Ka - The Thief Next to Jesus ALBUM REVIEW

[@Ruddline]

I keep needing to be reminded that you can review Secular and Religious music just as fairly. You made this old man want to check Ka out for the first time, no idea how I have never heard of Ka, thank you for this review!

[@NeutralMjolkHotel]

As someone who pays very little credence to religious themes most of the time, I make an exception with tastefully made art, especially in hip hop. The story of black America has close ties with Christianity, however I feel about it. Artists like Ka and Kendrick address it in a nuanced way that functions as a cultural lens rather than coming across as “Christian rap”. Have fun in the Ka catalogue. It’s a good one.

[@bigcheese2128]

I think religion is more of an allegory or a metaphor on an album like this. I wouldn’t at all classify Ka as a “Christian rapper” as he does sometimes speak about his views on it but he also encompasses such a vast array of other subjects in his songs that to think of him as a religious rapper would be a massive disservice

[@WiloPolis03]

Yeah, as a Christian myself I really respect Fantano for giving music with spiritual beliefs that don't agree with him a fair and critically measured shot, he demonstrates as a lot of maturity in that

[@Tanwolly]

⁠@@NeutralMjolkHotelThis is militant atheism cringe. It has nothing to do with “tastefully made art”. It has to do with you being a fan of rap, so you’ll make exceptions for Christians as long as they’re black and they rap. 😂

[@Tanwolly]

@@bigcheese2128Ka was absolutely a Christian lmfao.

[@noglo5355]

Just as el-p put it, “I have no words, Ka took all the best words with him.”

[@jonathanbarnes7641]

Factz!

[@saladbar3607]

Rest in Power KA!

[@BigOwl51]

Ka, the best firefighter of all time

[@nikolademitri731]

KA ♾️✊

[@nakho3550]

How can one rest in power? If one is dead, the correct statement is rest in peace. Would you say ashes to ashes when a baby is born?

[@1imag337]

​@nakho3550 the baby has risen from power

[@sleep6837]

God what a devastating loss. Ka will go down as one of the greatest writers of all time in hip hop. And in addition to his art, he was a firefighter for more than 20 years. What a beautiful soul. Rest in peace.

[@sleep6837]

@@Tinytunes-25 if you care about lyricism at all you're in for a treat man

[@Tinytunes-25]

@@sleep6837 checked him out. Not for me. But respect to him and his fans.

[@yaboyegreja7750]

Hi sleep

[@sleep6837]

@@yaboyegreja7750 hey Eve!

[@dominic7114]

not only a firefighter, he was a first responder during 9/11

[@fentanylfrog8403]

Can’t believe this is how I found out the news. Firefighter at 9 11, lyrical genius, he lived a great life. Rest in power Ka.

[@ideac.]

bro was a great man

[@soulspace9088]

Same. He was a truly special individual. This is a really tough one to take for me. What’s worse is nobody else I know listens to him so I can’t even share my feelings with someone or grieve along with them. I’m in tears man. Why did this have to happen.

[@tonixbt]

@@soulspace9088 Man, you have no idea how much I relate to this Rest in power Ka

[@kirtneverdied]

RIP Ka, top 10 lyricist of all time 🕊️

[@jordanhodder8481]

Usually this kind of shit is somewhat of a stretch but here it definitely, definitely applies

[@kirtneverdied]

@@jordanhodder8481 damn straight 😂

[@ConnorThompson-w2k]

He's a true artist

[@Dawn95284]

Yes he went to underappreciated his lyrics were so creative and layered.

[@kirtneverdied]

@@Dawn95284 he wrote with so much passion and empathy

[@TuchNGoh]

Bread ($), Wine (drugs+alc) Body (sex) Blood (gang violence) One of the coolest song title and concepts with the 4 verses

[@agustinguerrero7646]

I think the really really cool thing about that opening track is that the sermon like narrative in those four verses is kind of also critiqued further in the album as a moralist christian claim that also opresses black american community just as much as drugs, sex and violence

[@pretty_in_casts]

In loving memory of Ka… (1972 - 2024)

[@GATESOFKELL]

obviously he was not dead before releasing the album but there is something about the quality of the production and his usual vocal styling that makes listening to the album now that feels so warm and welcoming, like it's literally Ka's words of wisdom and comfort from beyond the veil.

[@blanketgod2848]

“Want the best, so it test til I rest in the sediment, was steady pride tryna show you every side, I give it life but write like I already died” - Ka

[@VolkWasHere]

@@blanketgod2848"No petty fray, every day I hail the truth Let it spray, never say Ka failed the youth.." 🙏🏽

[@sgvmvp]

Beautiful has such a spiritual feel with him being gone now

[@soulspace9088]

God please no. I’m absolutely devastated. Just yesterday I was listening to him and thinking how blessed we are to have someone like Ka around. I headed to the comments hoping to see people giving him the credit he is so deserving of, the last thing I expected was to hear of his passing. RIP brother. I promise you that as long as I live your music will always remain heavily in rotation.

[@ninjasrose1653]

R.I.P to the greatest writer of all time. Absolutely devastated! I spoke to him over email for years and he was always so genuine and always hit me back. I still can’t get my head around it. Much ❤ brother, rest easy.

[@persona7-7-7]

how’d you get his email

[@mastersofceremonypodcast5095]

Likewise, always responded to my emails anytime I reached out. Even responded once via a direct text message to me (he found my number via my email footer..) Really regret not writing him more.. Rest in power Ka..

[@ninjasrose1653]

@@persona7-7-7 Just from purchasing all his albums off his site. I sent an email one day many years ago not expecting he'd even see it. I hold them dear to my heart.

[@ALL__CAPS]

RIP the mighty KA, a great artist and man. Firefighter and 911 first responder.

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

That moment of silence at the end is very warranted.

[@doopsnoggllc]

Rest in peace Ka. was looking forward to your thoughts on this.

[@tylerlevibald420]

Recommended this album to a friend a few weeks before he passed. Can’t fathom what his day 1 fans and loved ones are going through. Really a legend.

[@will_cashgrow2294]

I'm messed up. It'll be a while before I could even listen to a KA album...its crazy

[@josechamu240]

@@will_cashgrow2294nah. Dont do Kaseem Ryan aka KA like that!!! “Respect due select few tuning in”. He says so himself on iron works ace boon “right now. U only hear it as lyric, but when i pass, listen back, youll share my spirit. “ “Soul Stayed; prescence of men go, till we meet again, feed ur friends some yen lo…..”

[@feverray8307]

You got me into KA back in 2016, thanks fantano. RIP KA!

[@matthewatdefiantlegends7629]

Me too! 🙏

[@patricktervo2013]

Rest in peace KA, long live the samurai

[@waldough6012]

You know its a serious review when there isnt the little sound bit after introducing the artist and album. Rest in Peace, KA

[@Moyzesh.mp3]

Man! I thank you for introducing me to him, back in Honor Killed The Samurai and he has been one of my favorite rappers ever since.. RIP :(

[@NICKHAM16]

For real, devastating loss. Fantano introduced me to Ka with that album and his work with Hermit & the Recluse. Been a huge fan of his ever since. I was just listening to Descendants of Cain a few weeks ago, never thought I’d find out of his passing from the comments section of this review.

[@goldenchi1d228]

Ka has been on my rotation since I moved to Austin. My favorite album from him was the collab with Animoss, Orpheus vs. The Sirens. Ka’s writing and lyrics are otherworldly. As someone who is into Greek mythology the album delivered on all cylinders. The vast imagery that Ka depicts on this, Descendants of Cain, Honor Killed The Samurai, and Languish Arts/Woeful Studies is something that no other rapper can pull off. Hearing his passing hurts a lot. I was devastated on this tragic announcement. I didn’t want to believe it. Ka forged an amazing catalog. Never gonna skip out on this legend. R.I.P. KA🕊️🏺♟️📚🎋

[@utm0st]

That's his magnum opus imo. I hope people don't miss out on it cause it's not under the name Ka!

[@lulujones]

Been playing Hermit and the Recluse non-stop since I heard the news, will be checking this one out too. RIP KA

[@gustafcederborg9744]

Orpheus and the sirens is really a goated record

[@key-tg1ih]

Wait what??? Wow what a heartbreaking way to learn about someone’s passing, I had no idea but I actually love his Hermit and The Recluse project, he was a one of a kind artist really Rest in power 🙏

[@nikolademitri731]

That album is so freaking good! Top 10 hip hop of the 2010s imo.

[@zleep9182]

So glad you’re bringing people’s attention to this, found it only a few weeks before Ka’s passing and it’s one of the most quietly powerful albums of the year

[@ImpendingRiot83]

Ka was a wonderful human being. Protecting and helping people through his dedicated public service, all the while weaving some of the most beautiful and ornate lyrical tapestries ever crafted. As close, in my mind, as one can get to a true American hero.

[@ThatBoyAstrooo]

A fact that I learned about Ka that I learned after his death: he was a first responder on September 11th. It's amazing how much he was able to do over the course of his life, RIP

[@utm0st]

Another thing is he made a loss (in terms of money) on every album. An artist in the truest sense of the word

[@TWplayer]

⁠​⁠@@utm0stthat is incredibly admirable

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

​@@utm0stW move, quality over quantity

[@azaleawater]

i hope his death brings more people to listen to his music. he really had one of the most incredible discographies of any musician, living or dead. And if anything comes from his passing, I hope its people bringing themselves to his albums and really appreciating the incredible work he put into the world. Rest in Peace.

[@negomo-l4h]

Thank you Fantano and DEHH for putting me on to a lot of Ka's music.

[@Bl00prs]

Absolutely appreciate you treating the intro and outro to the video with respect, by fading out the standard title card, and by giving Ka a moment of silence in the outro. Rest In Peace Ka ❤❤

[@R0man.Geck0]

Orpheus Vs the Sirens quickly became one of my favorite albums of all time recently. Hearing this news was devastating and I wish his family the best. Rest in Power Ka

[@username-1999]

rest in peace Ka.

[@jordancarey5460]

Rest in Peace KA. That was real sweet, what you did at the end. What a wonderful collection of work he has left behind. Must thank Anthony for introducing me to his music. Thank you sir

[@philipdubois2100]

Was waiting for this review didn't think you'd review it. RIP to the legend this album really embodied what made him so great

[@oogbygoog]

REST IN POWER KA 🕊️

[@RapAtmosphere]

R.I.P. KA 🕊️💔

[@trbld5219]

It's at least comforting to know he got out this reflective and brilliant album before leaving us. RIP Ka.

[@ShoujoSnail]

Ka was one of the first artists that introduced me to abstract hip hop, his music was like therapy to me, so his loss hit me in a unique way.i hope he rests in peace.

[@Clooger-]

Literally same here. His collab album Orpheus VS The Sriens will always be in my top 10 favorite albums of all time. RIP to a legend

[@cc3230]

Can't stop listening to TTNTJ and was even listening to it when you're thumbnail popped up. This album is incredible. Ka was truly great. Thought you had passed giving it a review. This is a great review,.

[@deecee1853]

RIP Ka. Discovered him through your Orpheus vs the Sirens review

[@markd7933]

Good review Anthony. Loved the long intro build up into the music breakdown. Professor Skye has done many reviews of Ka's work also, if anyone is interested in seeing deep into Ka's artistry. Above all else, Ka was an artist... more than a rapper. A monklike figure. Besides being a lyrical master, he produced most of his work. To say it was simply "drumless" or "abstract"(lazy terminology) doesnt do it justice. It was like free jazz, but for rap music. Soulful. RIP to Ka.

[@southside6093]

*Arguably the most precise wordsmith in hip hop history*

[@francomiranda706]

Damn, I remember hearing Ka's "The Night's Gambit" in high school and that really changing my taste in rap. rest in peace

[@thojoe_]

Made a last-second trip to NYC last month for Ka’s pop-up. A mutual friend introduced us, and I had the chance to talk with him a few times throughout the day. He sat there from 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM talking with every single person in line. Never rushed anyone. Did it all with a smile on his face. Genuinely one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. I took a few portraits of him and that alone was the greatest highlight of my photography career… Still can’t believe he’s gone.

[@MrJcalvino]

Didn’t know he passed away. I discover his work through Descendants of Cain album. What a genius man, may he rest in peace.

[@vianniello93]

Seeing this video on my subscriptions feed I was so excited because I didn't know a new album dropped. That excitement quickly faded to a deep sadness upon hearing that Ka has passed away. I am going to go get high, listen to all his albums and cry. Rest in peace, Ka. Thank you for leaving us with so much of your art. I wish we got to hear more.

[@AngusMurdie-v5w]

Thank you. I've been eagerly waiting some time for this review as I really enjoyed this album and hoped you would feel the same . Such a spiritual experience which is all the more poignant now that I know he's passed away. I'm shocked and saddened. Love to his fans and people

[@spodefollower]

Why are all the greatest voices taken from us way too early 😢 RIP Ka

[@PerfectMadeStreets]

crazy how I discovered KA through your review of The Nights Gambit more than 10 yeras ago. I have followed him ever since and now I learn from this review that he has died.

[@ohdan3270]

So glad you reviewed this honest and thoughtful masterpiece. R.I.P Ka, I hope you found answers to the questions you asked so well on this album

[@21stCENTURYSCHIZOIDMAN]

Best outro to any video you’ve ever done, almost shed a tear.

[@ja3377]

I wouldn't have found KA if not for this channel. I still come back to 'The Night's Gambit' regularly and 'Descendants of Cain' is among my favorite rap projects of the 2020s. It sucks how it seems people are only giving him recognition and praise after he died but I appreciate Anthony for giving him his due credit for much longer. Thank you Anthony, and rest in peace KA

[@ideac.]

may Ka rest in peace, sad that he passed away before i even actually got into his discography. I only listened to his samurai song and i was fascinated by the vibes of it, Ka has to be one of the most unique guys out there.

[@sweetpotatodato6068]

I hate learning that Ka passed away like this, but I’m happy to hear one of my favorite rappers dropped one last great album. Can’t wait to give it a listen.

[@cody_lit9280]

Loved hermit & the recluse. This dude was him

[@cody_lit9280]

Himothy

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

fr

[@Tommy_Koch]

I got really into this album this year & was so bummed to hear about his passing. Incredible album, incredible artist.

[@morgwn2377]

You've turned me onto a bunch of music over the years. Introducing me to Ka is one of the richest wells yet. Cheers. Sincerely.

[@OLDMANWAFFLES]

Been listening to KA since Grief Pedigree and he will be extraordinary missed but at the same time his music will be studied for generations. His pen was on a different level and we can tell how admired he was by the underground community by the outpouring of love to him/his family. Long live Brownsville KA. Long live underground hip hop/poetry.

[@feelyourlines]

i didnt know he died. god fucking damnit man. honor killed the samurai, night's gambit, orpheus.. absolute bangers. what a loss.

[@1_f1N_1]

Ka lives on in his family and his wisdom and music he shared with us. He will not be forgotten anytime soon. RIP

[@ilovecody7514]

Rest in Peace to a wordsmith who was one of fucking one. I'll never forget hearing The Night's Gambit for the first time.

[@fernandoreyes680]

RIP to an underground legend. Truly one of the greatest writers of our time. You can literally argue any one of his albums is his best album. Innovator, icon, poet, and one of the realest artists in hip hop history.

[@ismailcarbin4907]

Ka's passing still weighs heavy on my spirit. RIP to one of the greatest lyricists

[@bcok99]

His passing hurt me so much. Rest in Peace Ka, thank you for everything

[@aiden359]

I’m pretty sure the first video I ever saw on this channel was your review of Honor Killed the Samurai. It’s what dragged me into this world of unique hip hop.

[@Immort4l5]

I almost cried when I found out Ka passed, it was a tragedy for the whole game. R.I.P. Ka

[@PhaceizDaname]

Rest in Peace KA... you will be missed and the gems left behind will always be respected and appreciated... stellar writer!! amazing emcee. Sadly, i feel KA knew his time was coming, there were tons of bars not only on this album but previous albums that make me believe that... Ka lowkey is Hero, not only in rap but in real life. THE THIEF NEXT TO JESUS TO ME, I FEEL IS AOTY... KA WILL BE MISSED!! GOD BLESS. 🙏 Hey Anthony, great review!

[@James-uw2xh]

I was really lucky to have someone go to his last popup a few weeks ago to pick up this record and A Martyr’s Reward for me, both signed- two of his last signatures ever. Ka’s one of the greatest rappers and humans to ever live, he’s missed.

[@hankfrance4559]

I was very afraid that this was going to be missed and that Fantano would fail to give this album its due justice, but worry was not necessary. We are blessed to have had the artistry of KA for even as long as we did, and we are blessed to live in an era where outlets such as Fantano will make sure they don’t go unheard.

[@Xizura]

This video is such a powerful tribute to Ka and his legacy, thank you.

[@Vincent-um9pi]

RIP Brownsville Ka and Chino XL 🙏

[@Johncllctn]

This album and memories in armour by navy blue are top tier this year rip ka, every rapper i look up to looks up to ka

[@djxycloneofficial899]

To me, this will forever be one of those situations where I feel regret for not getting into an artist's music when they were still around. I was here when Honor Killed the Samurai and Descendants of Cain dropped, and I recall checking them out after Fantano's and DEHH's reviews of them. The sound was too eclectic and experimental for my younger self, and I passed it on as something that wasn't my vibe. I never returned to them. But after seeing all the praise and memoriums sent Ka's way, and seeing how beloved he truly was to so many, it got me thinking 'maybe I'm missing something' and gave his records another shot. Honestly I don't know what I was thinking back in 2017 and 2020. Descendants of Cain is one of the most brilliantly crafted and potent albums I've ever heard, not just in the realm of underground rap, or even hip hop in general, but in terms of music as a whole. The wordplay borders on genius, the minimal production is seasoned perfectly, and the concept is simple to grasp yet still deep enough to pull more layers from. I will forever kick myself for not understanding Ka's message when he was alive, because I definitely missed out on some great music. The world really lost a legend and an unsung hero. Rest in power, Ka. 🕊️

[@littledude506]

Been waiting for this review, thank you melon

[@Tsutsu5]

I was laughed at when I said ka was a better lyricist than em. One of the greatest poets and besides roc, the only artist I support every release by buying their digital and physical copies. The god fathers of this new wave of hiphop

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

your friends must like drake

[@MurdoctheMaiden]

Orpheus vs the Sirens deserves to be celebrated as one of the best hip hop collab albums ever. RIP Ka, and thank you 🙏

[@JL3001]

Losing Ka hurts so much. Been a fan since Grief Pedigree. What a loss, there will never be another one like him.

[@ShogunShmogun]

Oh my god, I had no idea he’d passed, completely changed the trajectory of my life with his work, he will be so dearly missed

[@oliverphoenix1563]

Been playing Brownsville Ka’s music non stop since the announcing of his passing. Only just started playing catch-up on the albums I missed. Rest in Peace KA! ❤

[@mayo692]

RIP Ka, it is devastating I discover a talent like him only upon his death, I wish I had more time with his music and to learn more about him as an artist.

[@NLoooo]

RIP Ka, thanks for your music. got me thru some sad times. and just in general, great artist

[@AvaOrSomething]

RIP Ka

[@MapleMilk]

Ka is like the equivalent of reading a biography on Miles Davis Very low key but deeply interesting and literary when you get into it I am genuinely mad at myself for not trying to get into Ka more when I heard about him from Dead End Hip Hop Rest in Peace

[@zysttt_]

RIP. May the music live forever

[@Philtcb]

Very respectable review Anthony!

[@countchocula7899]

so happy to see this review!! huge Ka fan and I really enjoyed this album and it was nice to hear your thoughts on this fantastic album

[@TheProbewizard]

Rest in power Ka❤ Sirens is one of my favorite songs of all time

[@Gi_the_guy]

If I’m being honest, I had just recently heard about Ka about two weeks before he passed…may he rest in peace, and my all rappers take notes from his words. I’ll DEFINITELY be listening. 💕

[@Induratize2]

Just got into him about last year and been listening to songs off Sirens,Descendants of Cain and Honor Killed the Samurai nearly everyday. Was so sad to hear him go RIP

[@FallingOutTheSky]

Been waiting on this one for a while, incredibly well deserved score for him. Rest in power to a legend 🕊️

[@Army_of_One_]

Rest in peace to one of the greatest writers and poets of our generation, and thank you Anthony for this excellent review and tribute.

[@yesidisagree6109]

Ka has to be one of the greatest lyricists of our time. RIP ka.

[@IDoubleJ]

Rest in peace Ka. Thank you for your music. And most importantly thank you for your service. A firefighter for the New York fire department and first responder when 9/11 happened. We will not forget you

[@zcerendedeoglu]

I feel criminal because of how i not heard him before his death. R.I.P silent legend.

[@BlackZynfyndel]

I feel you but now you have all this great music to go back and listen to. Enjoy! 💚

[@mr.monkey1914]

Yeah but I'm so glad he's getting all of the love he deserved even if it's too late for him to receive it firsthand. This is what he would have wanted ❤

[@elliottcarrington7835]

Love your reviews Anthony. Rip Ka❤️

[@refusingtoconform]

To everyone only hearing of Ka now. Grief Pedigree, the Hermit and the Recluse, Descendants of Cain, and the Superfly Single. It hurts that the good prophets are always the first to die.

[@ruffiankick]

Still can't believe he's gone. RIP Brownsville KA! Great album. Such Devotion, borrowed time, and beautiful are my favorite tracks!

[@FromThe36thChamber]

Gotta give you credit for introducing me to Ka all the way back when he released Nights Gambit

[@alecadabra_]

This video is beautiful. One of your best reviews, and I’ve seen a LOT of them

[@thejoffshow7674]

The greatest rap poet of our time by far. This loss is devastating. KA forever

[@romilrh]

12:20 Damn, was not expecting that silence at the end. It hit me hard ngl

[@nzslol]

i hate dat ian hear abt him until his passing but im glad i have discovered his music now !!! RIP KA