Wave(s) [EP]
by Mick Jenkins
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
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  1. nirvanafreak
    Aug 22, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. WAVE[S] BY MICK JENKINS
    Rating:75/100
    Favourite Songs:P's & Q's,Your Love,Perception
    Least Favourite Songs:Piano,Giver
    Ok so first thing I want to say is this album is definitely about the joyous vibe which might be the reason that nearly half of it seems to blend into 1 and disappear as soon as you hit pause. That's fine with me but the 5 songs that stand out make me wish there was a lot more from the other 4. Theres a beat change up on one of these tracks, 'Giver', which didn't really bring anything to the track in its last minute much like the beat change up on 'Get Up Get Down'. Lyrically, Jenkins sticks with the theme of water (hence the title) and I've seen some people complaining saying he's overusing it now but I think that's what sets him apart from other rappers releasing mix tapes (this is a mixtape in the same way that "If You're Reading This Its Too Late" Was so basically it's not one you have to pay for it.) I like his deep voice but his flow isn't really anything special which is why I think this project fails it's so much about the vibe that he seems to fall from the forefront of the music if he's not saying anything particularly interesting or fresh. So Yh he's not really as lyrical as he was on the "Water[s]" mixtape except on "P's & Q's". That song was nothing special to me until I realised the **** amount of alliteration he fit into it while not just spouting **** If you listen to any song off the EP listen to that and be reading the lyrics on genius because it's **** impressive. Some other highlights are 'Your Love'- I just love his voice over the funky loop and his singing in the song is pretty good so much so I had to check it was him doing it. Another highlight is the last track 'Perception' it's a banger with a fun cooky instrumental but it's also thoughtful-it's like 'To Pimp A Butterfly' level.    … Expand
  2. swagkonyjohnson
    Aug 24, 2015
    7
    A pretty good project. On this EP, Mick kinda expands his sound, experiments with singing/sing-rap on a couple songs, incorporates jazz elements on a song or two, and overall kinda has a more radio-friendly sound than his previous projects. That does not mean the songs lack in quality; Waves still displays Mick's impressive, beautiful lyrical capabilities and is solid content-wise, as MickA pretty good project. On this EP, Mick kinda expands his sound, experiments with singing/sing-rap on a couple songs, incorporates jazz elements on a song or two, and overall kinda has a more radio-friendly sound than his previous projects. That does not mean the songs lack in quality; Waves still displays Mick's impressive, beautiful lyrical capabilities and is solid content-wise, as Mick himself has stressed how important content is. Personally I enjoyed his previous project The Waters over this project; however, that does not diminish the fact that I still enjoyed this EP. It is very unique and very good.… Expand
  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. 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 seemThe 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.… Expand
  4. 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 this man. 6/10
  5. 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 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    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.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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]
  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.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Aug 26, 2015
    70
    On Wave[s], Mick Jenkins, whether consciously or otherwise, created a polished body of work with radio-ready potential.
    Read full review
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