Vic Mensa Takes You to South Side Chicago in “MACHIAVELLI” Short Film

The film juxtaposes West African imagery and Gordon Parks–styled photography to reflect the rapper’s rebirth as a resident of Chicago.
Vic Mensa Takes You to South Side Chicago in “MACHIAVELLI” Short Film

The film juxtaposes West African imagery and Gordon Parks–styled photography to reflect the rapper’s rebirth as a resident of Chicago.

Words: Scott T. Sterling

photo by Nolis Anderson

September 17, 2020

Vic Mensa has something to say. The Chicago rapper has shared MACHIAVELLI, a new short film that expounds on the themes found in the recent music video of the same name. This new expanded version includes additional music, scenes, and spoken word narration.

MACHIAVELLI is directed by Andre Muir and features photography by Angel Harrold and Flynn Drew. It’s part of Mensa’s recent return to his hometown of Chicago, and the process of reconnecting with where he came from. The piece is a portrait of the city’s South Side, juxtaposing West African imagery and Gordon Parks–styled photography to reflect the rapper’s “rebirth” as a resident of Chicago.

Check it out below.