It’s been two years since Mick Jenkins released The Patience in 2023, and given his history of dropping albums on a near biannual basis, it’s safe to assume that he’s preparing to make a major return in 2025. To signal that comeback, the Chicago rapper has unleashed a fierce new track, “Wars & Rumors Of Wars (Freestyle),” accompanied by a visually striking video that further ignites anticipation for his next project.
The song itself is a masterclass in lyrical precision and aggression, with Jenkins confidently asserting his place in the rap game. Over a thunderous, hard-hitting beat, the rapper delivers rapid-fire, wordplay-laden bars with his signature flow. “Secondhand n***s can’t clock me,” he raps with defiance, “The sht that I’m talking, it’s hours — no 15 minutes could ever just stop me.” The track feels like a declaration, a statement of readiness to face whatever comes next, a fitting backdrop for Jenkins’ return to the spotlight.
The accompanying video for Wars & Rumors of Wars is equally intense, with Jenkins using a minimalist, almost cinematic approach. It’s a battle-ready visual that pairs perfectly with the song’s no-nonsense tone, presenting the rapper as both a poet and a warrior, ready to wage combat with the art of his craft. The clip highlights his gravitas as both a lyricist and an artist who has consistently evolved in the rapidly changing world of hip-hop.
Mick Jenkins is among a wave of Midwestern rappers poised to make their comebacks this year. Alongside fellow Chicago native Chance the Rapper, who has been working on Star Line for the past year, and Saba, who’s teamed up with legendary producer No I.D., Jenkins seems to be preparing for a momentous return. Meanwhile, Smino, who dropped Maybe In Nirvana in late 2024, has already begun to clear the decks for new music. With all eyes on the Midwest, Jenkins’ Wars & Rumors Of Wars signals a fierce and focused presence ready to claim his place in the next phase of hip-hop.
Jenkins’ approach has always been cerebral yet sharp, a balance of introspection and fiery ambition, and this new single only underscores that. As we await more details on his upcoming album, this video proves that he’s far from slowing down. Instead, it seems like he’s preparing to take on whatever battles lay ahead with the same relentless drive that’s earned him his place among rap’s finest.