University Union revealed Chicago rapper Vic Mensa will headline its annual Mayfest concert this year. With two weeks until the show, it’s time to get to know Mensa through five fun facts.

1. He spits

The best taste of what Mensa can do with a mic comes from his summer 2016 EP “There’s Alot Going On,” which most notably features the track “New Bae.” He’s collaborated with fellow Chi-town rappers Chance The Rapper and Kanye West multiple times, with appearances on West’s “The Life of Pablo” and Chance The Rapper’s “Acid Rap.”

2. He’s got beef with Lil Yachty

During a show last week at the University of Cincinnati, Mensa appeared to have shot a diss at another rapper, Lil Yachty. “Then I signed to the ‘Roc now they say I’m illuminati/ B*tch, I’m a tsunami, what the f*ck is a Lil Yachty?” he said.

3. He’s vocal with more than just his lyrics

Mensa isn’t afraid to speak his mind on social issues, frequently commenting on affairs beyond the music world. He penned a column on Billboard after Donald Trump won the presidency, calling on Americans to unify. And last year he joined protestors at Standing Rock to rally against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

4. His snap game is strong

Pitchfork mentioned Mensa in a list last summer featuring must-follow artists on Snapchat. With the account name vicsavemoney, Mensa seems to be quite the comedian on the picture-messaging app. He apparently walks around giving parody advice and interacts with strangers on the street.

5. He’s cheated death — twice

A 2015 feature in Rolling Stone leads of with quite the anecdote about Mensa. During his teenage years, he tried to sneak into the massive Chicago music festival Lollapalooza. But in the process he took a 30-foot drop off a bridge and was shocked by 15,000 volts of electricity. Then, a couple of years later, a vehicular issue caused him to spin out on the highway. Luckily the only thing totaled that night was the car.

Published on April 14, 2017 at 4:57 pm

Contact: jtbloss@syr.edu | @jtbloss