Pieces of a Man (Mick Jenkins album) explained

Pieces of a Man is the second studio album by American rapper Mick Jenkins, released on October 26, 2018, via Free Nation and Cinematic Music Group.^[2]

Background

The album's production came from multiple contributors such as THEMpeople, Black Milk, Dee Lilly, BadBadNotGood, Kaytranada, OV, Ben Hixon, STLNDRMS, Nez & Rio, and Ahwlee, among others. The album features guest appearances from Ghostface Killah, Julien Bell, Michael Anthony, Ben Hixon and Corinne Bailey Rae.^[2] Pieces of a Man also prominently pays homage to Gil Scott-Heron's 1971 debut studio album, Pieces of a Man.

Singles

The album's release was preceded by two promotional singles: "Bruce Banner"^[3] and "What Am I To Do"^[4] on August 6 and 26, respectively. The album's first single, "Understood" was released on October 12, 2018, preceded its visuals the day before.^[5] The second single "Padded Locks" featuring veteran Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah was released on October 21, 2018.^[6]

Critical reception

Trey Alston of Highsnobiety gave the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, saying, “Pieces of A Man is at its strongest when it goes full in on that mesmerizingly simple urbane aesthetic, with Jenkins riding the wave with a relaxed nod and making good on his promise to deliver the most authentic experience possible.”

Track listing

Credits adapted from Bandcamp and Tidal.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mick Jenkins Makes an Ambitious Leap on 'Pieces of a Man'. Djbooth.net.
2. Web site: Mick Jenkins Drops "Pieces Of A Man" LP. 25 October 2018. HipHopDX.com. 31 December 2021.
3. Web site: Mick Jenkins announces new album, shares "Bruce Banner". Thefader.com.
4. Web site: Mick Jenkins - "What Am I To Do". 27 August 2018. Stereogum/com.
5. Web site: Mick Jenkins - "Understood" (Prod. Kaytranada). 12 October 2018. Stereogum.com.
6. Web site: Mick Jenkins & Ghostface Killah Spread The Message On "Padded Locks". Hotnewhiphop.com. 22 October 2018.