Polish rapper Michał Marten, known as Joka, has passed away, confirmed by his brother AbradAb on social media on May 4, 2025. The announcement has left fans and the music community mourning the loss of a significant figure in Polish hip-hop.
Marcin Marten, who is also a rapper and Joka's younger brother, shared the heartbreaking news with a poignant message: "With great sorrow, I inform you of Michał's death. He is no longer with us, but I believe he will forever remain in our hearts." He further requested respect for the mourning period, stating that the date of the funeral has not yet been set.
Michał Marten was born on May 12, 1977, and began his artistic journey in the 1990s. He co-founded the influential hip-hop group Kaliber 44 in 1993, alongside Piotr "Magik" Łuszcz, Rafał "Jajonasz" Łukaszczyk, and his brother. The band's first demo, "Usłysz nasze demo," released in 1994, quickly gained recognition in the Polish hip-hop scene, paving the way for their debut album, "Księga Tajemnicza. Prolog," which came out in 1996.
Kaliber 44's music is characterized by its psychedelic style and innovative approach, which revolutionized the rap scene in Poland. Their second album, "W 63 minuty dookoła świata," released in 1998, was followed by the critically acclaimed "3:44" in 2000, which won a Fryderyk award for the rap/hip-hop album of the year. This period marked the peak of Joka's popularity, with the band becoming one of the most essential formations in the history of Polish hip-hop.
After the release of "3:44," Joka emigrated to the United States, where he spent three years working in various jobs. Upon returning to Poland, he performed sporadically with his brother and continued to collaborate with notable artists in the hip-hop scene, including Miuosh, L.U.C., and Fokus. He also participated in the reactivation of Kaliber 44 in 2013, further solidifying his legacy within the genre.
In addition to his work with Kaliber 44, Joka was involved in other projects, including the group Czarne Złoto and the collective Baku Baku Skład. His contributions to the music industry earned him a place on various lists of top Polish rappers, including a 26th place ranking in 2011 by the magazine "Machina" and a fifth place ranking the following year by the independent music website Porcys.
Joka's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists alike. Notable figures in the Polish music scene have expressed their condolences, including rapper GrubSon, who shared a heartfelt message, "Stay strong, my dear, and give a hug to the family. RIP JOKA." Ryszard "Peja" Andrzejewski also extended his sympathies, saying, "My sincerest condolences. Rest in peace, Brother Joka."
Paweł Musiałowski, a cousin of the late rapper, shared his personal reflections on social media, saying, "I just learned about the death of my cousin, Michał. To most of you, he was known as Joka, but to me, he was simply Michał, a crazy kid with whom I shared memories. His death shocked me. It came unexpectedly and too early. His passing leaves a void and sadness in all of us who knew him. Goodbye, Michał."
As tributes continue to pour in, the legacy of Michał "Joka" Marten remains a significant part of the Polish music landscape. His influence on hip-hop and his contributions to Kaliber 44 have left an indelible mark that will be remembered by fans and fellow artists for years to come. The music community mourns a true pioneer, whose artistry and spirit will live on through his work.
