What makes A Martyr's Reward by Ka notable?

'A Martyr's Reward' garnered praise from critics for its raw honesty and lyrical depth, often highlighting Ka's unique narrative style. The album solidified Ka's reputation within the underground scene, receiving features in publications like Pitchfork and The Fader, which acknowledged its impact on contemporary hip-hop discourse. By the time 'A Martyr's Reward' was released in August 2021, Ka had established himself as a significant figure in underground hip-hop, following his critically acclaimed 2016 album 'Grief Pedigree'. This record continues his exploration of personal and societal themes while showcasing his evolution as an artist and storyteller.

How many songs are on A Martyr's Reward?

A Martyr's Reward has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

A Martyr's Reward

Ka · 2021

41 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

Sparse yet compelling, the album merges introspective lyrics with minimalist production for a hauntingly reflective experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Everybody Up — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with a stark examination of resilience against adversity, encapsulating the overarching themes of struggle and hope.
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Sad to Say — This poignant track reflects on loss and regret, showcasing Ka's ability to convey complex emotions through concise yet powerful storytelling.
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With All My Heart — The emotional weight of this track is palpable as it delves into vulnerability and sincerity, serving as a centerpiece that resonates deeply throughout the album.
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Be Grateful — Closing the album, this track reinforces the themes of gratitude and perseverance, leaving listeners with a sense of reflection and resolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's minimalist production and narrative focus create a compelling yet introspective listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of minimalistic beats, often relying on sparse instrumentation that allows the lyrics to take center stage.
Ka employs a storytelling approach in his verses, with each track presenting a distinct narrative that unfolds over the course of the album.
Several tracks utilize a slow tempo and subdued dynamics, creating an introspective atmosphere that invites deep listening.
The last three tracks shift towards more reflective themes, culminating in a sense of resolution and contemplation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Everybody Up 2:49
2 I Need All That 3:52
3 Peace Peace Peace 2:54
4 Sad to Say 2:14
5 PWH 2:17
6 I Notice 3:22
7 Like Me 4:10
8 We Living / Martyr 4:33
9 Subtle 2:15
10 With All My Heart 3:00
11 Enough Praise / Recovering 5:13
12 Be Grateful 2:22
13 Having Nothin’ 2:23

What to play next

Listen next

Woeful Studies

2022

Go back to

Descendants of Cain

2020

Full Ka discography Artists like Ka

East Coast hip-hop hip-hop underground hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata