Pieces of a Man
by Mick Jenkins
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
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  1. childofthe90s
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    Mick Jenkins has delivered an impeccable project from start to finish. this is my album of the year along with Roc Marciano - Behold a Dark Horse and Black Eyed Peas - Masters of the Universe Vol, 1.
  2. wildheart
    Nov 15, 2018
    7
    Taking his title after a legendary Gil Scott-Herron album, "Pieces of a Man" is Mick Jenkins' most ambitious project to date: a mix of conscious rap with strong jazz, soul and old-school hip-hop influences. Mixing the old with the new, the Chicago-based artist offers an album that still sounds very contemporary referencing Scott-Herron, poet Gwendolynn Brooks as well as Frank Ocean allTaking his title after a legendary Gil Scott-Herron album, "Pieces of a Man" is Mick Jenkins' most ambitious project to date: a mix of conscious rap with strong jazz, soul and old-school hip-hop influences. Mixing the old with the new, the Chicago-based artist offers an album that still sounds very contemporary referencing Scott-Herron, poet Gwendolynn Brooks as well as Frank Ocean all throughout his album, positioning himself as one of those brave and honest Afro-American voices, as well as paying tribute to those who paved the way for him. A gifted vocalist and rapper, Jenkins take the listener through a politically charged and extremely reflective portrait of himself, touching on a large-scale of subjects going from religion to romantic relationships and the lavish lifestyle of successful rappers. As it is often the case with conscious rap, "Pieces of a Man" might seem a little overwhelming at first but Mick Jenkins' impressive and versatile vocals, the guest-appearances by Ghostface Killah and BADBADNOTGOOD as well as a few tracks produced by KAYTRANADA will sure make you enjoy the ride. I am not gonna lie: "Pieces of a Man" is not the kind of album you will listen to every day on your way to work but it makes for a fascinating listen - and you will undoubtedly find yourself going back to it!

    Key tracks: "Plain Clothes," "Padded Locks," "Gwendolynn's Apprehension."    … Expand
  3. Lajaleaa
    Mar 5, 2019
    8
    ( 85/100 )
    #BuyIt
    Conocí a Mick Jenkins cuando justo comencé a buscar y descubrir música. Es el primero de mis descubrimientos musicales del que estoy muy orgulloso y sigo con atención. Lo descubrí con uno de mis proyectos de Hip Hop favoritos llamado "Waves" (EP) del 2015. Luego escuché su mixtape "The Waters" del 2014 que no me defraudó y desde entonces colecciono todo lo que saca.    ( 85/100 )
    #BuyIt

    Conocí a Mick Jenkins cuando justo comencé a buscar y descubrir música. Es el primero de mis descubrimientos musicales del que estoy muy orgulloso y sigo con atención. Lo descubrí con uno de mis proyectos de Hip Hop favoritos llamado "Waves" (EP) del 2015. Luego escuché su mixtape "The Waters" del 2014 que no me defraudó y desde entonces colecciono todo lo que saca. Cuando presentó su album debut, " The Healing Component" demostró que es un artista particular, enérgico, consciente y con un gusto por las conversaciones existenciales. Ahora presenta su segundo álbum llamado "Pieces Of A Man".
    Mick Jenkins nació en Huntsville, Alabama, y creció en el sur de Chicago. A sus tempranos 23 años sacó "The Water(s) y hasta ahora, antes de empezar los 30's, ya es uno de los perfiles más cotizados en la industria del Rap cultural. En "Pieces Of A Man" se identifica como un artista diferente en la industria. En su carrera hacia el reconocimiento sabe que será integrado a un grupo, pero él sabe que no encajará porque trabaja mejor solo, se entiende mejor cuando habla consigo mismo y prefiere las interacciones personales. Habla de la imagen y filosofía que tiene del presente: el habito del derroche, la importancia del consenso con la figura femenina y el inevitable e incompleto juicio al que es vulnerable (de ahí el titulo del álbum). Producido por THEMPeople y Dee Lilly con BlackMilk, KAYTRANADA, Awhlee y otros más, el álbum, al igual que en sus proyectos anteriores, se enfoca al juego de arreglos sin perturbar el ritmo base del Hip Hop. El experimento es muy agradable e interesante de escuchar. También se enfocan en no presentar nada directamente activo y se queda bajo la sombra de un ritmo pasivo, tranquilo, algo frío pero muy fluido. El éxito es indudable y, aunque le exigí mucho a Mick y KAYTRA y no es un álbum excelente, logra presentar cierta creatividad y actitud.    … Expand
  4. Isaaclow
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Mick really digs deep on this project with great production and really good flows. His best work so far for me. Favorite track: Plane Clothes.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. The Wire
    Dec 4, 2018
    80
    Pieces Of A Man is coherent, marrying the raw energy of trap with jazz-funk inspired beats. Black Milk’s instrumentals “Stress Fracture” and “Gwendolynn’s Apprehension” are remarkably complex both melodically and rhythmically. [Jan 2019, p.80]
  2. Pitchfork
    Nov 1, 2018
    76
    Though a versatile vocalist, Jenkins isn’t actually a Tier 1 rapper. His rasp can struggle when forced to take on too much, especially amid the prominent percussion and tough orchestration of something like “Ghost.” But this is a minor gripe within a major scheme. ... A gripping portrait of one human among Chicago’s 2.7 million.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    Nov 1, 2018
    60
    His lyrics have always run the risk of feeling overthought, and Pieces of a Man is no exception; for all his talent, Mick sometimes verges into dorm-room thoughts (“cottonmouth get you soon enough/wake up and realize the moon is us”) and cringeworthy high musings (“Fuck is woke if you conscious but still in the bed”). But his heart is in the right place, and his elevated lyrical aspirations steer him right more often than not.
    Read full review
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