Mick Jenkins – Wave[s]

Mick Jenkins
Wave[s]
2015

Often vibe rap is lampooned by real hip hop fans. It's lack of depth and seemingly singular focus on boasting can drive people away. At it's worst (Tyga) it is formless and incoherent and at it's best (probably Drake at this point) it connects with people on a purely visceral level. Mick Jenkins most likely would hate his music being called vibe, but it heavily influences his new nine track EP Wave[s]. However an influence is where it stops. In this EP the Chicago rapper explores themes from Love to Loss and almost everywhere in between. He seeks to make complex issues into songs just as complex and diverse as the issues themselves and his authoritative tone makes you believe every word he is saying. This album however unlike his previous release Water[s] doesn't so much take on the philosophical or political, it moves more into human interaction and love and what that means as a whole. You would think that these themes might get lost in a rap song but they never do. Jenkins' talent is evident throughout the record with him switching pace, style and tone almost at will. Each track is wholly different but they all work together to create one well crafted piece.

The beats on the record provided by THEMpeople and Kaytranada are clear standouts. They are interesting and complex but never cross into over taking the soul of the song, that always will belong to Jenkins. This album is not as "set the world on fire" as Water[s] was but it shows a shift in Kenkins' style and that when He wants He can easily shift into a more radio ready type track. Even if this album is a bit more pop don't for a second think that Wave[s] is not miles ahead of many other MCs out there. Mick Jenkins is bringing something necessary to the hip hop game, real skill. Don't let this record pass you by, because you will be hearing big things from Mick Jenkins in the future.

7.8 out of 10