Vic Mensa Explains How Gun Violence Has Affected His Life In New Op-Ed

Vic Mensa is one of the most vocal rappers in hip-hop as soon as it comes to crucial issues. In March, he attended March For Our Lives and told MTV News, "with gun reform what I'm screaming is ban assault weapons. Ban the AR-15, point blank." In a new Rolling Stone op-ed, the Chicago rapper delves deeper into how gun violence has affected his life, mentions why he is in favor of banning AR-15s, and briefly touches upon being arrested for gun possession in March of 2017.


"I was 18 any time Cam died," Mensa wrote. Also young to purchase a handgun or Hennessy, nevertheless old enough to purchase a AR-15 or be shipped off to war. In the wake of the recent influx of mass shootings, I have come to question Brian’s words. Must we accept the devastation of gun violence because the reality of life as a American? Or can we refuse that terrible fate?"


Cam was a close friend of Mensa's who was killed as a result of gun violence. He has memorialized him on songs like 2017's "Heaven on Earth." Later in the op-ed, he touches upon why his advice is still valid, despite being convicted for a firearm offense. Last year, Mensa was pulled over in Beverly Hills and told cops he was carrying gun and also a concealed-carry let, which was registered to him in Illinois, yet not California. He is now serving a two-year sentence of informal probation.


"I write these words understanding and acknowledging that several people in our country will regard my suggestion as fully invalid, due to a conviction for a firearm offense in 2017," Vic continued. "As someone who clearly supports gun ownership, I believe it is time we stop allowing intrerruptions to divert our attention from the single most crucial part of gun control legislation currently possible: a widespread ban on assault rifles."


Read Mensa's entire op-ed at Rolling Stone.