Vic Mensa Declares Independence With ‘sundiata,’ Released Exclusively on His Own EVEN STUDIO Hub

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa gave fans a direct-to-fan home for his EP sundiata at sundiata.vicmensa.com, built on EVEN STUDIO, with no version available on streaming platforms. Fans who join the hub get the music, a community chat, exclusive content, and access to an exclusive live listening session, all for a minimum of $10.

Released June 19, 2025, sundiata arrived as Mensa’s first project since exiting his deal with Roc Nation, and the six-track EP marks his first time owning his own masters in a decade. Production comes from Stefan Ponce, DPhelps, Peter Cottontale, and King Starlight, with a feature from Mick Jenkins on opening track “The Word.” The project’s title draws on 13th-century Mali Empire founder Sundiata Keita, continuing the West African historical naming Mensa began with his son, Mansa Musa.

“sundiata is a statement of independence. It’s the first time in 10 years I’ve owned my own music,” Mensa said. “I wanted it to be only for me and the people that care the most about my art.”

“Vic Mensa exclusively went direct-to-fan to provide a one of a kind experience. Along with the music, he offered one-on-one sessions with fans, proximity that was made possible using EVEN STUDIO.” — Celena Fields, Artist Relations

Tracklist

1. The Word (feat. Mick Jenkins)

2. Still With the Smoke

3. Applebum

4. What We Doin

5. Eye 4 an Eye

6. Prayed 4

By keeping sundiata off streaming and routing it exclusively through his own STUDIO hub, Mensa gives fans the only way to hear the project, and gives his team first-party data on exactly who showed up, what they bought, and how they engaged.