Vic Mensa Speaks About Injustice On "Shelter" Ft. Chance The Rapper & Wyclef

BY Erika Marie 5.2K Views
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The trio shed light on issues that plague marginalized communities on the powerful track.

Social activism is something that is near and dear to Vic Mensa's heart, as the rapper regularly gives commentary on the inequalities of America's prison system and advocates for criminal justice reform. Recently, Mensa shared that his SaveMoneySaveLife Foundation in his hometown of Chicago had been burglarized, and it surprised many due to the community activism and charity work implemented by the organization. Clearly, that hasn't stopped Vic Mensa from speaking out about issues that he deems to be important, and he's partnered with Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean to help carry his message to the masses.

On Friday (February 5), the three artists released "Shelter" where they shined a light on the inequalities, inequities, and overall issues that plague marginalized communities. They mention names like Breonna Taylor, Julius Jones, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and Elijah McLain, highlighting varying cases that many believe are steeped in injustice. Stream "Shelter" and share your thoughts.

Quotable Lyrics

I walk Chicago streets with potholes that's deep
And Tahoes creep like T.L.C.
Hospital workers in scrubs with no P-P-E
But they got money for riot gear, my n*gga, we dyin' here, yeah
You tell me not to move with my gun
But we got more funeral homes than schools where I'm from
And on the news, all you view is homicides
Tell me why it ain't no trauma units when everybody traumatized?


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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