SXSW 2015 Records

Mick Jenkins

Unafraid of outward perception, or overuse of concept, Mick Jenkins whets the appetite for what's to come on the big stage he's destined for. The Water[s] dives into the individual ills and issues of just being alive and affected by the streets of Chicago. On "Drink More" and "Martyrs," the Huntsville-born MC also sees the larger picture, tackling broader issues plaguing inner-city America, understanding he's not ready to present all the answers to you. Jenkins provides the viewpoint of sitting between the ground level (Chief Keef) and an ivory tower (Lupe Fiasco). Perched on the roof of a rundown Southside community center, looking up at what's possible and down at what actually is, Mick Jenkins might just be the next big thing. (Sat., 9pm, Hype Hotel)