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Vic Mensa peels back the cost of speaking up on social media and his popular ‘Orange Tree’ video series
Rapper-turned-activist Vic Mensa gained significant internet attention with his "Orange Tree" video series. In these videos, he shares stream-of-consciousness monologues on political issues, historical events, and personal reflections while peeling oranges from his backyard tree. Mensa's unfiltered and genuine approach resonates with a public disillusioned by traditional media and current societal problems. His willingness to be vulnerable and honest has built trust with his audience, even costing him some opportunities. The success of the "Orange Tree" series led to a Webby Award and the launch of "The Vic Mensa Show," a video podcast continuing these authentic conversations with guests. Mensa emphasizes his commitment to integrity, refusing endorsements that contradict his beliefs. He views the "Orange Tree" series as a passion project, learning and improving his creative and technical skills throughout its production. His creative process involves journaling, finding humor even in dark topics, and distilling complex ideas into digestible formats. The logo for his new show is inspired by the typeface of the influential Black novel, "The Spook Who Sat by the Door." Mensa believes his experiences as a hip-hop artist have provided him with diverse skills applicable to launching this new venture.