What makes Honor Killed the Samurai by Ka notable?

'Honor Killed the Samurai' received widespread critical acclaim for its intricate lyricism and minimalist production, making it a significant entry in Ka's discography. It has been noted for its influence on contemporary underground rap, contributing to discussions about authenticity and artistry within the genre. By the time 'Honor Killed the Samurai' was released in 2016, Ka had established himself as a critical voice in underground hip-hop, following his acclaimed album 'The Night's Gambit' from 2013. This album marks his continued evolution as an artist, further showcasing his unique storytelling and lyrical depth while solidifying his place in the East Coast hip-hop scene.

How many songs are on Honor Killed the Samurai?

Honor Killed the Samurai has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Honor Killed the Samurai

Ka · 2016

36 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop

Dense, introspective verses intertwine with haunting production, creating a contemplative atmosphere that reflects urban struggle and personal conflict.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Mourn at Night — This track encapsulates the album’s somber themes, blending reflective lyrics about loss with a haunting instrumental backdrop that deepens its emotional impact.
→
Finer Things / Tamahagene — A standout track that showcases Ka's intricate wordplay and contemplative themes, it weaves together personal insights with broader societal commentary, exemplifying his narrative strength.
→
$ — In this track, Ka critiques materialism and the struggles tied to financial gain, using sharp imagery and clever metaphors that highlight his lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate lyricism and minimalist production create a strong thematic and musical identity.

What we noticed

Each track features dense, multi-syllabic rhyme schemes that create a complex lyrical tapestry.
The production is predominantly minimalist, relying on sparse beats and atmospheric samples to enhance the introspective nature of the verses.
Several tracks utilize recurring motifs or themes, such as conflict and struggle, which deepen the album's narrative cohesion.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Conflicted 3:20
2 Just 3:40
3 That Cold and Lonely 2:49
4 Mourn at Night 3:34
5 $ 3:19
6 Destined 3:50
7 Ours 3:41
8 Illicit Fields 3:25
9 Finer Things / Tamahagene 5:19
10 I Wish (Death Poem) 3:10

What to play next

Listen next

Descendants of Cain

2020

Go back to

The Night's Gambit

2013

Full Ka discography Artists like Ka

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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata