Vic Mensa's New 'Shelter' Video Is A Call To Action To Challenge The Broken Systems Of America

Chicago rapper and activist VIC MENSA has tapped music heavyweights Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean for 'Shelter', a powerful single that challenges the American system responsible for a history of over criminalisation, racial injustice, and issues that affect the lives of people in underserved communities.

'Shelter is a spiritual note, a healing frequency…” states Mensa. “It was inspired not by Hollywood or Paris, but by what’s going on on the ground - in the real world, with the real people.” Adds Wyclef, “The journey of this song was so important. It's very crucial we, as musicians, use our voice to represent those who are not so easily able to be heard.'

The song’s incisive verses are inspired by injustices close to Vic’s heart.

'Wyclef told me call 911. But who do you call when the ambulances don’t come. Or watch as the ones sworn by law to protect us. Wrongfully convict us then call it corrections.'

The incarceration of Julius Jones, who is on death row despite compelling evidence to back his innocence, as well as the wrongful deaths at the hands of police of Breonna Taylor, Philando Castille, and Elijah McClain, among many others have been some of the driving force behinds Mens'a new song and new project. 'Shelter' arrives paired with an artful and melancholic music video by director Andre Muir, a staggering visual metaphor for the perilous impact that Covid-19 has had on the Black community.

“Shelter” acts as a preview of Vic’s impending new project I TAPE, a formal follow up to last summer’s acclaimed V TAPE, which showcased profound levels of consciousness and self-reflection as he made his long awaited return to the rap spotlight. V TAPE was roundly praised as a new high point for the MC. The release arrived in the midst of a busy year for Mensa, including a virtual performance at Lollapalooza, a Chicago Peace Walk that he led alongside G Herbo, a ‘Sleep Out Chicago’ event he staged to raise money for the city’s homeless youth, and spearheading several other initiatives through his nonprofit organisation SAVEMONEYSAVELIFE.

Be sure to watch the visuals for Vic Mena's powerful and moving new single 'Shelter' and download his new project 'I TAPE' as well. Let us know what you think of the new single in the comments below!