Stanisland Magazine

The rapper evokes Coco Gauff on a pensive track with lurking intent

Forget your favourite rappers, we should be looking to Mick Jenkins. His couriered delivery is a hypnotic product, swayed by a phonetically wooing pen game.

On Coco Gauff, he sends a warning shot of vengeful entendres against a pan-seared Emil made beat.

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Despite a lean duration, this song does what other short-form singles are not capable of — art.

“Counted me out know that I’m boutta be Gauf on this green serving you love”

Evoking Coco Gauff is quite something, especially for the title. Moving from basketball and soccer references, Jenkins taps into the world of tennis, referencing the 21-year old prodigy as the archetype of success.

Not only this, but what comes into play is the underdog, replete with tenacious wordplay:

“Know they can’t hedge they wagers, keep sweating
My bookie just keep betting”

Its production further catapults this exhibition of oil-based spitting. Beat maker Emil douses the track with piano keys and a nerving melody, one that swells into a high-stakes memorandum.

Verdict

Jenkins continues to hit the right notes. With no release date or title for his forthcoming album, this fresh drop — and other tracks — serve as deliberate teasers for what is expected to be an incredible long play. A lack of transparency for its debut likely means a surprise launch.

If Coco Gauff represents what is to come, then treats will not be in short supply. Emil’s mesmerising adagio beat, coupled with the rapper’s distinct style is a thematic quality of his talent — one I hope continues.