Vic Mensa Talks #JusticeForFlint Event, Protesting Against Police Brutality & Upcoming ‘Traffic’ Album

THE ROC NATION RAPPER TOUCHES ON WHY HE FIGHTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

(AllHipHop News) Chicago rapper Vic Mensa was one of the high-profile performers for the Blackout For Human Rights organization’s #JusticeForFlint fundraising event on Sunday. The Roc Nation artist spoke with Billboard about taking the stage in Michigan to help raise money for the victims of the Flint Water Crisis.

[ALSO READ: #JusticeForFlint Event Raises Over $145,000 For Residents Affected By Flint Water Crisis]

“I definitely think that we can help make a change. The statement of this event is helping to make a change,” said Mensa. “The bottom line is that a lot of people still don’t know what’s going on here, the same way they don’t know that a lot of the root causes of the impoverished and African-American struggle in America is fueled by legislation and crooked policy.”

This is not the first time Vic has used his voice as a celebrity to address social issues in this country. The “U Mad” rapper wore an outfit featuring the face of Assata Shakur at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards. He also protested against the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer.

“I’m from Chicago so that was less of ‘I’m going to take a stand’ and more of ‘I have to take a stand.’ That’s just who I gotta be,” Mensa explained. “That was an electrifying experience and to see everybody in unity and connected for our basic human rights. It was completely necessary. It was less of an opportunity to use my voice for something positive and more of I just see all this sh*t as being completely necessary.”

Mensa is currently working on his debut studio album Traffic. He and longtime engineer Papi Beatz are providing most of the production for the project. The 22-year-old rhymer describes the LP as including his innermost thoughts and most personal stories.

“When my album comes out, you gonna know me better than you know a lot of your friends. They don’t tell you their deepest darkest secrets and loftiest aspirations,” stated Mensa. “My album is so personal to the point where it’s like somebody listening to it that really sits and takes their time with it is gonna know me more than I might even want them to know me.”

[ALSO READ: Vic Mensa Releases ‘Down To Start A Riot’ Documentary (VIDEO)]

Watch video of Vic Mensa’s performance at #JusticeForFlint below.