the Ka thread

[Philaflava]

How does this compare to Reloaded?

[B. Ware tha Siniq]

It's not very comparable to Reloaded at least aesthetically. It's excellent, but much closer to Marcberg and Grief Pedigree. Gutter, not balcony.

[B. Ware tha Siniq]

Not sure I like it as much as Grief Pedigree, but it's still excellent.

High point for me is definitely "30 Pieces of Silver." I do agree that the production took a step forward (not a surprise at all considering how much he stepped his game up from Iron Works to Grief Pedigree), but I actually think his voice fits better on the more stripped down shit. So it's kind of like subtraction by addition for me a little bit. But that's just being picky. Album is great.

It's funny - that's pretty much what I told him yesterday, with regard to him being suited to stripped down and sparse production. I told him that's why I like Iron Works so much, and he said that he went for a more grimy sound on that first album and that a lot of people don't like Iron Works because the production.

yeah, I like Iron Works, but definitely think Grief Pedigree is pretty much a perfect lane for him production-wise, and would agree with those that feel sometimes the lack of production skill hurt Iron Works a bit. That said, having listened to this about a dozen times now, I'd say that the fuller beats fit him well. It's just that you have to work a little harder to focus in on the lyrics. His voice doesn't stand out as well behind lusher beats, but it doesn't sound bad. There's still plenty of sparse gems on here too. I think it's possible after a while that I'll prefer it to Grief Pedigree. Really, really good.

You listened to this a dozen times already? Didn't he just release it the other day?

It's short and I'm a bit of a Ka stan. My general thoughts on the album are here: http://hardwoodblacktop.com/2013/07/14/ ... ts-gambit/

[sleazy_j]

this is good, but from my first two listens i'll state that Grief Pedigree was more cohesive.

[Rhyme 4 Rhyme]

Not sure I like it as much as Grief Pedigree, but it's still excellent.

High point for me is definitely "30 Pieces of Silver." I do agree that the production took a step forward (not a surprise at all considering how much he stepped his game up from Iron Works to Grief Pedigree), but I actually think his voice fits better on the more stripped down shit. So it's kind of like subtraction by addition for me a little bit. But that's just being picky. Album is great.

It's funny - that's pretty much what I told him yesterday, with regard to him being suited to stripped down and sparse production. I told him that's why I like Iron Works so much, and he said that he went for a more grimy sound on that first album and that a lot of people don't like Iron Works because the production.

yeah, I like Iron Works, but definitely think Grief Pedigree is pretty much a perfect lane for him production-wise, and would agree with those that feel sometimes the lack of production skill hurt Iron Works a bit. That said, having listened to this about a dozen times now, I'd say that the fuller beats fit him well. It's just that you have to work a little harder to focus in on the lyrics. His voice doesn't stand out as well behind lusher beats, but it doesn't sound bad. There's still plenty of sparse gems on here too. I think it's possible after a while that I'll prefer it to Grief Pedigree. Really, really good.

You listened to this a dozen times already? Didn't he just release it the other day?

It's short and I'm a bit of a Ka stan. My general thoughts on the album are here: http://hardwoodblacktop.com/2013/07/14/ ... ts-gambit/

Good shit man. I'll check this out. I kinda want to go down there and meet him but it's a pain in the ass to go back to the city on the weekends. Be much easier to go down there after work, but I assume he's doing his own shit during the week too. It's cool to hear he's a real down to earth guy though.

[sleazy_j]

Good shit man. I'll check this out. I kinda want to go down there and meet him but it's a pain in the ass to go back to the city on the weekends. Be much easier to go down there after work, but I assume he's doing his own shit during the week too. It's cool to hear he's a real down to earth guy though.

i don't think he's selling his stuff in person anymore. i think that was a one time deal.

[drizzle]

amazing album

he will not be returning to sell there again, that was only a one time deal for the debut day. he went out 2x last time because cds and vinyls came in at different dates

[DLG]

Ka ‏@BrownsvilleKa 20h
If you're in NYC and you need the vinyl go to:
A1 Records
Other Music
Co-op 87
Good Records

[TheBigSleep]

Stream:

http://www.npr.org/2013/07/15/201569604 ... t#playlist

[A Kid]

just grabbed this up. suddenly my anticipation skyrocketed

[drizzle]

It's not very comparable to Reloaded at least aesthetically. It's excellent, but much closer to Marcberg and Grief Pedigree. Gutter, not balcony.

they don't really sound alike but I think you could compare the two in terms of artist growth/progress - the change in production from GP>Night's Gambit is similar to how Roc's production changed from Marcberg to Reloaded. the first album has a more minimal, stripped down sound, the second sounds richer and more layered

[B. Ware tha Siniq]

It's not very comparable to Reloaded at least aesthetically. It's excellent, but much closer to Marcberg and Grief Pedigree. Gutter, not balcony.

they don't really sound alike but I think you could compare the two in terms of artist growth/progress - the change in production from GP>Night's Gambit is similar to how Roc's production changed from Marcberg to Reloaded. the first album has a more minimal, stripped down sound, the second sounds richer and more layered

I agree, and said as much in my review. That said, I don't think there's quite as big a difference between GP and Night's Gambit as their was between Iron Works and GP. He's definitely continued to improve as a producer and this album does have some lusher beats and his stripped down beats are a little more idiosyncratic/interesting than they were last time. But I do think the change in sound from Marcberg to Reloaded is much more drastic.

That said, I really didn't interpret that as what Gloss was asking.

[Sebastion Shaw]

I like the album for what it is. Not really much replay value (just can't listen to sleepy cadences all the time) but I think what he's saying is good.

He's like a male version of Ursula Rucker. Really dope on sleepy tracks, but thats the double edge sword is that it may put you to sleep.

I like most of the new record but the Roc Marci feat was horrible. Sounds like reading off the paper(slowly) rap.

[Philaflava]

I didn't dig the collabo either. Considering how great Ka has been on his albums, he didn't do his homie right with this guest spot.

[Sebastion Shaw]

I didn't dig the collabo either. Considering how great Ka has been on his albums, he didn't do his homie right with this guest spot.

Word, sound like Marci was trying to mimmic Ka flow on the song instead of just doing him. Needless to say it didn't translate well.

[Philaflava]

And enough with the pockets like Wallace shit.

[Versive]

Two listens through: Wondering how deep the chess concept goes. Also remembering that GZA, who gave Ka an early co-sign with the feature on Pro Tools, has been heavy on the concept throughout his career. And that Ka used the metaphor on said feature: "I run with a crook or two, escaped out Brooklyn Zoo / Fuck that queen, I'll show you what a knight and a rook would do"

[Rhyme 4 Rhyme]

Off a few listens, real dope. One of my favorites of the year.

Far as the Marciano verse, I've noticed he's been brain dead on a number of his features recently. In the most recent interview he did on the Combat Jack Show, he basically said he does features for the money, however in this case with Ka, you think he'd give a better effort. Still a dope song, but I have higher hopes for Piece Be With You.

[Brayden]

This whole album is fire. Definitely one of the best releases of the year.

[Brougham33]

Gets even better on 3rd and 4th listen.


Easily one of the best summers for rap music ever. Still got Danny and Earl to drop.

[Philaflava]

I agree, it's getting better and better with each listen. Knighthood and 30 Pieces are my shit.

[DLG]

loving it, but I don't think it's fuckin with grief pedigree.

[Rhyme 4 Rhyme]

After several listens this is real dope, and I agree that his beats on here are a little heavier than Grief Pedigree. The beat on Peace Akhi is probably the best. Anyone find a link for the bonus cut that was included on the vinyl?

[Blockhead]

It's a really good album. I dunno if I agree with folks saying it's some huge growth from grief pedigree though. It's very similar in that it's Ka kicking really good raps over super spare beats. This album is darker and more experimental in his sample choices but it's not some huge step forward IMO. That said, I have no problem with that though cause Ka is dope as fuck and he knows how to make a song. That's something I don't get tired of very easily.

[DJCommunist]

Ka is so damn on point. "I'm Ready" is a favorite so far

[Hair of the Dog]

this album surprisingly got a look on NPR's 'first listen' series. Do I smell a philaflavor interning at NPR?

[Tired & Broke]

this album surprisingly got a look on NPR's 'first listen' series. Do I smell a philaflavor interning at NPR?

not necessarily, KA has been gettin love all over the innanetz

[Gregg Popabitch]

I agree, it's getting better and better with each listen. Knighthood and 30 Pieces are my shit.

Add Off the Record and this is how I feel so far.

[Employee]

Been burning this for about a week now: HEAVY FLOW. Taking nothing away from Grief Pedigree, this is a shot in the arm. Production is too nice.

[Dap]

this is fantastic. peace akhi is my shit right now