a month or two then shelved to collect dust. It's sad what entertainment has really become in general. Music seems to be taken a lot more lightly than what it used to. Music was seen a lot more as, energy, strength and understanding that will speak into someone life. Had it's OWN heartbeat and soul. Now it's JUST entertainment for the money. A distraction. As long as you're marching to the drum of THEIR beat, everything is fine and dandy. But as soon as you march and dance to the drum of your OWN beat that GOD has given you (because everyone matures at a different time and not everyone's approach is the same or has to be; take for example Russ who everyonecan hate on all the want but the man has talent. He was popping before he was popping and didn't have to release albums like everyone else. He is STILL the same Russ. Still the same flow but it was just finally time for God to allow his words to come to past and it is the perfect time). . . Oh no, that can't be supported. And we are so used to following what is up and coming (one another) that if we aren't careful, we as in TRUE fanatics of music, then we sometimes can get lost in the sauce too. True lovers and connoisseurs of music aren't followers. we are pioneers. When everyone else may have fallen off of that artist or song, that very same artist who has stayed true (Like Ab Soul💕) and that very same song thats tune has stayes the same, we will still be right there with them vibing out.

Autobiography was underrated imo and I’m excited to hear future music

Keep these kind of videos going. Your channel will get big !

Super underrated artist.

Honestly I forgot about this guy completely but understanding his history now I understand how he was a good producer that ended up overproducing his own show.

Perfect time to post this

Vic mensa still dope. Whatever sympathy X's family was looking for , I don't know, they should have corrected they son first.. Long live Mensa ✊ Ghana ⭐ Black Star ⭐

Chance and Vic did NOT go to the same high school

HIs album the autobiography should have been the album of the year it was a magnificent album

I still cant name one Vic Mensa song

tbh ever since the akademiks shit his career went down because people clowned him. i always loved his music and i will continue too.

I mean last time i checked he raps better then 90 percent of these weirdos out now. And his ep and lp was pretty darn good.

Vic is a great lyricist he’s got a lot of talent and Innanetape and The Autobiography are both super slept on but I think he’s just living in Chances shadow bc of it wasn’t for Chance I probably would’ve never heard of him

is that the genius font

He shouldn’t have cut the dreads

Vic and Chance didn’t go the same school, Vic went to Whitney Young, Chance went to Jones, both prestigious high schools but not the same school

And with the X diss, he really slowed down hiss ascension to a better carreer...he's one of my favourite rappers and to see him fuck up this badly makes me real fuckin sad

I love Vic Mensa. 💕

He just goes over people heads sometimes because were rap is right now but Vic Mensa is a beast can't judge him for one album there are some good songs on there

Firstly it kills me to hear Vic Mensa and J dilla in the same sentence and I don't even need to watch this whole video to know what happened. I worked in the music industry predominantly in rap for 10 years and I know exactly what his problem is. It's not lack of talent or his work ethic.. it's just him. He stands in his own way he is his Own Worst Enemy. I've seen so many talented people that made it nowhere because of their attitude, their shity personality, their sense of entitlement. There are already so many fucking Divas in this industry and as managers or promoters or every other position that's on the business side of things there are only so many of these types of egos we can take. And it's not just us the fans see through the bullshit too and you don't want to support these types of artists. Who wants to hand over their money someone who's so unappreciative and entitled and feels like they deserve it. I sure as hell don't I don't want to support them I don't want to give them my money and I don't want to work for them for any amount. I literally cannot work for or represent someone I do not believe in no matter what the dollar sign attached is. I'm one of the few that was not willing to sell my soul or bend my morality or ethics for paycheck. People like him rarely change and he will most likely never be able to get out of his own way.

There's a lot going on was before autobiography... And you forgot pusha was on autobiography

You showed a pic of jay-z and Romeo Aventura

I'm late, but Vic and Chance did not go to the same high school. Vic went to Whitney Young and Chance went to Jones.

Really informative, misleading title tho... he'll figure it out, his main problem is his sound and he'll find it.

Not once did I hear what happened to Vic ? Just what he has done ...

He started cappin on the media too much

I'd like to point out, Vic Mensa hasn't gone anywhere. The video has an unspoken implication of the artist quitting his career with music.

I don’t think that his career is over. He had some heat at the time, but he wasn’t ready because he had addiction problems. And it’s hard to make music with those kind of problems! I mean you see what happened to Amy Winehouse! She was one of my favorite musicians, but still she had problems that were hard to get rid of. Vic Mensa was able to get help for his! But I think that he is ready now. He just has to make sure he does the best that he can and not make hit songs! Because he needs music that needs to last a long time not no hot songs!

He talks too much that's why nobody likes him all that arrogance

Vic and Chance did not go to the same high school ... lol

“See me in these fucking hands”

You should do one of these about yelawolf

Great stuff man you should do one on YG or Rae Shurmmed I stay posted

He has a hit with G eazy right now getting heavy radio rotation, so this vid is too early bruh, he still has time

How am i supposed to take someone serously that thinks vic mensa had an interview with the rolling stones

He’s disconnected to the people who can be supporters. He might be genuine in what he means but it doesn’t come across that way. A walking contradiction

Rihanna... J.Cole.... and Jaden Smith.... LMAOOO

He’s fine

He just need to rebrand his image. People think he's corny because he is an asshole, which makes the support tough even if we all are.

Sounds like forever world

Idk what he did wrong, he spoke his mind and got hate for it.

This video absolutely explains nothing. You didn’t even mention the mixtape that put him on. And the fall out with him and Chance.

Vic and chance didn’t go to the same high school. But amazing video otherwise.

I feel like he would be bigger if he was under Kanyes label. I find it amusing how Kanye is supposed to be all about Chicago yet doesn't have one person from Chi signed to his label.

1:42 is not Vic Mensa that’s Romeo Santos from aventura 😂😂😂😂 Not all minorities Look a like 😘😂

I feel like him always being angry ruined him too. He was heavily political, pro black, and rebellious. He got away from just making great music and was always going at “the system”. The same thing stunted Lupe Fiascos career. Vic always seems like he is trying so hard to be something he isn’t. Also I’m not saying he shouldn’t be involved in social issues, protest, and standing up against police brutality. I just feel like he would of made better music if he kept music separated.

he stopped making music like the innernet tape. he changed his style to the dark moodiness of kanye's influence. and compromised his sound to being to dark and serious

I like Vic music but he’s acting crazy nowadays

The likes are 999

Album sales never tell the full story, concerts is where the artist makes money and he stays on tour and even doing his thing with fashion, his label does a horrible job promoting him but you can’t act as if his shows aren’t sold old and just a jacket alone from his line will cost 495.00 , multitalented and he’s finding his lane

vic has something dropping soon i think.

Is it just me or was all the information here irrelevant to the video title?

Jones College Prep HS and Whitney Young HS are the same school to people who don't have their facts straight. I went to a public non selective enrollment school. I had to stop watching the video after the host said Vic and Chance went to the same high school. Like dude, get your facts correct then come gunning with your opinion. Your thoughts are pretty much invalid after saying "they went to the same high school". thumbs down for not fact checking your work.

Got Vic Mensa upset. (He mad!!) lil ak

When people attack Vic Mensa for some of the shit that he’s done, it reminds me of that song that Kendrick Lamar has on TPAB. In that song Mortal Man, he said “if shit hits the fan, are you still a fan.” But the way these fans act now, I don’t think that that applies to them. Because these rap fans are spoiled and they will drop you like a bad habit if they feel that you are doing something that they don’t like. So it begs the question, do these fans really appreciate their artist, or they just like whoever’s hot at the time?

So this guy thought making 2 of hiphops most popular people his enemies would make him popular? How does that logically work?

He has a sense of entitlement that’s why people don’t fuck with him

Kinda like Wale very talented but his attitude and opinions are holding him back

Because people in this generation don't want to hear any music with substance , that deals with real life issues. Anything without a catchy hook and a 808 is considered "trash" to this toxic generation. They rather listen to people rap about a lifestyle of fucking hookers, abusing drugs( As if its a good thing) and "Flexing". The same reason why J Cole is hated on by the youth. Talent no longer equates to how succesful you will be, Acting like a idiot on instagram will get you more fans then a good song. Vic mensa is just unlucky that his music is being released at a time where quality of music is not valued. Nothing he can do about it

FUCKK VIC MENSA R.I.P XXXTENTACION 🙏

Hov the only reason I know this guy Vic name. But I still can't name one of his songs...🤔

*who is vic mensah?*

he shouldn't be with jcole, jcole is on a another level.

It always comes down to sales.. money is the bottom line.

Legit, Russ > Vic Mensa

Never realized chance has a lazy eye

Chicago Drill Rappers got their style from southern trap music. ijs

He’s mad they’re killing each other? You’re burying your friend because he was killed by another black man half the fuckn time.

He ruined his own career with his personality

So what happen to him?!?!?!?!?!? Wtf was this crap about

Its his russ type attitude, you have to be talented and personable.

He dissed X that's what happen.

999likes

He tarnished his image and his songs are generic

Yeah he ruined that and for him to be signed to Jay-Z I thought he had more class than these other rappers but I guess not.

he waited way too fuckin long, if there’s a lot going on was his debut, things would be way better for him. his actual album was wack and I like vic

chance and vic didn't go to the same high school tho

#VicMensa wont trash James Brown, Biggie Smalls, Big Pun, Famous Dex, Eminem, Rico Reckless, Gucci Mane, Kevin Gates, Chris Brown, Dr.Dre, Joe Budden or even retire himself for being a Domestic Abuser though...L

just absolutely false.