Mick Jenkins Rides High Off ‘Wave[s]’ at Highline Ballroom in NYC

For a 24-year-old with no major label deal and no album out, Mick Jenkins is quickly becoming one of Chicago's most prominent namesake artists. Fresh off the release of his third mixtape, Wave[s], the philosophical MC brought his latest dose of hydrating ideology to New York City with a headlining show at Highline Ballroom, Friday, Sept. 4.

Packing out a bigger venue than last time he rolled through town, the baritoned entertainer jumped back and forth between old favorites off The Water[s] and newer conceptual raps from Wave[s]. Jenkins used his signature "Drink More Water" chant to keep the audience at bay and usually somber, methodical joints like "Slumber" and “P’s and Q’s” were infused with a healthy dose of adrenaline thanks to Jenkin’s drummer.

In between songs, an exasperated showman used the transitions to school his public on what the metaphor of “water” means in his rhymes and why exactly people his age should look elsewhere to find their truth.

"The water is truth," explained Mick before launching into "Martyrs." "Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and SnapChat. Those should not be the only sites you check for information."

Towards the end of the set, Mick took a quick break to call on The Mind who serenaded the ladies in the front row and surprised fans by beckoning his former tour mate, Pro Era’s Kirk Knight, who performed a menacing yet joyous rendition of his new single, “Knight Time.”

Closing out the set by calling everyone on stage for a thumping version of "Social Network (Gang)", Jenkins had the whole room jumping as if one organism. Taking more than an hour after his show, Mick stood outside to take pics and dap up every fan that approached him. Even Mick’s proud mother, who had watched the whole set from the Ballroom’s upper level, was in attendance to watch son attend to his adoring crowd.

.@mickjenkins and his mom outside his NYC show! #drinkmorewater