After last night's first (ridiculous) presidential debate, the U.S. presidential election is officially entering its final, most important stage. Which means that if you haven't registered to vote, now is the time to get on it. Immediately. But should you need another reminder of the importance of your right as an American citizen, Vic Mensa is here to share his thoughts with you.
As part of Vevo's ongoing "Why I Vote" video series, Mensa delivers an intensely personal anecdote on his history with police brutality in his native Chicago. "My earliest memories with police officers are like, 'Get your hands out that fucking hoodie before I punch you in the fucking face!'" he says, before going on to reveal his involvement in the tragic shooting of Laquan McDonald in 2014. Mensa knew McDonald firsthand, and was actively involved in the protests that rocked the city shortly after his death, where he was accosted by the police and documented it with video evidence.
This situation ignited Mensa's passion for the political process, as he was able to enact direct change in Chicago's next local election, removing the officials responsible for the poor handling of the McDonald case. “Affecting change in the hood is why I vote,” he finishes, hitting home that your right to vote truly does make a difference.
Watch the full clip below:
Register to vote!! It is more important than ever. Visit USA.gov to get started right away.
Vic Mensa's new EP There's Alot Going On is available now. Stream it below via Spotify:
In other music news, two demos from Kanye West's recording sessions for Yeezus have surface online. Listen to them right here.