I finally found the time to start a new series on the blog. From now on, I will review albums I bought myself every now and then. Since I paid for these albums, the reviews are based on my personal taste. If you are looking for in-depth reviews, the big music sites are the better place. I still hope you get something out of my take.
First up is the King of Rap himself. Kool Savas released his fourth studio album Märtyrer on November 14. This review covers the Basic Edition with 13 tracks.
Track by Track
1. Intro feat. Tim Bendzko
For me, the intro is the weakest song on the album, and the Tim Bendzko feature was not necessary. That is a shame, because Savas used to be the king of intros. The intro to Der Beste Tag meines Lebens is, in my opinion, the best intro of all time. I think he wanted to make a statement here, but it does not really land. After the intro, I was already fearing the worst.
2. Märtyrer
The title track was already out before the album, along with a video. It is quite orchestral, the way we know it from Savas. Judge for yourself.
3. Es ist wahr / S A zu dem V
The voice sample that carries the beat is great, and Savas' flow really pushes forward. At first you do not even notice that there is no kick drum at all. I also like that the hook changes slightly every time, which keeps making me smile. On top of the main sample, more voice samples are spread throughout the track. It reminds me a lot of the John Bello III song Mach doch deinen Scheiß, which is full of Klaus Kinski samples.
4. Zweifel und Bestätigung
I find the track and the flow a bit exhausting. Technically it is very impressive, but it is a lot to listen to. Lyrically, Savas deals with his status in the rap scene, and with this style run he probably wants to show who is still the king of the ring.
5. Limit feat. Alex Prince
This one sounds a bit too poppy and forced to me. The sung hook is pleasant, but admittedly pretty cheesy.
6. Matrix
Like the title track, Matrix came with a video before the album dropped. I think it was even the first sign of life from the album. The track sounds like classic Savas. Rumor has it the song is aimed at Kollegah, who also calls himself King of Rap, and the references would definitely fit.
7. 2 the Essence feat. Masta Ace & Tajal
My favorite track on the album. I have to admit I had no idea Masta Ace was on it before I got the album, so the surprise was even better. The beat with its scratches feels nicely old school and has a real New York vibe.
8. Es rappelt im Karton
It starts with a great voice sample from Training Day, and the beat is really smooth.
9. Rap über Rap
Savas takes on the criticism that he only ever raps about rap. Personally, I do not need deep psychological insights when I listen to rap, so I have no problem with it. That is actually one of the reasons I like Savas: he focuses on something he loves and wants to be the best at it. Stylistically, he is right at the top, and he proves it again here.
10. Summa Summarum
Another Kinski sample and a nice style run where Savas shows everything he can do.
11. Neue Namen
The beat sounds a bit like old Wu-Tang samples, or like a kung fu movie. Other than that, there is not much to say. Just Savas.
12. Anekdote aus Istanbul (Skit)
His grandmother tells a story from when Savas was four years old. I could have done without it, but he has a skit like this on every album, so at least he is consistent.
13. Lang genug gewartet
A really nice track where Savas uses a voice sample from the intro to Der Beste Tag meines Lebens. It closes the album well and builds a bridge back to the start of his first album.
My Verdict
First of all, I think the album cover is really bad. I know it is a drawing his father sent him from prison, so it obviously means a lot to him, but I am not sure I would have used it as an album cover.
With that backstory, you might expect a more personal album. It is not, and as I wrote above, I do not mind that. This is a classic Savas album.
Stylistically, nobody beats Savas, but I cannot share his love for sung parts. The beats work for me and move between classic and modern, and I am especially happy about all the voice samples.
Overall, the album is solid but nothing special. Hardly any track stays with me for long. I do not regret buying it, though. You get a typical Savas album, and you should know what you are getting into.
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