The Circus [EP]
by Mick Jenkins
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. paije_breaks
    Feb 19, 2020
    6
    The Circus is 20 minutes of Mick lightly rapping over lo-fi hip hop beats.

    There are some moments where Mick shines, like the tracks "Same Ol'" and "Care-Free." Where Mick is in his usual bag of serving deep thoughts serves over jazzy, soulful beats. Beyond those 2 songs, the rest of the project falls flat. While it was nice to hear him rap over more aggressive, punchy beats - it felt    The Circus is 20 minutes of Mick lightly rapping over lo-fi hip hop beats.

    There are some moments where Mick shines, like the tracks "Same Ol'" and "Care-Free." Where Mick is in his usual bag of serving deep thoughts serves over jazzy, soulful beats. Beyond those 2 songs, the rest of the project falls flat. While it was nice to hear him rap over more aggressive, punchy beats - it felt shallow and middle of the road. The EP in its entirety - is not perfect, but Mick was able to reinforce his brand of a thought-provoking lyricist while jumping in and out of new sounds and more typical styles - but it feels shallow - he brought up a lot of great ideas - introduced them - and left it at that. The start of his thoughts as opposed to the entire, thought out conversation.
    --
    Or you could watch this review on my YT channel @paijebreaks    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Pitchfork
    Jan 16, 2020
    67
    The Circus is measured, soothing, and a suitable accompaniment to brandy and a cigar in a comfortable chair.
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 15, 2020
    80
    After the huge success of his second critically-acclaimed album like ‘Pieces Of A Man’, this small EP steps into the big boots it needs to fill before Mick Jenkins’ next outing. ... Delightfully dainty.
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  3. Clash Music
    Jan 15, 2020
    80
    Preaching the same elements on 'Different Scales', this EP shows us what is to come on Jenkins' forthcoming album. If 'The Circus' is just a prelude, then old and new fans alike are up for a special treat.
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