Wave(s) [EP]
by Mick Jenkins
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Consequence
    Aug 20, 2015
    83
    The biggest difference between the two projects is that The Water[s] focused in on the dense raps, and Wave[s] is far more vibe-driven, with songs ready for radio.
  2. XXL
    Aug 28, 2015
    80
    Although it doesn’t pan out on every track, the cohesive work allows the listener to feel that they’ve plunged into the depths of Mick’s mind and come out with a soaked sense of clarity.
  3. Spin
    Aug 20, 2015
    80
    Wave(s) is louder, catchier, and about half the length of The Water(s).
  5. Exclaim
    Aug 20, 2015
    80
    Wave[s] is a clear indication that Jenkins is expanding his sound and stepping away from expectation as he prepares his debut album, The Healing Component. But in the meantime, he's established himself as an artist with even more to offer than many predicted
  6. Pitchfork
    Aug 21, 2015
    76
    It points to an artistic flexibility that will pay dividends down the road. The room to grow is there, should he decide to pursue the colors Wave[s] has opened up for him.
  7. The Wire
    Sep 15, 2015
    70
    The neo-soul influenced beats Jenkins raps and sings over often sounding submerged in a fog of reverb effects and filtration. Jenkins lyrics, too, are dense, containing their own murky depths, but his intense intelligence and formidable talent is never less than crystal clear. [Oct 2015, p.63]
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  8. PopMatters
    Aug 26, 2015
    70
    On Wave[s], Mick Jenkins, whether consciously or otherwise, created a polished body of work with radio-ready potential.
  9. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Aug 26, 2015
    70
    This new one is no less heady and singular, and even if it doesn’t do much to advance Jenkins’s captivating line in brain-hop, it solidifies his reputation as one of the most intriguing Wise Guy critics of the “thug life” still branding far too many rappers today.
  10. AllMusic
    Aug 20, 2015
    70
    His music seems a slight bit more danceable and accessible than before, but not to the point of pandering to a hedonistic club audience.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 5 out of 28
  1. shyh
    Mar 23, 2016
    10
    Old Souls Turn Twenty Four
    The Water[s]is a self fulfilling album produced with the intentions of giving off this smooth and artistic    Old Souls Turn Twenty Four
    The Water[s]is a self fulfilling album produced with the intentions of giving off this smooth and artistic lifestyle of a young black male in the midst of all the Chicago criticism. A more relatable feel to the young black community in contrast to what we call our mainstream hip hop, Mick Jenkins and his music has changed the view of what underground hip hop has the potential to be and that’s again smooth, calm, and soulful
    The album, The Water[s], first off can be listened to fully, no skips, unless you don’t get the metaphorical connection between THC and water then you’re SOL. To say the piece can be listened to fully is an essential detail that needs to be known about any piece of work. If the piece has three really good songs, four okay, and six you absolutely cannot sit through the piece is mediocre and gets thrown to the side. Immediately. To say that this piece from Shipwrecked to Jerome is a beautiful flowing ocean says a lot about the luring creative ability this piece holds.
    Each song expresses a deep connection within Mick Jenkins himself by painting this lucid mental vision of a young “South Side **** from the go” that lives this realistic yet stereotypical lifestyle. From the weed to the love and to the hardships Mick makes sure that each song holds a strong central message in relation to at least one of these arguments. You see, it’s a fresh face when you think of Chicago’s average trap music, Mick Jenkins adds soul and serenity to his music and that dilutes 95% of his content that would be seen as negative or inappropriate.    … Full Review »
  2. lisiak
    Dec 20, 2015
    6
    Last year's mixtape by Jenkins was great. I expected a lot, but I'm disappointed. Wave(s) by Jenkins is poor for me but I still count on thisLast year's mixtape by Jenkins was great. I expected a lot, but I'm disappointed. Wave(s) by Jenkins is poor for me but I still count on this man. 6/10… Full Review »
  3. vapid
    Oct 18, 2015
    7
    The album starts with a blast in the warped free-verse poetry that introduces "Alchemy", and doesn't lose momentum until it's finished. ThereThe album starts with a blast in the warped free-verse poetry that introduces "Alchemy", and doesn't lose momentum until it's finished. There is consistency in Wave[s] that does itself feel like liquid motion. The seamless flow between invigorated rapping and a distinct deep and dark voice lay over the soulful production and do not sound forced or contrived. The track "Your love" did seem a little bit rushed and commercial, but the strength of the rest of the album washes any memory of it away. It's disorganized and surprising, which is why moments like "40 Below" jumping to "P's & Q's" work so well. Wave[s] is undeniably interesting and Mick Jenkins deserves to be listened to.… Full Review »
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