Ahead of the release of his second studio album, VICTOR, Chicago rapper VIC MENSA dropped his newest single, “Blue Eyes” this past Friday. Produced by Bongo, this track runs at just under three minutes and utilizes inspiring guitar riffs, an angelic choir, and powerful storytelling from VIC MENSA. 

“Blue Eyes” is a vulnerable song from VIC, discussing his lifelong issues with insecurities regarding his race and identity. From the opening line of the first verse, “I used to wanna have blue eyes,” VIC prepares us for an intimate, yet troubling account of his experiences. As told through the phrase, “I used to,” we know that VIC has since grown past this desire, finding beauty in himself. To appreciate that personal growth however, we have to embark on the journey it took to get there. VIC discusses the effects of his racial insecurities, feeling as though he was ugly, blaming his parents for his appearance, feeling like an outsider and even leading to suicidal thoughts at a young age. VIC talks about his issues understanding and claiming his identity and ends off the first verse with the assurance that “If I could speak to a younger me, I would rewrite my history / And tell me that you're beautiful 'cause you alive.” In telling us his story, VIC offers an experience that many minorities around the world struggle with. He offers his own experiences and the lessons he learned in the hopes that others might take solace in his story and perhaps learn the truths that it took VIC a long time to figure out. The hook of the song invites the listener to imagine a world in which the speaker is happy when they look into the mirror. It’s a heartbreaking sentiment but reigns optimistic in the face of internal and external adversity. The second verse describes the experiences of a woman who, similar to VIC, struggled with racial insecurities. She used skin creams in attempts to lighten her complexion and would hide from the sun. VIC then notes the coincidence that is both devastating and ironic; she developed a skin cancer that harmed the melanin that she was not only insecure of, but protected by. To tie the stories together, VIC says, “Generations and centuries we've been victimized / Started viewin' ourselves through our oppressors' eyes.” These are among the most important lines of the song. VIC asserts that the insecurities that plague him and his loved ones are deeply rooted in the fabric of the nation they were born and raised in. The system values lightness over darkness in regards to complexion. Due to that, people like VIC discern their self worth based on the values of the very people who oppress them. In this moment, VIC MENSA frees himself and his loved ones from such a generational and systematic burden, closing off the verse with, “I wrote this verse for my auntie, I'll send these words in Ashanti / I want you to know that your culture is where your power lies.” 

It is difficult to speak on this song at length because the content is so eloquently written that it speaks for itself. It’s a beautiful song with an extremely important message that people all around the world will not only relate to, but need. I felt compelled to write a review on this song so that I may do my small part in spreading its message. Hopefully it will reach the ears of all who need it. VIC MENSA’s VICTOR is set to release on September 15th and I await its arrival with anticipation and optimism. “Blue Eyes” is available everywhere. 

Author: Jordan

Jordan Wisniewski is a passionate writer and Hip-Hop artist from North Carolina, US.