Mick Jenkins (rapper)

Last updated

Mick Jenkins
Mick Jenkins October 2016.jpg
Jenkins performing in 2016
Background information
Birth nameJayson Mick Jenkins
Born (1991-04-16) April 16, 1991 (age 32)
Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Origin Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Labels Cinematic (2016-2021), Independent (2023-present)

Jayson Mick Jenkins (born April 16, 1991) is an American rapper based in Chicago and signed to Cinematic Music Group. His mixtape, The Waters , was released in 2014, followed by the Waves EP in 2015.

Contents

Early life and education

Jenkins was born in Huntsville, Alabama. Following his parents divorce, he moved to Chicago, Illinois with his mother and sister when he was nine years old. As a child, Jenkins was heavily influenced by his parents' musical preferences. His mother listened to Neo-soul, while his father enjoyed contemporary black gospel music. When Jenkins was just 17 years old, he began going to open-mic events at Young Chicago Authors, which engages young writers. Mick Jenkins attended Hirsch Metropolitan High, where he began participating in mock trials for the school's law academy in 2008. Following this opportunity, he went on to become a courthouse intern at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Jenkins ended his law studies in 2009, when he became an intern at Sir & Madame, a clothing store, and briefly became an aspiring fashion mogul. Later in 2009, he returned to Huntsville to attend Oakwood University, and later served 34 days for a misdemeanour charge. [1] Oakwood is a private college that is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. In Jenkins's sophomore year at the school, he entered a rap competition, where the prize was a pair of Beats By Dre headphones. Jenkins did not win the competition, but states that it led him to discover a passion in making music. Jenkins ultimately dropped out of Oakwood after his father lost his job at the school, meaning tuition was no longer affordable. Jenkins claims to have dropped five mixtapes while in college, though he later disregarded them and removed them from internet access. The Mickstape and The Pursuit of HappyNess: The Story of MickalasCage, however, are still available. [2] In 2012, Jenkins pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana. [3] He consequently served 34 days in jail in Alabama, before returning to Chicago to focus on music. [3]

Musical career

2012–2013: Career beginnings, Trees & Truths, and mixtapes

On January 13, 2012, Jenkins released his first official mixtape, The Mickstape, followed by The Pursuit of HappyNess: The Story of Mickalascage in August 2012. [4] These consecutive mixtapes included involvement from several record producers, such as After the Smoke, Swisha House, Chris Calor, Quincy Banks, Chuck Inglish, Vanilla, and Dijon, among others. During 2012, Jenkins returned to Chicago and joined the YCA (Young Chicago Authors), [5] poetry collective, where he performed his first a cappella verse.[ citation needed ] This resulted in attention from local recording artist, and a leader of Chicago's Pivot Gang collective, Saba. The two then collaborated on a track, called Heaux, which was meant for a Mick Jenkins project, but ended up featuring on Saba's mixtape GETCOMFORTable (2012). [6] Jenkins also became a member of a hip-hop group, called Free Nationals. Other members include Prop, J-Stock, Burman, and Maine The Saint. Free Nationals is "a hip hop group that promotes creative thought without accepting narrow views imposed by the powers that be". [7]

In April 2013, Jenkins released his Trees & Truths mixtape. [8] The tape quickly became a local favorite, featuring acid jazz-influenced production, biblical allegory, and his lacerating lyricism. Only few months after its release, a collaboration between him and fellow Chicago rappers Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa came in the form of the single Crossroads, which garnered both attention and praise. [9]

2014–2015: The Waters and Waves

Jenkins (left) in 2015 Mick Jenkins (rapper) 2015.jpg
Jenkins (left) in 2015

In July 2014, Jenkins received significant attention after the release of his single and a visual of Martyrs, which juxtaposed insight on harsh societal truths with a catchy hook. The thought-provoking single held messages on gun violence, the fight between his conscience and new-found success, and his turbulent childhood in Chicago. [10] [11] Martyrs led prominent figures in the hip-hop community such as Timbaland, to reach out and praise Jenkins for his musical talent and intricate lyricism. On August 12, Jenkins released his project, The Water[s], to critical acclaim. Considered by many to be Jenkins' breakout project, The Water[s] is centered on the idea of comparing water to life's truths. [12] [13] [14] 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 alongside Method Man, Redman, B-Real, Trademark da Skydiver, and Berner. [15] His first official tour took place in February 2015 with Kirk Knight, Noname and Saba. He also joined Joey Bada$$ and Denzel Curry for Phase 1 of their World Domination Tour.[ citation needed ]

On July 20, 2015, Mick Jenkins announced his Wave[s] EP, which was released on August 21, 2015. [16] Mick Jenkins began streaming his new project in full via NPR's First Listen on August 13, 2015. Wave[s] is the follow-up to Jenkins' critically acclaimed 2014 mixtape, The Water[s]. Jenkins kept the collaborators on Wave[s] confined to those within his inner circle. The project features the likes of Jean Deaux, Saba, TheMind and popular producers such as Kaytranada. Jenkins also accompanied French producer STWO on his North American tour from the end of August through the beginning of October. [17]

2016: The Healing Component

On August 17, 2016, Mick Jenkins released the first single from his highly anticipated debut album, Spread Love. On August 25, 2016, Jenkins released his second single of the album, called "Drowning", which features an instrumental performed by Toronto-based jazz quartet BADBADNOTGOOD. [18] The song has a direct reference to the death of Eric Garner, a black man who was strangled by police. The album, The Healing Component , was released on September 23, 2016. Many of the songs on the albums feature intros and outros with a dialogue about love with a female narrator, his sister. [19] The Healing Component, abbreviated THC, explores the theme of love throughout the album. From self-love to romantic experience, he juxtaposes different forms love can take. Jenkins did something similar on The Water[s], exploring the concept of truth.[ original research? ]

2017–2020: Or More EP series, Pieces of a Man and The Circus

On November 21, 2017, Mick Jenkins released Or More; The Anxious, the first mixtape in a series of projects Jenkins describes as "a project series involving musical ideas and concepts that are currently inspiring the album's creation process." [20] The second mixtape in the series, Or More; The Frustration, was released on February 24, 2018. [21] On October 26, his second studio album, Pieces of a Man , was released. The album's first single, "Understood" was released on October 12, 2018. [22] The second single "Padded Locks", featuring veteran Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, was released on October 21, 2018. [23] The album also prominently pays homage to Gil Scott-Heron's 1971 album of the same name.[ citation needed ]

In March 2019, Jenkins was featured on the single "Cold" with Brooklyn Michelle. [24] Additionally later in the year on September 18, Jenkins released the single "Percy" featuring fellow Chicago-based rapper Qari produced by greenSLLIME, also from Chicago. [25]

On January 3, 2020, he released the single "Carefree" from the EP The Circus, released on January 10, 2020. [26]

2021: Elephant in the Room

On October 8, 2021, Mick Jenkins announced his anticipated third album titled Elephant in the Room , which was released on October 29. [27] The first single, "Truffles" was released on June 23, 2021. [28] This was followed by "Contacts", released on October 8 with the announcement of the official album release date and track list reveal. [29] The album's final single "Scottie Pippen" was released on October 22. [30]

2023: The Patience

On July 7, 2023, Jenkins announced his fourth album The Patience , releasing the JID-assisted lead single "Smoke Break-Dance" on the same day. [31] The album's second single, "Guapanese" released on July 28, 2023. [32]

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with album details and selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[33] 		US
R&B/HH
[34] 		US
Rap
[35]
The Healing Component
  • Released: September 23, 2016
  • Label: Cinematic
  • Format: CD, digital download
11096
Pieces of a Man
  • Released: October 26, 2018
  • Label: Cinematic
  • Format: CD, digital download
———
Elephant in the Room
  • Released: October 29, 2021 [36]
  • Label: Free Nation, Cinematic
  • Format: CD, digital download
———
The Patience
  • Released: August 18, 2023 [37]
  • Label: RBC / BMG
  • Format: digital download
---

EPs

TitleEP details
Wave[s]
  • Released: August 21, 2015
  • Format: digital download
Or More; The Anxious
  • Released: November 22, 2017
  • Format: digital download
Or More; The Frustration
  • Released: February 24, 2018
  • Format: digital download
The Circus
  • Released: January 10, 2020
  • Format: digital download

Mixtapes

TitleAlbum details
The Mickstape
  • Released: January 13, 2012
  • Format: Digital Download
The Pursuit of HappyNess: The Story of Mickalascage.
  • Released: August 5, 2012
  • Format: Digital Download
Trees & Truths
  • Released: April 25, 2013
  • Format: Digital Download
The Water[s]
  • Released: August 12, 2014
  • Format: Digital Download

Singles

List of singles, with showing year released, and album name
TitleYearAlbum
"Spread Love"2016The Healing Component
"Drowning"
(featuring BadBadNotGood)
"Cool"
(with Alex Wiley and Calez)		2018Non-album singles
"Bruce Banner"
"What Am I to Do"
"Understood"Pieces of a Man
"frontstreet"2020Non-album single
"Truffles"2021Elephant in the Room
"Contacts"
"Scottie Pippen"
"Smoke Break-Dance"
(featuring JID)		2023The Patience
"Guapanese"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fabolous</span> American rapper (born 1977)

John David Jackson, better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper. Raised in Brooklyn, he first gained recognition for his ability upon performing live on DJ Clue's Hot 97 radio show. Jackson then signed to Clue's record label Desert Storm Records, in a joint venture with Elektra Records. Jackson first gained mainstream prominence for his debut studio album Ghetto Fabolous (2001), which spawned the hit singles "Can't Deny It" and "Young'n ." His second album, Street Dreams (2003) was further commercially-oriented, supported by the singles "Can't Let You Go" and "Into You" ; both of which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeezy</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Jay Wayne Jenkins, known by his stage name Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is credited, alongside fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream audiences. Jenkins began his career in 2001, releasing two independent albums until signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005). The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, sold 172,000 copies in its first week, and received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album also spawned his highest-charting single as a lead artist to date: "Soul Survivor", which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B.o.B</span> American rapper (born 1988)

Bobby Ray Simmons Jr., known professionally as B.o.B, is an American rapper. Raised in Decatur, Georgia, Simmons was signed to Jim Jonsin's Rebel Rock Entertainment imprint in 2006. Two years later, Jonsin and Simmons signed a joint venture recording contract with fellow Georgia rapper T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, an imprint of Atlantic Records. Following his major-label deal, Simmons quickly achieved commercial success when his debut single "Nothin' on You", reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2009, and earned a Grammy Award for Record of the Year nomination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Badass</span> American rapper from New York (born 1995)

Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, known by his stage name as Joey Badass, is an American rapper. A native of Brooklyn, New York City, he is a founding member of the hip-hop collective Pro Era, with whom he has released three mixtapes as well as his numerous solo projects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vic Mensa</span> American rapper

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. He was a member of the group Kids These Days, which broke up in May 2013, after which he released his debut solo mixtape Innanetape. Throughout his career, he has been signed to Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinematic Music Group</span>

Cinematic Music Group is an American record label, management, publishing & touring company distributed by Geffen Records founded in 2007 by Jonny Shipes. Their roster as of 2020 consists of Joey Bada$$, Pro Era, T-Pain, Smoke DZA, Va$htie, Mick Jenkins, G Herbo, Caveman, Public Access TV, Flipp Dinero, and others.

<i>The Waters</i> 2014 mixtape by Mick Jenkins

The Waters is the fourth mixtape by American rapper Mick Jenkins. It was released on August 12, 2014, by Cinematic Music Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EarthGang</span> American hip hop duo

EarthGang is an American hip hop duo from Atlanta, Georgia, composed of Olu and WowGr8. They are co-founders of the musical collective Spillage Village, with JID, Hollywood JB, JordxnBryant, 6lack, Mereba, and Benji.

<i>Waves</i> (Mick Jenkins EP) 2015 EP by Mick Jenkins

Waves is the debut extended play (EP) by American rapper Mick Jenkins. It was released on August 21, 2015, by Cinematic Music Group.

<i>The Healing Component</i> 2016 studio album by Mick Jenkins

The Healing Component is the debut studio album by American rapper Mick Jenkins. It was released on September 23, 2016, by Cinematic Music Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Durk</span> American rapper and singer (born 1992)

Durk Derrick Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, is an American rapper and singer from Chicago, Illinois. He first garnered a regional following with the release of his Signed to the Streets mixtape series (2013–2014), which led to his signing of a recording contract from Def Jam Recordings. The label released his debut studio album, Remember My Name (2015) and its follow up, Lil Durk 2X (2016) before parting ways with the artist in 2018.

Tahj Malik Chandler, better known by his stage name Saba, is an American rapper and record producer. He grew up in the Austin neighborhood of the West Side of Chicago. He is a co-founder of the musical collective Pivot Gang with his brother Jerrel Chandler, their late cousin Walter Long Jr, their high school friend Logan Yutters, Jevunte Wheeler (squeakPivot),and Jimmy. He is also one third of the supergroup Ghetto Sage, with Smino and Noname.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smino</span> American rapper (born 1991)

Christopher Smith Jr., better known by his stage name Smino, is an American rapper. Smino is the founder of the musical collective Zero Fatigue with Bari, Monte Booker, Jay2, and Ravyn Lenae. He is one third of the supergroup Ghetto Sage, with Saba and Noname. Smino is signed to Downtown Records and Interscope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Famous Dex</span> American rapper

Dexter Tiewon Gore Jr., better known by his stage name Famous Dex, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. His debut studio album, Dex Meets Dexter (2018) peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 while its singles, "Pick It Up" and "Japan" peaked at numbers 54 and 28 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JID</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Destin Choice Route, better known by his stage name JID, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is a part of the musical collective Spillage Village, founded by EarthGang in 2010. He signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscope Records in 2017. He is also a member of the hip hop supergroup Zoink Gang, with Smino, Buddy, and Guapdad 4000. His fluent rapping style and usage of wordplay has been highly acclaimed by several music critics.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2018.

Cameron Osteen, better known by his stage name Cam O'bi, is an American record producer, singer-songwriter and audio engineer. He has produced for Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Mick Jenkins, Noname, J. Cole, Bas, Saba, and Isaiah Rashad. His upcoming debut album is titled Grown Ass Kid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Von</span> American rapper (1994–2020)

Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known professionally as King Von, was an American drill rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is largely considered one of the most influential figures who represent the drill genre.

Ahmanti Booker, professionally known as Monte Booker is an American producer from Chicago, Illinois. He is part of the musical collective Zero Fatigue, and has worked with artists such as Smino, Ravyn Lenae, Noname, Saba, Mick Jenkins, Sango, Ari Lennox and JID, among others.

<i>Elephant in the Room</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Mick Jenkins

Elephant in the Room is the third studio album by American rapper Mick Jenkins, released on October 29, 2021, via Free Nation and Cinematic Music Group.

References

  1. ↑ Charity, Justin (August 19, 2015). "Mick Jenkins Is the Reluctant Voice of Conscious Rap". Complex. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  2. ↑ Galil, Leor. "Mick Jenkins raps because black lives matter". Chicago Reader. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  3. 1 2 Kot, Greg. "Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins figures out how to rise above". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  4. ↑ The Pursuit of HappyNess: The Story of Mickalascage. | Mick Jenkins. Mickjenkins.bandcamp.com. Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  5. ↑ Mick Jenkins Talks 'The Water[s]' Mixtape & Premieres 'Who Else' Song: Exclusive. Billboard (May 6, 2014). Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  6. ↑ "GETCOMFORTable". Genius. Genius Media Group.
  7. ↑ "Mick Jenkins – Cinematic Music Group". cinematicworldwide.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  8. ↑ Mick Jenkins – Trees And Truths Mixtape – Stream & Download. Datpiff.com (April 25, 2013). Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  9. ↑ Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa Meet Mick Jenkins at the 'Cross Roads'. SPIN. Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  10. ↑ Premiere: Mick Jenkins & Supa BWE "Treat Me (Caucasian)" and Q&A Archived September 23, 2015, at the Wayback Machine . Mass Appeal (June 26, 2014). Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Thank God For The Water[s]: Speaking With Mick Jenkins". potholesinmyblog.com.
  12. ↑ Mick Jenkins: The Water(s) | Album Reviews. Pitchfork (August 29, 2014). Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  13. ↑ Mick Jenkins Impresses With Sophomore Mixtape 'The Water[s]' – XXL. Xxlmag.com. Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  14. ↑ The 17 Best Quotables From Mick Jenkins – The Water(s)WatchLOUD Archived August 25, 2014, at the Wayback Machine . WatchLOUD. Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  15. ↑ Method Man And Redman To Headline 5th Annual Smoker's Club Tour – XXL. Xxlmag.com. Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  16. ↑ Mick Jenkins Announces Wave[s] Mixtape, Shares "Get Up Get Down" | News | Pitchfork]. M.pitchfork.com (July 20, 2015). Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  17. ↑ Hip Hop News, Interviews and Music: Allhiphop.com " Stream Mick Jenkins "Wave[s]" EP. Allhiphop.com (August 13, 2015). Retrieved on September 23, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Mick Jenkins – Drowning feat. BADBADNOTGOOD".
  19. ↑ "In These Heavy Times, Mick Jenkins Wants Us To Start Really Talking About Love". The FADER. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  20. ↑ "or more; the anxious". SoundCloud. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  21. ↑ "or more; the frustration". SoundCloud. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Mick Jenkins - "Understood" (Prod. Kaytranada)". Stereogum. October 12, 2018. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Mick Jenkins & Ghostface Killah Spread The Message On "Padded Locks"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Brooklyn Michelle - Cold ft. Mick Jenkins - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  25. ↑ Jenkins, Mick. "Mick Jenkins - "Percy" ft. Qari [Prod. by greenSLLIME]". YouTube. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  26. ↑ Renshaw, David. "Mick Jenkins announces The Circus project, shares new song". The Fader. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Mick Jenkins Announces New Album Elephant in the Room, Shares Video for New Song". Pitchfork. October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Mick Jenkins drops new single "Truffles": Stream". Consequence. June 23, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Mick Jenkins Drops New Single "Contacts," Announces New Album and Shares Tracklist". Complex. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Mick Jenkins Drops Off "Scottie Pippen" Ahead Of New Album, "Elephant In The Room"". HotNewHipHop. October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  31. ↑ Pope, Cervanté. "Mick Jenkins Announces New Album The Patience, Shares JID Collab "Smoke Break-Dance": Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  32. ↑ Fu, Eddie (July 28, 2023). "Mick Jenkins Shares New Song "Guapanese," Patience Tracklist". Consequence . Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Mick Jenkins – Chart history – Billboard". www.billboard.com.
  34. ↑ "Mick Jenkins – R&B/HH Chart history – Billboard". www.billboard.com.
  35. ↑ "Mick Jenkins – Rap Chart history – Billboard". www.billboard.com.
  36. ↑ "Mick Jenkins - Elephant In the Room". Apple Music . Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  37. ↑ Simon, Scott. "Mick Jenkins on his latest album 'The Patience'". NPR . Retrieved August 19, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.