In the 18 months that preceded the release of V Tape, Vic Mensa had all but disappeared. A hugely introspective work, a return to his native town of Chicago, and a secret album with 93Punx, his punk band. In short, while this music gained little attention, it was to better prepare for his new EP. Taking his time has worked well as this release, like a grand return, is a total success. Vic Mensa has really grown up. At 28 year old, he is no longer a rookie exciting teens with tracks like YNSP. He has gotten darker musically, perhaps hardened over the years. What is certain is that the track XGAMES featuring Swedish signer Snow Aalegra is the climax of this project. It manages to bring us up to another level, a deeper strata, almost anxious and dominated by darkness. While the rest of V Tape seems more oriented around optimism tinted with huge soul samples and sang choruses (notably the excellent title track REBIRTH featuring BJ The Chicago Kid and Peter CottonTale), with a somewhat less innovative side, the quality is still very much there. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz