Album Review: The Thief Next to Jesus by Ka

Ka's surprise album is one of his most cohesive thematic analysis, combining gospel and blues with his signature reflective lyricism.

Courtesy of Iron Works Records.

The album’s title likely refers to one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus Christ according to Christian scripture. This title evokes a vivid and saddening scene from the crucifixion narrative: Picture a stark hilltop under a darkening sky. Three crosses stand in silhouette against the horizon. On the central cross hangs Jesus, beaten and bloodied. To either side of him are two thieves, also condemned to die by crucifixion. The title draws our attention specifically to one of these thieves, a man at the lowest point of his life, facing an agonizing death as punishment for his crimes. Yet he finds himself in an extraordinary position: dying right next to the man Christians believe to be the Son of God. Or maybe we’re overthinking the concept too much regarding Brownville’s MC, Kaseem Ryan.

Ka has always stood out for his ability to mix life’s complexities into poetic verses. His career began in the ’90s, but found love again with Iron Works in 2008, introducing his raw, philosophical style. His subsequent work, Grief Pedigree in 2012 and Days With Mr. Yen Lo in 2015 with Preservation, affirmed his status in underground hip-hop. Honor Killed the Samurai in 2016 became a landmark for its narrative depth, drawing parallels between street life and ancient warrior codes. His later albums, Descendants of Cain and A Martyr’s Reward, along with two albums in 2022, Languish Arts and Woeful Studies, continued to explore themes of legacy and survival, solidifying Ka’s reputation as a master storyteller.

In his ninth studio album, The Thief Next to Jesus, he further refines his minimalist yet impactful style. Here, Ka invites listeners into a deeply introspective space where each lyric and beat is meticulously placed to serve the narrative. He enriches his soundscape with gospel and blues samples, creating a distinct and keen atmosphere. “Cross You Bear” goes in about street wisdom (“Not acknowledged on the side of knowledge if don’t pass it on”) with a soulful backdrop, whereas “Broken Rose Window” and “Soul and Spirit” use blues elements to paint a vivid picture of adversity. “God Undefeated” brings gospel into the mix, emphasizing themes of spirituality and suppleness.

Ka’s music is always dense and layered and requires multiple listens to grasp his concepts. His recently released single, “Such Devotion,” is delivered philosophically, filled with metaphor and gritty reflection on life in challenging circumstances. The imagery in the lyrics is stark and visceral, often drawing on references to battle and survival. For instance, Ka raps, “If it’s a battle, then you’re bound to encounter us approaching,” suggesting an inevitable confrontation that comes with striving for success in a competitive or hostile environment. It’s a masterful example of storytelling through rap, where every line constructs a more detailed account of the internal and external battles faced by individuals striving to maintain their integrity and pursue their aspirations in a fundamentally challenging environment.

His narrative technique often employs a condensed storytelling style, rich in allusions and layered meanings. For example, “The load that’s on these shoulders is much to bear” reflects the personal burden or responsibility and evokes classical mythologies of heroic endurance. His reference to elemental struggles, “Mars was solid, my earth never shook,” uses planetary metaphors to signify personal steadiness and flexibility in the face of external turmoil. His use of language is descriptive and evocative, painting a grim yet hopeful landscape of human venture.

The opening song that breeds The Thief Next to Jesus, “Bread, Wine, Body, Blood,” the album sets a reflective tone, cautioning against self-destruction. This theme echoes throughout but offers a scathing critique of today’s hip-hop culture and its detrimental effects on the Black community. He dissects various tropes prevalent in mainstream rap, from materialism and drug culture to hyper-sexualization and violence. He begins by targeting the obsession with wealth.

”Money this, money that, all that shit dummy rap

Should give them people money back.”

Ka then moves on to criticize the glorification of drug use and its impact on young people: “Keep them dumb, sprung up in that younger trap.” Ka also tackles the objectification of women in hip-hop, lamenting the shift from empowerment to exploitation: “We started as empowerment/I’m feeling I was past that.” Finally, he addresses the perpetuation of violence within the community, urging for change: “Still a must, stop killing us, should be the main pack. Moving to “Beautiful,” the vibe shifts slightly towards soul production, reflecting the desire for tranquility amidst life’s turmoil. The simplicity in production is perhaps best showcased in “Tested Testimony,” where Ka’s reflections on personal choices are set against a haunting, drumless backdrop.

“Collection Plate” also offers a raw, introspective glimpse into a challenging upbringing marked by poverty and street life by opening, “Took a while to get straight, but made it through The Lean Years,” setting the tone. His wordplay shines throughout, exemplified in clever rhymes such as “We’ll pull a gun machine if you come between his,” and he showcases why he’s one of the best storytellers as he recounts personal experiences, like “My brother swore to tug a war, I was shown the ropes,” illustrating the harsh realities of his youth. The verse concludes with practical advice for navigating difficult circumstances: “Learn to fight in the pit/If you can’t get loose, tighten your lip/I’ll go hard when it’s time to roll,” showcasing Ka’s ability to distill complex life lessons into memorable phrases.

The album concludes with “Hymn & I” and “True Holy Water,” where Ka explores the nuances of faith and the human spirit, tying together the album’s themes of struggle, introspection, and hope. The former talks about his hard life with his family, how they lived, and how you must be mindful of who you trust. At the same time, he searches for authentic faith and leadership in a world of struggle. The latter deals with people’s struggles and how they must work hard to get what they want by using a lot of street talk and metaphors to paint a picture of his experiences. Ka remains committed to his artistic vision, delivering work that resonates on a deeply personal and thought-provoking level.

Great (★★★★☆)

Favorite Track(s): “Collection Plate,” “Soul and Spirit,” “Hymn & I”