Manny King John
Off the release of his latest project Wave[s], “Your Love” embarks on an interesting level of courting. Quirky yet vulnerable, Mick Jenkins highlights various sides of attraction. Debuting through MTV Jams, you can tell the Chicago native has a growing brand. Drawing influences from a 70’s period piece, the introduction of the video begins with noticing the female figure. As the story progresses, efforts from Jenkins attempting to spark conversation is heightened. The nature of the male and female role automatically took me back to the 1987 Michael Jackson hit, “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
Directed by multi-media artist Nathan R. Smith, the Kaytranada-produced track combines ideas of romance within the overall construction of the song. Wave[s] also features collective THEMpeople, Donny Trumpet, Mulatto, KSRA, Saba and The Mind. Adding comedy to this retro visual, a love story can be seen from different sources.
From the exaggerated mustache, elaborate suits, cupid’s bow, and retro filters Mick Jenkins takes viewers for a ride of optimism. Towards the end of the video, you realize the coy gestures were all a dream. Once fantasized, now leading to a fatal collision. I’m pretty sure the song and video are metaphors for curiosity as a whimsical state. I put together a list of videos from the past that remind me a similar concept.
1. Marvin Gaye "Sexual Healing"
2. OutKast "Roses"
3. N.E.R.D. "She Wants To Move"
4. Snoop Dogg "Sexual Eruption" / "Sensual Seduction"
5. The Weeknd "Can’t Feel My Face"
As a collector of album art, I loved the direction of Wave[s]. In collaboration with designer-painter Hayveyah McGowan, Jenkins made sure the visual component executed with full emotion. Now that a water-themed development of projects acts conscious / subconsciously, Jenkins’ skills are maximized overall. From Trees & Truth, to The Water[s], Wave[s] submerges listeners with a continuous story.
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