Before releasing his breakout mixtape Trees & Truths in 2013, peerless rapper Mick Jenkins worked in fashion, poetry and the justice system. Raised on neo-soul and contemporary Black gospel, Jenkins has steadily built his one-of-one place in hip-hop — and music in general — over the course of increasingly excellent releases.

Last year’s album The Patience (an Exclaim! Staff pick for 2023) might be his crown jewel. Anchored by slick, live instrumentalism and an eclectic approach to drum programming, the record seamlessly flows through laid-back vibes that let Jenkins create his best verses to date. Peppered with culinary wordplay and symbiotic guest verses from Freddie Gibbs, J.I.D and Vic Mensa, it’s a lush and lean work where most tracks are shorter than two-and-half minutes.

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