Trees & Truths
Mick Jenkins · 2013
3 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop
Mick Jenkins blends introspective lyricism with soulful production, creating a rich tapestry of thought-provoking hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Trees — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of growth and self-discovery, with Jenkins using vivid metaphors to explore personal struggles.
-
→
Free Nation Rebel Soldier — With its assertive delivery and poignant commentary on freedom and identity, this track stands out as an anthem for rebellion against societal norms.
-
→
Maintain — This song highlights Jenkins' unique ability to blend vulnerability with resilience, showcasing his intricate wordplay and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical themes and cohesive production, establishing Jenkins as a notable voice in hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies, with Jenkins often doubling his verses for emphasis.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz-inflected instrumentals, creating a smooth backdrop that complements the introspective lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- thought-provoking lyrical exploration
- reflective moments for solitude
- engaging narratives throughout tracks
- intimate headphone listening experience
- patient unfolding of themes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of immediate satisfaction
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Trees & Truths marked Mick Jenkins' first prominent project, establishing him as a significant voice in the Chicago hip-hop scene. This mixtape followed his earlier work and showcased his lyrical depth, setting the stage for his later commercial releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Saba· Isaiah Rashad· Noname
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Knowledge of Good and Evil
- 2 The Trees
- 3 Free Nation Rebel Soldier
- 4 Maintain
- 5 Lack
- 6 The Leaves
- 7 The Taste of Evil
- 8 Klondike Shit
- 9 Noah and the Reign
- 10 Fuck Wit Me Famo
- 11 Lord, Listen
- 12 The Naked and the Hidden
- 13 The Roots
- 14 Negro League
- 15 Peg Cuffs and Pocket Tees 3:10
- 16 Out of the Branches
- 17 The Truth
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.