On his fourth studio album "The Patience", Mick Jenkins establishes himself as one of rap's most thoughtful artistic voices. Released a year after its initial push back, the project arrives with even more resonance.

Across 11 meticulously crafted tracks, Jenkins tackles topics like mental health, relationships and societal issues with his signature nuanced flow and wise lyrics. Production is handled primarily by long-time collaborator 6th Sense and provides the perfect foundation for Jenkins' poeticism.

Standout tracks include "Truffles", where Jenkins meditates on pressures of success over jazzy beats, and "Contacts" featuring decA, which finds the artists flexing technical abilities over soulful pianos.

Features from Saba, Smino and Bas continue displaying Jenkins' knack for curating cohesive chemistry between gifted emcees. His singing has also noticeably strengthened, accentuating emotional moments.

A year later, "The Patience" feels even timelier in its thoughtful commentary and activism within rap. Jenkins has undeniably solidified himself among the genre's most gifted artists capable of using music as a tool for thoughtful self-reflection and change.