Mick Jenkins (rapper)
Mick Jenkins | |
|---|---|
| Jenkins in 2014 Jenkins in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jayson Jenkins |
| Born | April 16, 1991 Huntsville, Alabama |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper |
| Labels | Cinematic |
| Website | www |
Jayson Jenkins (born April 16, 1991), better known by his stage name Mick Jenkins, is an American hip-hop recording artist who is signed with Cinematic Music Group. His most recent project is a mixtape titled The Water[s].
Musical career
2012: Early Beginnings, FreeNation, and Various mixtapes
On January 13, Mick released his first mixtape, The Micktape. In August 2012, he Released his second mixtape entitled The Pursuit of HappyNess: The Story of Mickalascage.[1] Listed producers include After The Smoke, Swisha House, Chris Calor, Quincy Banks, Chuck Inglish, Vanilla, and Dijon.
In the Fall of 2012, Mick returned to Chicago and began attending YCA (Young Chicago Authors)[2] a youth center where his first a cappella verse caught the attention of local artist and leader of Chicago’s Pivot Gang collective, Saba. Shortly after, the two collaborated on Heaux for Saba’s 2012 mixtape GETCOMFORTable.
Jenkins is a member of a hip-hop group called Free Nation. Other members include Prop, J-Stock, Burman, and Maine The Saint. Free Nation promotes creative thought without accepting narrow views imposed by the powers that be. This group believes that when you find a way to combat the status quo, you are free.
2013: Trees & Truths
In April 2013, Mick released a mixtape entitled Trees and Truths.[3] It quickly became a local favorite, buoyed by acid jazz-influenced production, biblical allegory and lacerating lyricism. The project was by far his most lyrical body of work and caught the attention of Chicago’s incipient gatekeepers. A few months after its release, a collaboration with Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa came in the form of a single entitled Crossroads, which received attention and praise.[4]
2014-present: The Water[s]
In July 2014, Mick has been receiving a lot of attention after the release of his single/visual Martyrs which juxtaposes harsh truths about our society with a catchy hook, creating a thought-provoking single with various underlying messages and subtle notions.[5][6] Martyrs has led people such as Timbaland, among others, to reach out and praise Jenkins for his musical talent and intricate lyricism. Mick continues to find creative ways to convey his message[7] and on August 12 released his highly anticipated project The Water[s] which has garnered national attention. Centered around the idea of comparing water to life's truths, The Water[s] serves as Jenkins' breakout project and is receiving critical acclaim.[8][9][10] Shortly after releasing the project, Jenkins announced he would be touring during the fall on the 2014 Smoker's Club World Wide Roller's Tour along with Method Man, Redman, B-Real, Trademark da Skydiver, and Berner.[11]
Discography
Mixtapes
| Title | Mixtape details |
|---|---|
| The Mickstape |
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| The Pursuit of HappyNess: The Story of Mickalascage. |
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| Trees & Truths |
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| The Water[s] |
|
References
- ^ http://mickjenkins.bandcamp.com/releases
- ^ "He later joined another poetry collective, YCA..." Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6077567/mick-jenkins-talks-the-waters-mixtape-premieres-who-else-song
- ^ DatPiff.com. http://www.datpiff.com/Mick-Jenkins-Trees-And-Truths-mixtape.481765.html
- ^ Spin Magazine. http://www.spin.com/articles/chance-the-rapper-vic-mensa-mick-jenkins-cross-roads/
- ^ "Mick’s video for “Martyrs” is the best example of that contrast. His imitation of Chicago rap videos isn’t about poking fun at his competitors, but poking everyone’s cerebellum to try to wake them up". MassAppeal.com. http://massappeal.com/mick-jenkins-interview/
- ^ "The song is a prime example of Jenkins’ accessibility and skill. Combining harsh truths about racial troubles in the world with catchy hooks, he is able to make an intellectual single that some might rhyme along to without understanding the larger message". PotHolesInMyBlog.com. http://potholesinmyblog.com/thank-god-for-the-waters-speaking-with-mick-jenkins/2/
- ^ "Jenkins may be headed right towards the limelight, even if Jenkins's style is unconventional (to say the least)." Complex.com. http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/mick-jenkins-complex-tv-profile
- ^ ""One's eyes can never be too open, but at least we can trust Mick Jenkins to tell us how he sees it." Pitchfork.com. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19745-mick-jenkins-the-waters/
- ^ "...the indisputable success that Mick has achieved in The Water[s], is not only confirmation that he is imperative to the progress of hip-hop within his specific region of the country, but most importantly, that he warrants recognition as a formidable opponent to some of hip-hop’s most highly regarded MCs." XXLMag.com. http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2014/08/mick-jenkins-the-waters-mixtape-review/
- ^ "In a time where most of hip-hop is about turning up and chasing paper, Mick’s Water[s] is a breath of fresh air." WatchLOUD.com. http://watchloud.com/mick-jenkins-the-waters-album-review/
- ^ XXLMag.com. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/08/method-man-redman-headline-smokers-club-tour/