21-year-old Chicago rapper Vic Mensa, real name Victor Kwesi Mensah, has officially signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation Records. The announcement was made today on Twitter and in a ceremony streamed exclusively on TIDAL. His single with Kanye West titled "U Mad" was released on Roc Nation yesterday as a single.
Roc Nation Records x @VicMensa https://t.co/SRMd6d1taE
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 21, 2015
Mensa, a founding member of the Chicago hip-hop collective SAVEMONEY, has been a hot new name among fans and critics notably with his recent work alongside West. He was also featured in the So Help Me God track "Wolves" alongside Sia, which was premiered by the three of them during New York Fashion Week. He later performed the collaboration live on Saturday Night Live.
In a Tweet confirming the announcement, Mensah squashed any idea that he might leave the SAVEMONEY crew as he signs a major label deal. With the announcement being broadcasted on TIDAL, it will be interesting to see if Jay Z includes clauses in Vic's deal to provide exclusives for the service or at least be active in promoting it. This would help bring a fresh face to the service that many fans could relate with instead of trying to have millionaire artists get paid a little more.
Savemoney Roc Boys pic.twitter.com/mHT9Wa1rRL — VIC MENSA (@VicMensa) April 21, 2015
Vic Mensa has not released a full-length album since his independently released 2010 effort, Straight Up. He released a well-received mixtape in 2013 -- INNANETAPE -- that helped put the Chicago rapper on the map.
The signing could be an indication that beyond the various Kanye West collaborations, Mensah is prepping a major label full-length release. With access to the Roc Nation's resources and producing talent, the new material coming from Mensah should be superior if he is able to approach it unhindered creatively.
