Vic Mensa peels back the cost of speaking up on social media and his popular ‘Orange Tree’ video series
Quick, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you picture an orange tree? If the response is “Vic Mensa’s backyard,” congratulations, you’re likely unusually attuned to social justice and an Internet savant to boot. For the uninitiated, Vic Mensa is a rapper-turned-activist known lately for his stream of consciousness video monologues dubbed the “Orange Tree” series . The videos muse over…
Vic Mensa, a rapper-turned-activist, has gained attention for his "Orange Tree" video series, which uses humor to discuss political and historical issues. The series, which features Mensa delivering monologues while peeling an orange from his backyard tree, has amassed millions of views and even earned him a Webby Award. Despite the success, Mensa has faced opportunities lost due to his authenticity in speaking his mind.
He joins other celebrities like Ms. Rachel, Hannah Einbeider, and Mark Ruffalo in using their platforms for social justice awareness. When asked about building trust with his audience, Mensa emphasizes being vulnerable and honest about his experiences, and he refuses to take endorsements that conflict with his beliefs, prioritizing integrity.
His creative process involves writing scripts, often inspired by real-life conversations, and turning larger ideas into digestible formats with humor. Mensa views his work as a passion project and sees the potential for growth through his new show, "The Vic Mensa Show," where artists, thinkers, and cultural figures will discuss what freedom truly costs.
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