Vic Mensa debuts “16 Shots” video, Chicago police shut up video screening
Vic Mensa released his highly anticipated video for his single “16 Shots”. The record is off of his latest EP "There’s A lot Going On”.
Exclusively on Tidal, you can view the video below. It has become the unofficial anthem to the Laquan McDonald shooting. The shooting occurred when then Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke shot and killing McDonald. Shooting him 16 times.
Mensa was set to premiere his music video with those who joined him and the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CPAC) last night in Chicago. The protest and march was set to end with an exclusive viewing of the music video. Speaking with officials, CPD officers didn’t allow the LCD truck to pull up next to the demonstrators not allowing for the viewing. Another time and location was set for Mensa to screen the video with fans but that too also was prevented by the CPD.
“16 Shots” is bold telling of a single incident that the world is too familiar with. The gritty truth is captured by Mensa. Using the actually recording of the shooting (not the death) creates and highlights the shocking truth that many aren’t aware of. The beautifully crafted story amplifies its message against the police and it’s political repression.
Check out our photos of Mensa at last night’s march and protest for “Justice for Laquan! CPAC Now!”
Watch here!
Vic Mensa performs private show for Summer of Collaboration
Summer of Collaboration presented by AT&T partnered with Vic Mensa for a private show at Chicago's AT&T Michigan Ave store with street photographer Vivian Maier’s.
Maier was street photography’s best kept secret. Maier worked as a nanny in the Chicago suburb North Shore in the late 1990’s. That's where while working she took what would become some of the best street photography.
Maier’s work almost never saw the light of day if it wasn’t for Chicago artist John Maloof. Maloof purchased Maier’s extensive work at an auction. He found an extensive amount of film, negatives, and prints of hundred rolls of film, home movies, and audio tape interviews that all belonged to Maier.
Maloof hosted a presentation going over Maier’s mysterious life and talking about her work and the impact surrounding it. Described as a Mary Poppin’s type, this introverted photographer opened her subjects up in the most beautiful way.
Chicago rapper Vic Mensa when up on stage admired Maloof’s courage and passion for being bold and fearless. Mensa was set to perform only three songs but added an additional for go measure. He performed: 16 Shots, Shades of Blue, There’s Alot Going On, and U Mad.
We recently caught Vic Mensa at The Vic Theater while on his "There’s Alot Going On" Tour. While at the Summer of Collaboration event we witnessed a side of Mensa that most music fans don’t. Pegged as a south side rapper and Kanye West pupil, Mensa is keeping busy with work outside the studio.
Vic Mensa has been politically active when it’s come to personal issues. Vic Mensa participated in the Laquan McDonald demonstrations. He also volunteered at Flint, Michigan during their water crisis. Vic urges young voters to register to vote by offering his latest EP “There’s ALot Going On” for free when they registered to vote.
Vic Mensa made sure his personal efforts were made clear as the Roc Nation rapper treated fans to a stadium caliber performance. With so few attending the private event, from seeing the incredible photographs from Maloof and seeing one of best in the city with Vic Mensa, the Summer of Collaboration was one of the purest ways to end the summer off right.
View our photo gallery of Vic Mensa’s Summer of Collaboration event below!
