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MartyrLoserKing Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length release for the New York rapper is a concept album about a computer hacker in Burundi features guest appearances from Emily Kokal and Haleek Maul.
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Top Track

Groundwork
To the promised land React. Retreat. Subtract. Delete the beat. Until you're told. Don't breathe. Don't move. Don't don't. Holy. Roller. Wigwam.... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Wire
    Feb 18, 2016
    90
    A conceptually intriguing and emotionally powerful masterpiece based around the antihero of the title. [Feb 2016, p.59]
  2. 85
    MartyrLoserKing may not just be one of Saul Williams' best, but it could also find itself among the most important albums of this year.
  3. Jan 27, 2016
    80
    It's heady stuff to dive into, and Williams isn't particularly concerned whether listeners sink or swim, so long as they get wet.
  4. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2016
    80
    Williams has offered much to admire, and even more to contemplate. [Mar 2016, p.119]
  5. Feb 1, 2016
    71
    MartyrLoserKing doesn’t necessarily rise or fall on Williams’ ability to clarify his thoughts into a clear, memorable hook.
  6. Jan 27, 2016
    70
    It’s sci-fi, afro, poetry delivered with a snarl. This may not be for everyone, hell, it may only be for the brave, but if you take the ride you’ll be vastly rewarded.
  7. Jan 27, 2016
    60
    Williams’ songwriting approach, while accomplished and still urgent, occasionally loses some of its ferocity and connection to the theme by playing to his game a bit too much; relying on that trademark electro-rock production instead of mutating contemporary trap and noise feels like a slight misstep.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of