All The Smoke Vic Mensa Unfiltered: Chicago, ICE, Kanye & the Lies We’re Fed
Jan 22, 2026
Vic Mensa, a Chicago-born artist, activist, and cultural commentator, shares his powerful insights on activism, music, and identity. He uses social media as a platform for truth and discusses the realities of immigration in Chicago. Vic highlights the impact of redlining on systemic poverty and emphasizes addressing youth needs over policing. He shares memorable moments with Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, reflects on his biracial upbringing, and reveals how his ayahuasca experiences transformed his perspective. This discussion is a profound mix of personal journey and cultural commentary.
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Nutrition As A Public Safety Issue
- Vic links food deserts and poor nutrition to poor health outcomes and premature deaths in Black communities.
- He notes lack of access to healthy food is a structural contributor to mortality beyond violence.
Support Local Chicago Organizers
- Support local organizations like Good Kids Mad City, Invisible Institute and Asada's Daughters to help Chicago communities.
- Follow and amplify informed local voices such as NoName and J Will to counter misinformation.
Music Reflects And Amplifies The Hood
- Mensa describes a feedback loop where a damaged neighborhood fuels violent music which then normalizes further harm.
- He urges those who 'know better' to push positive narratives while still appreciating the art.