Album Review: The Patience by Mick Jenkins

Thomas Stevens

Rap/Hip-hop Journalist

We have been holding our breath with anticipation while also gaining patience for this album. Jayson Mick Jenkins, a conscious hip-hop artist based on the southside of Chicago, Illinois, returned with his fifth album, “The Patience,” on Aug. 18. I believe the last time we spoke about Mr. Jenkins was before this album was released, regarding his first album, “The Waters.” If you did not enjoy the waters, Mick Jenkins might pull you from the deep sea and grab your attention. Let us get into it.

“The Patience” holds 11 tracks full of vibrant piano instrumentals mixed with self-aware lyrics. This album contains a lot of self-awareness and thoughts about how life paths can take time based on your control over how a path can be carved. Mick Jenkins had an interview with Stereogum, speaking more about the creation and growth mindset behind the album. The album contains producers and artists from different sections of hip-hop, such as Jai Nitai Lotus, Freddie Gibbs, JID, and Stoic.

The introduction track “Michelin Star” starts off with jazzy piano chords and lo-fi drum textures to fill the ambience role. After two bars or so, you can hear Mick Jenkins scream “euughh,” and the drums come into full effect. The bass is kicking and snares are snapping, bringing the beat to an insane beginning. The title “Michelin Star” refers to prestigious restaurant ratings from the Michelin Guide, ranging from one to three stars, signifying culinary excellence. Jenkins lyrically ties in relation to food, kitchen accessories, and equipment, all to say that he is the greatest chef/rapper to ever do it. “I know you smell what a person cookin, I’m hungry as hell,” Jenkins tells us that he knows the industry. The audience is catching a whiff of his great music from afar, and his hunger and ambition are stronger than ever.

“Guapenese” is the tenth song on the 11-track album, and is my most recommended track from this album, featuring producers such as Stoic and Kulture. These producers started as underground “type beat” producers on YouTube, creating a soundscape of hip-hop instrumentals. That knowledge adds to the concept of the track being about money and perception. Guapanese starts off with a very thumpy kick, followed by a beautifully crafted piano riff playing a decrescendo. The decrescendo of the piano really feels like you are sliding down a huge flight of stairs. After the beat plays for a few bars, Jenkins enters the pool of sounds and says, “Gotta let this thing breathe,” letting the instrumental play by itself for a few more bars. Jenkins then brings the title “Guapanese” to light instantly by saying “They say money talks,” alluding to money being something that has a strong influence on people’s actions and decisions, while also playing off the suffix “nese,” referring to guapanese as a culture or race driven by money. There are plenty of great lines in this song, and I wish I could decipher them now, but first I will increase my patience. 

Jenkins delivers on every song with finesse and with almost zero words wasted. I am sure this thirty-minute album will suffice as we patiently wait for the next project.