What makes The Thieves Banquet by Akala notable?

The Thieves Banquet received critical acclaim for its ambitious approach to storytelling and social commentary, earning placements on several year-end lists and recognition within the UK grime scene. Its impact is underscored by Akala's growing influence as an artist who merges music with activism, further establishing him as a leading voice in contemporary British culture. Released in 2013, The Thieves Banquet is Akala's third studio album, following the acclaimed double album, Knowledge Is Power. At this point in his career, Akala was solidifying his reputation as a socially conscious artist, known for blending UK rap with historical and political themes.

How many songs are on The Thieves Banquet?

The Thieves Banquet has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Thieves Banquet

Akala · 2013

57 min · 12 tracks · grime

A sprawling exploration of identity and society, blending intricate lyricism with eclectic beats and a fusion of genres.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Let It All Happen — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and bold production, encapsulating Akala's lyrical prowess and thematic depth.
→
Malcolm Said It — In this track, Akala draws parallels between historical figures and modern struggles, showcasing his ability to weave complex narratives into accessible rap.
→
The Thieves Banquet — The title track delves into themes of exploitation and societal injustice, highlighting Akala’s incisive commentary on contemporary issues through a compelling narrative structure.
→
Maangamizi — This track stands out for its cultural references and powerful delivery, representing Akala’s commitment to exploring African heritage within his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyricism and diverse production, making it a notable entry in the grime genre.

What we noticed

Akala employs varied vocal techniques, including rapid-fire delivery and melodic hooks, which create dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements and samples that enhance the storytelling aspect, particularly in 'Malcolm Said It' and 'A Game Named Life'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 Let It All Happen 5:28
2 Lose Myself 3:12
3 Another Reason 4:48
4 Old Soul 4:34
5 Malcolm Said It 3:21
6 The Thieves Banquet 6:46
7 One More Breath 3:49
8 Pissed Off 4:48
9 Maangamizi 6:27
10 Our Way, the Way 4:58
11 A Game Named Life 4:11
12 The Thieves Banquet, Part 2 5:16

What to play next

Listen next

Knowledge Is Power II

2015

Go back to

Knowledge is Power Mixtape Vol. 1

2012

Full Akala discography Artists like Akala

UK rap grime

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata