I've begun prepping some selections for my year-end best-of lists, and new things keep creeping into my favorites of the year, like the latest from the New York rapper and firefighter Ka. Somehow, i failed to hear that the artist released a new record a couple of months ago with the absolutely astounding "The Thief Next to Jesus." I also missed that the album is his swan song, as he unexpectedly passed away in October at the age of 52. RIP Ka. The new album is quite the statement to go out on though, a mix of gospel and hip-hop with the artist's hushed delivery and insight. It's really something. Listen to "Tested Testimony" below and download the album here or wherever you like to stream or download things.
It's that time of year when i start discovering all manner of music that i missed out on earlier for whatever reason. I'm a busy man, you know? Anyway, i've felt like there hasn't been a lot of hip-hop on my radar this year. It happens i guess, but until Earl Sweatshirt dropped his new album a couple weeks ago, nothing had really grabbed my attention. And then i come across the wonderful and fascinating "Orpheus vs. The Sirens," the August release from Hermit and The Recluse, the project of Brooklyn rapper/producer/firefighter Ka and producer Animoss. The album pairs streetwise stories with Greek mythology, all aswirl in lush, gorgeous, and at times tension-building production. It'd be pretentious if it weren't so fucking good. This is boundary pushing hip-hop and i am here for it. I wish i'd discovered this when it came out. Anyway, watch the video for album opener "Sirens" below and get the album from the artist here.
