Music

Vic Mensa Performs "16 Shots" on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

Vic Mensa gave a powerful performance of "16 Shots" on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.'

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Image via Complex Original
Complex Original

On one of the most politically charged evenings in recent memory, Vic Mensa took to Jimmy Kimmel Live to rap his anti-police brutality anthem "16 Shots," and gave a powerful performance befitting the occasion.

Mensa was joined by former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, a few band members, and half a dozen dancers dressed as ominous police in riot gear. The rapper began his performance a cappella, the better to hear the song's strong message inspired by the Laquan McDonald case.

Vic stopped suddenly towards the end of the tune, and gave an impassioned speech about song's message and how it relates to the upcoming election.

"I'm a young black man from Chicago, and I'm tired of not being able to trust the police," he said.

Fans reacted strongly to Vic's performance and statement:

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