Mick Jenkins teams up with EMIL for A MURDER OF CROWS, a lyrically sharp, sonically serene project blending introspection, scathing critiques, and dynamic flows.
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Worker’s Comp
F**k a shutdown, Mick wants to work!
In “Worker’s Comp,” Mick Jenkins goes after rappers who put themselves on pedestals and those of us who don’t have motors, like fat Luka Doncic (Let’s see how skinny Luka does). His relentless wordplay cuts over a minimalist, unorthodox beat that has just enough knock to catch your attention. Mick also delivers the catchiest hook on this project in this song.
4. Words I should’ve never said (Ft. ENNY)
I would pay to hear two wise-ass rappers argue…
In “Words I Should’ve Never Said,” a soothing instrumental sets the stage for a candid back-and-forth between Mick Jenkins and ENNY, full of vulnerability and honesty. Layered trumpet lines and soulful backing vocals add warmth, giving the track a rich, immersive feel.
3. Pundits (YAPPERS)
Mick Jenkins definitely put us in the dirt with this one (Yeah, we’ll shut the hell up now).
In “Pundits (YAPPERS),” Mick Jenkins unleashes his most villainous, scratchy flow over a dark, slightly soulful beat, taking aim at critics who judge without ever spitting a bar—and friends who love losing yardage. It’s basically the ultimate anti-Internet anthem.
2. Coco Gauff
For those who don’t know: Coco is a gangsta.
With “Coco Gauff,” Mick Jenkins commands attention, dropping clever punchlines and maintaining an assertive tone as he raps about staying on his path, facing challenges head-on, and flexing his versatile flows. He even sneaks in a personal note about why he didn’t upload his last project to Spotify, giving the track a juicy edge.
More than anything, “Coco Gauff” feels like target practice for Jenkins—no hooks, no gimmicks, just pure, relentless rapping from start to finish. It’s a reminder that his lyricism is still razor-sharp and his flow remains untouchable.
1. Shining
“Shining” is my favorite movie, and “Shining” is my favorite track on this album.
“Shining” finds Mick Jenkins blending a touch of singing with mostly relentless rapping, his dynamic flow driving home the message of constant movement and progression. Backed by a beautifully tumultuous beat, Mick slides through the track effortlessly, making every bar feel both effortless and deliberate.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. Dream Catchers (4/5)
2. Words I should’ve never said (4/5)
3. Eating Crow (N/A)
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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score!
RGM RATING
(84%)
Mick Jenkins & EMIL’s A MURDER OF CROWS showcases Mick Jenkins at his lyrical peak. With EMIL handling production, the project blends serene, jazzy soundscapes with Mick’s clever, thought-provoking bars.
Across the album, Mick alternates between soul-searching introspection, scathing critiques of the rap game, and dynamic flows that shift effortlessly between rapping and singing. Standout tracks like “Pundits (YAPPERS)” and “Dream Catchers” demonstrate his ability to be both villainous and vulnerable, while “Workers’ Comp” and “DeadStock” highlight his relentless wordplay and sharp critique of peers. Overall, it’s a cohesive, intellectually charged album that balances complex lyricism with calming, immersive production—a record both casual listeners and hardcore hip-hop heads can appreciate.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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