Mick Jenkins
Blue Moose Tap House — Sunday, Oct. 4 at 9 p.m.
Chicago emcee Mick Jenkins is everything rap needs in a spiritually ailing world. His latest release, Wave[s] is perhaps less socially inclined than his earlier mixtape (The Water[s]) but Jenkins still strikes prophetic notes throughout the twenty-eight minute tracklist — sparse in comparison to the hour-long composition he delivered with The Water[s].
Wave[s] is arguably a more radio-ready release, dealing in heavily synthesized beats on tracks “Your Love” and “Get Up Get Down.” Even over pop soundscapes, Jenkins manages to exhibit his lyrical skills and moral quandaries. On “Get up Get Down,” Mick explores the commodification of black music: “the audience all white I thought we’d bring blacks out.” The track is reminiscent of Vince Staples commentary on his recent release, Summer ’06: “All these white folks chanting when I ask them ‘Where my n—-s at?’/ Going crazy, got me going crazy, I can’t get with that/ Wonder if they know I know they won’t go where we kick it at?” This next generation of rap music seems to have a deep understanding of, and readiness to confront, the institution that sells their music.
Jenkins is acutely aware of social iniquity and a good enough writer that he can spit about it without preaching. He comes straight out with it in his intro: “Who thought up the gold standard? The haves.” On Wave[s], Jenkins integrates this preoccupation with social injustice with love themes in a way that is reminiscent of the interludes on Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation. While four out of the nine tracks are ostensibly about love, Jenkins reps his revolutionary foundations repeatedly.
Mick Jenkins is about as versatile as it comes and he has no qualms showing it. On “P’s and Q’s” he alliterates in a manner Keats would be envious of, and even his love tracks are revolutionary. Choosing to revere and validate love is a counter-culture stance, Mick doesn’t stray away. The intro to “40 Below” reminds the listener of an August Wilson monologue and insists that love is still a poignant topic to discuss.
Despite poppy beats and love tracks, Mick Jenkins has yet again brought the musical water. The young Chicago emcee has an agenda and refuses to be a puppet. Curb your judgements, vibe out and drink up.
