As Vic Mensa has been given a bigger platform, he's been unafraid to use his voice and his music as tools in fighting injustice. His new EP, There's Alot Going On, was a loud, uncompromising response to systemic racism and police killings of unarmed black men, such as Laquan McDonald, to whom he dedicated "16 Shots." In light of the shocking massacre that took place in Orlando earlier this month, Mensa has now decided to stand up for the LGBT community, a marginalized group with whom he hadn't identified until one of his own family members recently came out to him and identified as queer. He posted a note to his Twitter page explaining how he evolved to become a vocal supporter of LGBT rights.
"Looking at the world around me, I realize now that as a creature of love, the battles of all people fighting to love are also mine. And I stand with them," he wrote. "Will you?"
After sharing the heartfelt letter, Mensa released a pro-LGBT anthem, "Free Love," which features a handful of exciting guest collaborators. The song arrives on the same day as millions across the country celebrated their identities at Pride parades in cities like New York and Seattle. Today, June 26, also happens to be the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the U.S.
"Free Love" features Le1f, probably the most famous openly gay rapper, Lil B the BasedGod -- always a fighter of the good fight, electro-pop singer Halsey, and frequent Kanye West collaborator Malik Yusef. The track is produced by Papi Beatz, an executive producer of There's Alot Going On, and additional production work comes from Smoko Ono, Arin Ray, and Vic himself.
We also gotta thank the BasedGod for deciding to shout out HNHH (along with a couple other worthy blog sites) on such an important record.
Summer '16 is the season of FREE LOVE!
Quotable Lyrics
I guess love ain't free, there's a fee, they cut your paycheck
It's a free country, that's unless you love the same sex
- Vic Mensa