Mick Jenkins (rapper)

Mick Jenkins
Jenkins performing in August 2015
Background information
Birth name	Jayson Jenkins
Born	(1991-04-16) April 16, 1991 Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Origin	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper
Labels	Cinematic
Associated acts	FreeNation Chance the Rapper Joey Bada$$ Noname Gypsy Vic Mensa
Website	www.mickjenkins.com

Jayson Jenkins, 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 an EP titled Wave[s].

Musical career

2012: Early Beginnings, FreeNation, and Various mixtapes

On January 13, Mick released his first mixtape, The Mickstape. 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 – July 2015: The Water[s] & Tours

In July 2014, Mick received significant attention after the release of his single/visual Martyrs, which juxtaposed harsh societal truths with a catchy hook. The thought-provoking single held 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 project The Water[s] which has garnered national attention. Centered on the idea of comparing water to life's truths, The Water[s] serves as Jenkins' breakout project and has received much 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] He had his first official tour in February 2015 with Kirk Knight, Noname Gypsy and Saba Pivot. He was on tour with Joey Bada$$ and Denzel Curry for Phase 1 of their World Domination Tour.

July 2015–present: Wave[s]

On July 20, 2015, Mick Jenkins announced an EP titled Waves, which was released on August 21, 2015.^[12] 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]. For Wave[s], Mick continues to keep the collaborators confined to those within his inner circle. The project features the likes of Jean Deaux, Saba, and TheMind. Mick will also be North American tour with French producer STWO from the end of August through the beginning of October.^[13]

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

References