He is a former member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Rhiannon Giddens band, and has been nominated for Grammy and Americana awards.

He attended PS 11 in Clinton Hills and Brooklyn Technical High School.

[3][4] Jenkins began performing as a busker in New York City, then booked gigs in local coffee shops and bars.

From 2010 to 2016, Jenkins was a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, playing instruments including guitar, banjo, and bones.

The two groups played a major role in the revival of Black string band tradition.