Hip Hop News: Vic Mensa Kicks The Years Two Best Freestyles Back To Back (2024)

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew. The post Vic Mensa Kicks The Year’s Two Best Freestyles Back To Back first appeared on Ambrosia For Heads.

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew. The post Vic Mensa Kicks The Year’s Two Best Freestyles Back To Back first appeared on Ambrosia For Heads.

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Jun 2, 2023 - 01:05
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Vic Mensa Kicks The Years Two Best Freestyles Back To Back

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew.

Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that decision. After giving the opportunity to any and all fans to provide feedback on which crews should be included, 32 collectives from different regions, styles, and generations have been selected—all vying for that #1 spot. When the final battle is over and the last vote is cast, you will have determined who is your Greatest Rap Crew of All Time. After the regional winners were determined, voters must decide who reaches the title round in this semifinal matchup.

DEATH ROW FAMILY VS. YMCMB

SEE THE FULL BRACKET HERE

The Round 4 semifinal sees a clash of regional leaders from the West Coast and Dirty South. The Death Row Family has fought off execution—defeating TDE, N.W.A. & The Possé, and the Hieroglyphics crew to reach this point. They meet a major force in YMCMB, who has already bested So So Def, the No Limit Soldiers, and T.I.’s Grand Hustle. Notably, the Cash Money movement took shape right as Death Row’s run was halted by tragedies, and incarceration. In the years since, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne have collaborated, along with ties to Drake, Juvenile, and Tyga. Dr. Dre produced a single for Mack 10’s days running with the YMCMR crew. There was also a time in the early 2000s, where Juvy reportedly spent weeks working with The Death Row Family. Birdman has publicly stated that he modeled his Black-owned empire after Death Row, while the YMCMB reign has arguably outlasted Tha Row’s initial run—though Snoop Dogg’s acquisition may change the forecast. This semi-final matchup sets the table for great debate, as only one of these crews can go forth.

Go to BET.com to vote on which of these crews you believe should advance to the championship round, and to learn of the other crews that are battling in this round. You can also vote on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #BETGreatestRapCrew and a hashtag with your favorite crew.

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew.

Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that decision. After giving the opportunity to any and all fans to provide feedback on which crews should be included, 32 collectives from different regions, styles, and generations have been selected—all vying for that #1 spot. When the final battle is over and the last vote is cast, you will have determined who is your Greatest Rap Crew of All Time. After the regional winners were determined, voters must decide who reaches the title round in this semifinal matchup.

DEATH ROW FAMILY VS. YMCMB

SEE THE FULL BRACKET HERE

The Round 4 semifinal sees a clash of regional leaders from the West Coast and Dirty South. The Death Row Family has fought off execution—defeating TDE, N.W.A. & The Possé, and the Hieroglyphics crew to reach this point. They meet a major force in YMCMB, who has already bested So So Def, the No Limit Soldiers, and T.I.’s Grand Hustle. Notably, the Cash Money movement took shape right as Death Row’s run was halted by tragedies, and incarceration. In the years since, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne have collaborated, along with ties to Drake, Juvenile, and Tyga. Dr. Dre produced a single for Mack 10’s days running with the YMCMR crew. There was also a time in the early 2000s, where Juvy reportedly spent weeks working with The Death Row Family. Birdman has publicly stated that he modeled his Black-owned empire after Death Row, while the YMCMB reign has arguably outlasted Tha Row’s initial run—though Snoop Dogg’s acquisition may change the forecast. This semi-final matchup sets the table for great debate, as only one of these crews can go forth.

Go to BET.com to vote on which of these crews you believe should advance to the championship round, and to learn of the other crews that are battling in this round. You can also vote on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #BETGreatestRapCrew and a hashtag with your favorite crew.

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew.

Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that decision. After giving the opportunity to any and all fans to provide feedback on which crews should be included, 32 collectives from different regions, styles, and generations have been selected—all vying for that #1 spot. When the final battle is over and the last vote is cast, you will have determined who is your Greatest Rap Crew of All Time. After the regional winners were determined, voters must decide who reaches the title round in this semifinal matchup.

WU-TANG CLAN VS. G.O.O.D. MUSIC

SEE THE FULL BRACKET HERE

Round 4 marks the semifinal matchup between two crews that have worked together for over a decade. Wu-Tang Clan and G.O.O.D. Music are built around visionary producer leaders in RZA and Kanye West. In the mid-2000s, West and Ol’ Dirty Bastard cut at least one song together as Roc label-mates. Then, starting in 2010, these crews mingled on a deeper level when RZA and Raekwon worked extensively on ‘Ye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album alongside Kid Cudi, CyHi The Prynce, and others. Ghostface Killah landed on Cruel Summer. West and Pusha-T returned the favor with contributions to The Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack. These squads have evolved sonically over the years to maintain a dedicated fanbase. Wu-Tang’s list of defeats includes Ruff Ryders, Dreamville, and the Juice Crew during the last three rounds. G.O.O.D. defeated the Hypnotnize Minds, Shady, and St. Lunatics to reach this stage. Among the final four to compete, only one of these two can reach the championship round.

Go to BET.com to vote on which of these crews you believe should advance to the championship round, and to learn of the other crews that are battling in this round. You can also vote on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #BETGreatestRapCrew and a hashtag with your favorite crew.

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew.

Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that decision. After giving the opportunity to any and all fans to provide feedback on which crews should be included, 32 collectives from different regions, styles, and generations have been selected—all vying for that #1 spot. When the final battle is over and the last vote is cast, you will have determined who is your Greatest Rap Crew of All Time. After the regional winners were determined, voters must decide who reaches the title round in this semifinal matchup.

WU-TANG CLAN VS. G.O.O.D. MUSIC

SEE THE FULL BRACKET HERE

Round 4 marks the semifinal matchup between two crews that have worked together for over a decade. Wu-Tang Clan and G.O.O.D. Music are built around visionary producer leaders in RZA and Kanye West. In the mid-2000s, West and Ol’ Dirty Bastard cut at least one song together as Roc label-mates. Then, starting in 2010, these crews mingled on a deeper level when RZA and Raekwon worked extensively on ‘Ye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album alongside Kid Cudi, CyHi The Prynce, and others. Ghostface Killah landed on Cruel Summer. West and Pusha-T returned the favor with contributions to The Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack. These squads have evolved sonically over the years to maintain a dedicated fanbase. Wu-Tang’s list of defeats includes Ruff Ryders, Dreamville, and the Juice Crew during the last three rounds. G.O.O.D. defeated the Hypnotnize Minds, Shady, and St. Lunatics to reach this stage. Among the final four to compete, only one of these two can reach the championship round.

Go to BET.com to vote on which of these crews you believe should advance to the championship round, and to learn of the other crews that are battling in this round. You can also vote on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #BETGreatestRapCrew and a hashtag with your favorite crew.

Over the last decade, Vic Mensa has cemented himself as one of the most exciting freestylers of his generation. The Chicago, Illinois MC often uses the free-form opportunities to provide substantial commentary—whether notes about ugly Hip-Hop history, his personal conflicts, or systemic oppression.

Just days after a fellow Roc Nation managed artist, Conway The Machine, delivered a show-stopping freestyle for Funkmaster Flex, Vic Mensa ups the ante. He stops by Sway In The Morning to spit two performances, totaling approximately 15 minutes. “It’s not like the controversy ain’t hurt me / But I’m back in the game like James Worthy,” Vic begins, seated beside upcoming MC Kxng Moosa—who spent a years behind bars. A big part of Vic’s message is that he’s back, clear-headed, and intent on winning.

Vic Mensa’s Freestyle Causes Sway To Destroy His Studio (Video)

Vic’s opening bars deal with financial challenges, inner-conflict, addiction, and mental health. Just before the 3:00-mark, Mensa admits that he made a mistake dissing Drake. He owns other missteps too. “I fell victim to addictions and my mental state/ Stupid s__t, like dissing Drake / That was a big mistake,” he says, presumably referring to early 2016’s “Danger.” “But when you raised in a cage, all you know is MMA / I dissed Yachty, dissed Ak’, dissed triple-X / It was disrespect / It made the fans dis-invest / I lost M’s like a Dow Jones regression / But every L taught me an invaluable lesson / I’m back now with intention / Help make Moosa a free man; he was a child in detention,” he raps, tapping the guest seated next to him. Moments later, he hints at a collaborative project between the two. He closes the first batch with emphasis. “I found new success / I’m usin’ my music checks to invest / Now I own my own businesses / I let my light shine and make green, that’s photosynthesis.” Sway admits that he’s never seen an artist use that word in a rhyme before.

A few moments later, Mensa addresses nearly retiring. “I almost said adios to audio / Got addicted to sniffin’ ’cause I seen that as a snotty-nose / She OD’d and her body froze / They bangin’ at 6 in my city; grown men k__in’ five-year-olds / Me, I took the higher road / I’m just an immigrant in a foreign / I’m bumpin’ Fivio / Sway, you came to my country; you been to Ghana, yo / You seen the way that mothers are struggling in my father’s home.” Moments later, Vic Mensa admits that he was his biggest opponent in getting ahead.

Vic Mensa Reminds Why He’s One Of The Best Freestylers Of His Generation (Video)

At 9:40, Mensa requests a new beat and takes a short breather. He declares, “Remember me — not just for these words, but for the way that I impacted culture / Became a legend in Chicago for the givin’ back s__t like Oprah / I did a million in shoes that was like five minutes off of O-block / I really took the message to the streets like Malcolm X on a soap box / Bulletproof vest on, I don’t really worry when they throw shots / I don’t post no location in the moment ’cause that’s how they smoked Pop,” he raps. In addition to Pop Smoke, Vic’s freestyle bars reference Trugoy, Cam’ron, Tupac, Pras, and others.

He closes the moment strong. “Me rappin’ on Sway is like Mahalia Jack’ on a church stage / This my arena, no John Cena,” he raps. “Me, I’m Langston when I paint hues / What happens to a dream deferred? / I’m trappin’, sellin’ P’s of herb / That yellow bag, Tweety Bird / They jealous, mad / Get paid at colleges, ain’t do no undergrad / ‘Cause most of my professors was sellin’ smack / Call that breakin’ bad.” Moosa takes the final minutes of the spot to flex his bars, having previously appeared on Sway In The Morning with Vic back in 2019.

Vic Mensa Once Again Shows He’s 1 Of Today’s Best MCs With A Punishing Freestyle (Video)

Last month, Vic Mensa teamed with Chance The Rapper and G-Eazy for Roc Nation video single “$wish.”

#BonusBeat: Ambrosia For Heads’ 2013 conversation with Vic Mensa:

Over the last decade, Vic Mensa has cemented himself as one of the most exciting freestylers of his generation. The Chicago, Illinois MC often uses the free-form opportunities to provide substantial commentary—whether notes about ugly Hip-Hop history, his personal conflicts, or systemic oppression.

Just days after a fellow Roc Nation managed artist, Conway The Machine, delivered a show-stopping freestyle for Funkmaster Flex, Vic Mensa ups the ante. He stops by Sway In The Morning to spit two performances, totaling approximately 15 minutes. “It’s not like the controversy ain’t hurt me / But I’m back in the game like James Worthy,” Vic begins, seated beside upcoming MC Kxng Moosa—who spent a years behind bars. A big part of Vic’s message is that he’s back, clear-headed, and intent on winning.

Vic Mensa’s Freestyle Causes Sway To Destroy His Studio (Video)

Vic’s opening bars deal with financial challenges, inner-conflict, addiction, and mental health. Just before the 3:00-mark, Mensa admits that he made a mistake dissing Drake. He owns other missteps too. “I fell victim to addictions and my mental state/ Stupid s__t, like dissing Drake / That was a big mistake,” he says, presumably referring to early 2016’s “Danger.” “But when you raised in a cage, all you know is MMA / I dissed Yachty, dissed Ak’, dissed triple-X / It was disrespect / It made the fans dis-invest / I lost M’s like a Dow Jones regression / But every L taught me an invaluable lesson / I’m back now with intention / Help make Moosa a free man; he was a child in detention,” he raps, tapping the guest seated next to him. Moments later, he hints at a collaborative project between the two. He closes the first batch with emphasis. “I found new success / I’m usin’ my music checks to invest / Now I own my own businesses / I let my light shine and make green, that’s photosynthesis.” Sway admits that he’s never seen an artist use that word in a rhyme before.

A few moments later, Mensa addresses nearly retiring. “I almost said adios to audio / Got addicted to sniffin’ ’cause I seen that as a snotty-nose / She OD’d and her body froze / They bangin’ at 6 in my city; grown men k__in’ five-year-olds / Me, I took the higher road / I’m just an immigrant in a foreign / I’m bumpin’ Fivio / Sway, you came to my country; you been to Ghana, yo / You seen the way that mothers are struggling in my father’s home.” Moments later, Vic Mensa admits that he was his biggest opponent in getting ahead.

Vic Mensa Reminds Why He’s One Of The Best Freestylers Of His Generation (Video)

At 9:40, Mensa requests a new beat and takes a short breather. He declares, “Remember me — not just for these words, but for the way that I impacted culture / Became a legend in Chicago for the givin’ back s__t like Oprah / I did a million in shoes that was like five minutes off of O-block / I really took the message to the streets like Malcolm X on a soap box / Bulletproof vest on, I don’t really worry when they throw shots / I don’t post no location in the moment ’cause that’s how they smoked Pop,” he raps. In addition to Pop Smoke, Vic’s freestyle bars reference Trugoy, Cam’ron, Tupac, Pras, and others.

He closes the moment strong. “Me rappin’ on Sway is like Mahalia Jack’ on a church stage / This my arena, no John Cena,” he raps. “Me, I’m Langston when I paint hues / What happens to a dream deferred? / I’m trappin’, sellin’ P’s of herb / That yellow bag, Tweety Bird / They jealous, mad / Get paid at colleges, ain’t do no undergrad / ‘Cause most of my professors was sellin’ smack / Call that breakin’ bad.” Moosa takes the final minutes of the spot to flex his bars, having previously appeared on Sway In The Morning with Vic back in 2019.

Vic Mensa Once Again Shows He’s 1 Of Today’s Best MCs With A Punishing Freestyle (Video)

Last month, Vic Mensa teamed with Chance The Rapper and G-Eazy for Roc Nation video single “$wish.”

#BonusBeat: Ambrosia For Heads’ 2013 conversation with Vic Mensa:

The post Vic Mensa Kicks The Year’s Two Best Freestyles Back To Back first appeared on Ambrosia For Heads.

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