im still trying to process this.

[@manishg3216]

“I want compassion from the highest Food for the lowest Cures for the afflicted Rooves for the homeless Direction for the misled Heat for the coldest Love for the lonely Peace for the soldiers” Ka 🕊️

[@NoelPhoya]

Golden Fleece 🔥🔥🔥

[@roramdin]

Was listening to the Sirens walking home from the grocery store, got home and went on twitter. First thing I saw was the post from Ka's family. Heart dropped to my stomach, that song alone changed the way I think about the peak of the written word - I keep hoping that it was all a dream.

[@open_mike_eagle]

I very feel that. something about Sirens in particular feels different now too

[@roramdin]

@@open_mike_eagle of course when i was lost, it was important to search.

[@mider-spanman5577]

Sirens is my favorite song. So much replay ability and those strings give me chills every time. Amazing artistry by both rapper and producer that blends to create a true masterpiece!

[@ImpendingRiot83]

@@mider-spanman5577Animoss and DJ Preservation are my favorite producers Ka worked with; Hermit & The Recluse was immensely powerful but I also got a huge spot in my heart for the Dr. Yen Lo project.

[@mider-spanman5577]

@@roramdin Bro, that's my favorite part of the song because it's so relatable, and the video makes it even more powerful with the guy actually walking barefoot on the ground. I don't know, that's the part that resonated with me the most as well. Such a beautiful song!

[@dyce3008]

"Funny I called my friends 'Money'...I lost hundreds" fuck...

[@dj_regular]

Ka and Roc kinda developed their second acts in parallel. After Ka had his feature on GZA's Pro Tools they got introduced and became friends. Marcberg and Grief Pedigree came out in the same year, and the latter wasn't Ka's first album but I think most folks look at both of those as their respective breakthroughs. They were both basically one man operations as far as the music goes, mostly producing for themselves. I think what gets me about Ka in comparison is just how thoughtful and purposeful he was about EVERYTHING seemingly out of necessity. Most of his videos were self-shot, with the exception of the animated joints. The pop-up events to build with fans in person. Nothing was ever flashy, but it always felt like a deliberate choice rather than a lack of budget or production value. Like he wanted to avoid anything that wasn't in service to what he was trying to say, or that might give you a degree of separation from the intent of the music. I'm glad that he was able to see that his work was appreciated while he was here, but I selfishly wish he was going to be able to show us what his career would look like 5, 10, 15 years from now.

[@open_mike_eagle]

thank you for the insight man

[@poopymcpoop9945]

KA passing just makes me want to make meeting Roc a priority. You never know when your favorites will unfortunately leave us.

[@basiliobernard7995]

Btw, Roc Marciano produced that track “Firehouse” on the Gza album that first showcased the raw talent of Ka in ‘08…Rest In Paradise to one of our most poignant & potent poetic penmen in all of Hip-Hop.😢

[@shox1010]

"The world will not empower you to think that you can have a second act." Is a BAR

[@dannybuchanan3661]

Ka passing away hit like a ton of bricks for me. He really represented to me doing things your own way outside of all bullshit and capitalism. His albums are timeless and he really quietly added so much to the world. I'm curious about the fact you guys were considering collaborating at one point, was he ever considered for Cavanaugh? Maybe still doesnt fit musically but i could really imagine him on a track like screen play

[@Noah-qu9fb]

I'm seriously gutted by this especially with how sudden it is. He was a seriously special and talented artist. He put so much care into his music, it was evident with every release and I found myself becoming a bigger and bigger fan with each release. RIP to a fantastic writer and artist.

[@ImpendingRiot83]

I just found out this morning… Absolutely crushed. The game will never fully understand what it lost. I hope everyone who’s heard him understands at the very least. Without voices like his we would not likely hear people like Earl Sweatshirt doing what they do with their more recent material. He really did forge a lane. Blessings of love and strength for his family and friends in their time of grief.

[@unknowngeek777]

Art Rap was a very needed label, Mike. Good on you and Ka for making Hip Hop for the Fine Arts Museums. It’s way more impactful to the Culture than you may think sometimes

[@senseofjustice0218]

Just finding out about this from your video and I'm legit crushed. Ka was someone I started listening to shortly after finding Open Mike Eagle's music in 2020 and both of you guys helped carry me through COVID and the loss of my father with your music. Listening to Ka's excellent Descendants of Cain album really helped me through a lot of the grief I was experiencing, and his lyrical excellence is up there with the best of them. Rest in peace Ka, you will be missed!

[@bowling4clarity817]

Discovering Ka in 2012 has been the most renewably rewarding event in hip hop for me . I'm a 50 year old hip hop lifer, who honestly struggles to keep from being jaded about contemporary hip hop writers . I strongly feel like Ka and his (sadly complete) body of work is the greatest literary journey through a man's plight in the 21st century .

[@101iswhatsup]

1:51. R.I.P. Ka, dude was helping blaze trails while putting out fires. 1200 B.C. and Grief Pedigree helped me in a season. I believe they say he was a responding firefighter during nine11. I'm grateful for the redbull interview, it helps to understand what his mission was.

[@achronos178]

This is a devastating loss. He was such an earnest artist. Lucky we had him, and I'm glad he was given his flowers while he was here.

[@e55570]

Man, earlier that day I was just listening for the first time to “The Thief Next to Jesus”, trying to process the concept of the album, thinking about the living on borrowed time line, and after a few hours I started seeing posts online about his passing, that feeling was awful, still can’t belive we lost of one the greatest to ever do it. Rip

[@Jonathan-a-az]

Damn this is the first I heard about it. Tragic for his family and close ones. From the little I know of his personal life he seemed a real good guy, and he was a true public servant. On a more selfish note it just sucks that we're down yet another fiercely independet, unique artistic voice. No more art from Ka, no more art from DOOM, that is a significant loss.

[@boobaunlimited4614]

Ka’s words live in your head, hibernate, emerge when you need them most. His music has a rare tenderness to it, a powerful vulnerability. His production style is cinematic and minimal and powerful. His life admirable. We are so lucky to have had him. I hope he knew how much love we have for his art.

[@aymanalrsheed5920]

Can we talk a little bit more about this, you said everything in my head and I feel stuck, can’t process this loss and I have no one that will understand this.

[@refusingtoconform]

BRO NO. Oh god, no. This shit genuinely tragic. Boldy James, Billy Woods, Ka. All them dudes been on a serious run of it during the 2010s, 2020s. I'm grieving.

[@refusingtoconform]

I wasn't ready for this man. I just listened to the Thief Next to Jesus. I wasn't ready to lose another one of my favorite rappers. I DIDN'T KNOW.

[@dnkmarci]

we here with you bro. 🫂🫂🫂🫂. RIP King Kaseem.

[@mikedunn3341]

Rappers like Ka, and Billy Woods I always use and recommend to ppl to process grief so, now being forced to apply Ka's lyrics to his own passing, really makes his recurring themes of duality, opposites, life and death, so fucking poignant in a spiritual way and in hindsight of his passing just hits me like no other artists writing has. I am sure his family are extremely proud of his work, but I also sympathize because his songs weren't party records to begin with, and NOW?! They are like the lost poems of an average noble vessel who knew too much. Nd I'm just a fan, not family I can't imagine their emotions at this time. ppl always look at specific lyrics differently after rappers pass, and often misconstrue, but those duality life death themes have ran through Ka's entire discography like it was his Devine mission from the start. Bone chilling. Sending the most love to Ka and his fam. Thank you for making this vid Mike. Rest in power The Gifted Narrator.

[@mider-spanman5577]

It is crazy knowing that we may never hear any more jewels dropping from this legend! He truly was the artist that changed my whole perspective on what Rap and H-Hop as a whole can be. He taught me to truly listen and dissect the English language. To have patience and don't rush out music because you set your own rules. The man was a true hero in so many ways and I just can't say enough about how he changed my life in the sense that I got through many dark days over the last 4 years listening to him. Listening to Ka definitely led me down a rabbit hole in discovering even more great artists such as billy woods, Homeboy Sandman, Navy Blue, Killah Priest, Akai Solo, MIKE, etc. Thank you Ka! You will always be remembered!

[@mauriceporter1590]

Man thank you so much for this video this will be his Eulogy in my mind. Rest in Power KA

[@SoundTasteLifestyle]

For sure!

[@christianlesniak]

I always have a soft spot for artists that hit their stride a little later in life; it's only too bad that there wasn't much of a place for that in rap until pretty recently. I hadn't gotten into Ka, but hearing him talk about his ethos is inspiring, so I think I'm going to have to devote some space and concentration to his work.

[@amandasutton4056]

Loved this video, hearing u speak on Ka and such insightful words on reinvention etc. I never met Ka and only discovered his music relatively recently and so can't really reconcile how significant his passing feels to me. All I know is that it does. His music just touched my soul.

[@love-thugger]

Wordy and drone but worthy the throne. - KA Rest in peace. One of my favorite if not simultaneously challenging artist.

[@gonegoneandgoing]

can only imagine the toll this has taken on you as an underground rapper. so sorry man. can’t believe we lost both Damo Suzuki and Ka this year

[@Billchuck007]

"Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them: they can be injured by us, they can be wounded; they know all our penitence, all our aching sense that their place is empty, all the kisses we bestow on the smallest relic of their presence." -George Eliot

[@KPThomas82]

I just started listening to him a few weeks back and immediately knew I had found a new favorite hip hop artist. Had a somber feeling when I heard he passed. Sad, man

[@lobstarooo]

I'm absolutely devastated. Beautiful words Mike. I always had a dream of a collab project between you, Ka and Danny Brown. For some reason it seemed like a weird but fitting combo with the gritty poetic realism of Ka, Danny coming in emotionally in his understated lower register and you spicing things up with your brand of cynical introspectives and observations. Came to Ka relatively late I guess, found out because the Dead End Hip Hop guys all had Honor Killed the Samurai in their top 10 that year and decided to check it out. Immediately impressed me to the point he always has been in my top 3 ever since.

[@SonicsGuy4Life]

rip ka, my fav lyricist

[@SonicsGuy4Life]

he was producing btw, he did most of work

[@will_cashgrow2294]

🎯 mine too

[@hertzamok]

Ka actually produced most of his own beats.

[@MrAbdi111]

With all great art there's a razor sharp clarity the artist has regarding reality whether lived or witnessed. Ka had that in numerous works. It felt real. And feeling matters in music. You mention the mental and physical toll of being an artist whilst being a firefighter and the craft. To me, he gave himself up to his craft to a degree not many who live would be willing to go and that shows in his work.

[@StayBlessed47]

Thank you for covering this! More people need to know about the underground legend and hometown hero.

[@grayearly3116]

Ka is my main inspiration as an artist and I wish that I would have gotten to thank him in person for the journey I've been able to go through thanks to his music

[@lyleugleman9799]

you talked about feeling like you missed an opportunity - i feel that way about being a fan. the first time i heard of ka was the dr. yen lo album in 2015, i was 16 years old at the time and when i listened to it i recognized there was something there, but in retrospect i think i wasn’t old and mature enough to fully grasp it. in the following years i’d come to really appreciate his appearance on albums by marci and navy blue. i always told myself i’d go back and give his oeuvre the deep dive it deserves, and never did. even last month with the thief next to jesus: i told myself i’m gonna dig into it eventually but ended up listening to the jamie xx album instead, and it slipped by me. i guess now’s as good a time as any, but i’ll always feel a little cheap about the fact i’m appreciating him more in death than in life… still, the respect he garnered from the people he garnered it from let me know that, even at a distance, this guy was a special artist and human. rest in power ka 🕊️

[@ts_cohn]

I always look forward to him

[@rosewrath_s_revenge]

All peace to the great KA! Such a mesmerizing body of work that stands entirely on its own merits. Thank you for your thoughtful remembrance Mike 🙏🏿

[@Afkaforpresident]

I can’t even imagine what his family & friends are going through right now. Man it’s been hard unexpectedly because I never met him. It’s a huge regret when you realize he was the older black mentor you needed all along & he was always available via email.

[@OLDMANWAFFLES]

This one cut deep. It’s hard to put into words, but I know you comprehend and I understand you’re going through it too. You’re also an inspiration to my art in the same way KA is, and there’s very few artists that captivate my senses in such an impactful manner, so it’s a blessing to even discover the diamond in the rough. I first learned of KA through his Grief Pedigree record and after hearing “Cold Facts” I knew he was cut from a different fabric. It’s the same feeling I got when I was first blessed by your art. KA’s music will be studied for generations to come and his service to his community will never be forgotten. He was truly one of a kind. Thank you for your words and I totally hear you out on how KA sort of carved his own lane in indie rap, especially back in the early 2010’s right beside Roc Marci. This only makes me strive to better my own art and continue to give praise where it’s due, while humbling myself. We appreciate you Mike, much love to you and yours.

[@JakeBodenhamer]

Rest In Power Brownsville Ka!

[@Barry_Tone]

Hits hard to learn of the passing of my favorite rapper from my other favorite rapper. RIP Ka. You will be remembered far beyond the world you knew.

[@bandog357]

It feels so wrong!! This hurts really badly....i'm at loss for words!! 💔His work speaks to me in a way that few artist’s can! I wish his family blessings and healing! Rest easy KA 🕊✨

[@MaxwellDickinson-z4f]

This was an amazing video. So well thought out and articulately stated. I didn't know Ka was a firefighter and it shocked me to learn he did that on top of creating music. I love how much knowledge about the indie rap scene was dropped in this video. Incredible to have this perspective. I could watch this again and again to process my emotions about it.

[@TuchNGoh]

Less talked genius was his voice and mixing. His vocals hit like a katana slicing thru butter.

[@Bostonceltic1998]

thanks mike. your authenticity is always appreciated. hip hop won’t be the same without ka. grateful that we continued to get incredible music until he was gone. he will continue to live on through his music. love

[@tamulawrence8865]

Thank you Mike, we lost another one that was soooo important, I haven't been this gutted since DOOM. One Love!!!

[@obiesieadibuah4438]

Well said. Also he definitely produced a lot of his output… Also, 30 keys is rough to listen to now man. I still can’t believe it

[@studiopillboy]

Orpheus vs the Sirens got through an UGLY time. Long live Ka

[@preerozbruh]

My favorite from him.

[@GOAT-HRDRZ]

RIP KA 🐐💯🔥 RIP Tame One 🐐💯🔥 RIP Chino XL 🐐💯🔥 RIP Sean Price 🐐💯🔥 Same generation, all impactful.

[@open_mike_eagle]

very yes

[@ImpendingRiot83]

May we carry their memory forward into the future that it, along with the names we’ll leave behind, inspires those after us.

[@otherspectre1879]

I just found out about Tame now. Super sad. Rest in power to him, for real.

[@samsonsekgotho5986]

Ka, Sean Price and DOOM,3 of my favorite rappers, never made the connection of the reinvention, RIP to all 3

[@dyce3008]

Ka made his own beats for most of his albums

[@paradefantasy]

Hermit and the Recluse is one of my favourite projects of the 2010s; this has been really devastating to hear.

[@christerry4795]

At the 5-minute mark making me nostalgic for early '10s rap!

[@LimitNZ]

I live in New Zealand. I don't look like Ka, I don't live like Ka, I don't experience life like Ka. But he was one of the few role models I had. Genuinely. The way he carried himself as a man taught me a lot about how I want to be, myself. His poetry elevated the man, but like you mentioned at the start of your video, what he meant was much more than 'just' his music and because of that, the impact of his loss reaches far and is made profound. What his loss has taught me in these few days so far is that it is important now more than ever that we exercise and express the virtues and attributes of those who we look up to. As much as the loss really hurts, I am better because of him. Always will be. Thank you, Ka.

[@lowtech42]

Right there with ya Mike. Ka was not only such a musical inspiration for me, but also as a role model for how to live a virtuous, purposeful-driven life. He had a Bushido code, with a pen as sharp as a katana. He was the closest thing to a modern-day Stoic. Beyond any other cultural comparisons, he understood and embodied the very soul of hip-hop. Minimalist is the perfect encapsulation of his ethos due to the way he steadfastly honed his craft, presenting only the highest quality parts while eliminating anything unnecessary. This is such an incalculable loss to grapple with, yet I'm finding comfort in knowing that he got to live on his terms and his life will continue on through all of us that he (not so quietly) impacted. Less truly is more. Glad I got to give him his flowers by buying all his music ✍🏾🖋️ Please drop a 20 or two on his site if you got it!

[@Quandryification]

I got into Ka late. During the pandemic I was working at home and had youtube on and came across this video about him. He just released descendants of cain and I was hooked. Had to go back and check out Hono Killed Samurai and The Thief Next to Jesus. THEN it was turned on to Grief Pedigree, days with dr yen lo the nights gambit iron works and Orpheus vs the sirens. Sometimes I would just get lost in the hypnotic lyrics and production that seemed to fit his specific lane. During a time where there’s so many “biters” he stood alone in his originality. RIP KA. The historians will look back on your works like a latter day Shakespeare.

[@gregorytylerdavis]

beautiful words mike, thanks for that

[@Supersized45]

Maaaaan, this hits me deep learning about this! Hermit and The Recluse helped shape how I look at weaving concepts into my music. I'm on a path past aspirational

[@iqbalofficialyoutube]

Sorry for your loss Mike. Ka was one of my favs too.

[@williamswilliams9633]

I discovered his music through Roc Marci, and he completely changed my view on music and worldplay, his raps are messages... They say rest in peace is the only peaceful gathering..RIP

[@oakboyh]

So glad you made this video. I'm still shocked over this huge loss as well. I wanna know if NY will turn up and celebrate him. At least the NYFD should go all out for him. I don't see enough celebrations or acknowledgements of his greatness and what he meant as a man and artist.

[@prahanormal]

Oh my god, I didn't know about this until right now. This is devastating.

[@happygucci5094]

I hear the grief wrapped all around your voice… new sub You sent your friend off right 🖤✊🏽🔥🙏🏽🕊️

[@Gooooberx]

Well said. Thoughtful words

[@symbolicstudies]

Thanks for the heads up, I had no idea. RIP.

[@dylanclarke2787]

RIP to a legend. he left this world a much better place than it would have been without him.

[@oliverbranch777]

Ain’t even go lie I only been knowing about KA for like 4-5 years tops and this year I started fully understanding his music then I was mind blown. And yesterday day I definitely shed a few tears not as a fan but as a lover of real black artists of any medium, if you can make me feel through art then you a legend to me…….. really had a dm I sent 2 months ago I wish he would respond to but I know he read it now and really now all I have to do is pay attention to the signs. I literally tried to play his music and I just fucking couldn’t I think it’s gonna take some time. His sound is very dark in a good way so…..idk man

[@FullyWovenBeethoven]

Don't wanna call this an obituary or w/e just how you feel about a great man but these words really did that man justice. I have no doubt he heard this and for sure it touched him. Speaks volumes about yourself, I appreciate the thought you put into things. For that man to be a 1st responder during 9/11 and also have such a unique talent and artistry, it really shows how much of a special soul he is. respect and love from Cork City, Ireland.

[@SamMcKinley]

Thank You for the video. Too bad but it’s life. I met KA once and know a fire Captain that he worked with. I enjoy his music. I even bought a book on Greek Mythology and watched the original Manchurian Candidate due to two of his albums.

[@Esnalovesmusic]

Forever in our hearts

[@Shaun.is.typing]

I started listening to Ka’s albums this week after hearing he passed .. despite the circumstances I’m glad I became a listener. Seriously real artist

[@fliptheflunk]

3:43 he did in fact produce his own beats, at least his solo stuff.

[@js78910]

I dont know how, but Ka escaped my radar until last winter. His music got me through a really heavy period in life. He touched my soul with his words. He spoke so clearly such profound statements in plain language. Truly a master of his craft. More akin to a philosopher than a rapper. Im grateful to have found his music.

[@Old_Crookedhats]

Beautiful extemporaneous eulogy. Thank you for honoring the memory.

[@EJH9284]

Can someone give me a guide to his catalogue? It's really unfortunate that I'm only hearing about him because of his death, but as a 19 year old from the U.K., it's inevitable that some artists I will only hear about when they pass. It's already happened so many times (DOOM, Mac Miller, Phife Dawg, now Ka, and many more) but it's still so disappointing each time, firstly that they never seem to get the recognition before they pass, and if I'm a little selfish I'm disappointed I'll never be able to be excited for their next project. A posthumous release never quite hits the same.

[@CrispMasterCrunch]

Honor Killed the Samurai and Orpheus vs the Sirens are often considerred his best albums. Personally, I think Grief Pedigree and Night's Gambit are oftrn overlooked, although they were beloved when they came out. Never heard a bad Ka album. But maybe start with one of those

[@ImpendingRiot83]

Also check out the project he did with DJ Preservation under the name Dr. Yen Lo, the album they made is super cool as well.

[@eugenea7886]

Ka's passing really hurts, man. He was an everyday man, and you could actually hear his music I've come to look forward to his music. He's left a void

[@traceries5201]

This is the first I heard this sad news. I was first turned onto Ka via Myke C-town at DEHH. His projects were so well-crafted and focused in sound and storytelling. Minimalist and timeless is an apt description. Sad to hear.

[@brownhornet3461]

I first heard Ka through Roc and I always felt the contrast but similarities in them both. KA always represented the moral results of what Roc was putting down. It was an interesting dynamic to hear. After that Ka became a favorite. I'm confused about this death and it hit a spot in my heart when I heard this news. R.I.P KA🕊.

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

I remember during the era where I started listening to you and like driver and other underground stuff I was bumping knights gambit heavy....I mean nothing but respect and love to him as an artist and a man.

[@JakeBodenhamer]

My favourite track was I Love (Mimi, Moms, Kev)

[@outsanesahu1356]

I havent felt this way since Sean price!!! REST IN POWER to one of the greatest introspective hip hop artist of ALL TIME!!!!!!!

[@NineDeadlyVenoms]

What the f..i didn't even know. I'm not on any socials so don't hear anything. Man that's depressing.

[@POSTELVIS]

Quite possibly one of the best artists in the 21st century. We lost someone legendary

[@joetypes]

Serious loss but IT ONLY MAKES OUR NEW LIVES Stronger!!!!!!!😢😢😢

[@aVoiDense777]

Ka is fire. Super sad to hear he’s gone but he lives on thru his music. Def gonna miss him n his lyricism

[@jacobmurphy1571]

Your takes are so refreshing. Please keep doing this…

[@redwoodstsolace]

Suheir Hammad wrote earlier this year that our folks who made it here she write that we are the ones who survived ❤

[@emm61504]

💙💙💙 sending love this is just absolutely devastating

[@thevinyltruffle]

Ya. This is a rough one. His art was very impactful. He was one of one most definitely.

[@teejay7537]

RIP Ka. Mannn. Project Blowed takes me back. Watching freestyles of pterodctyl and Otherwize as a dude on the east coast was crazy.

[@dysonspheretxi]

I was listening to God Undefeated when i heard of Ka's passing. Damn. This one hurts. 😔

[@davebuchi]

RIP to the greatest poet🙏🏾🕊️

[@Jazazamon]

Subroc died trying to cross a freeway

[@king.2597]

i had been listening to sirens on end yesterday without knowing of his passing... Rest in peace Ka رحمة الله❤

[@romeostocchi4083]

Crazy how death often makes us feel like we aren’t alive enough

[@elomahfee]

This is a devastating blow to hip-hop..the effect won't truly be felt for years..IMHO he was the greatest(or the most important) hiphop writer over the past 10 years.

[@outsanesahu1356]

"Respect due, select few tuning in!!!!!!" 🙏 🙏 Rest in Power King!!!!!!

[@rasraetc]

You’re a brilliant potent on time cat. I salute and am grateful how you piece things together and your platform. Respect. Long live the God KA. Deep depth talent. -Radius

[@gamebruhcolor8989]

Im gonna miss anticipating releases from him. R.I.P KA

[@mucktown]

Fist time heard that classic Marci sound on a Ka record lol. Speaks for itself I would say. Ka one of the most respectable human being in rap in general. Worldwide

[@karaminalee]

I have been loving the hell out of his new album recently. This is tough.

[@kess410]

damn just hearing about this smh RIP