Artist | Photographer | Cinematographer | Student of All | Avid Traveler | Walking a Path of Peace and Remembrance | Curator of Masters of Ceremony Podcast
In memory of Ka…
@BrownsvilleKa constantly spoke life into me. Either through his art or directly through our conversations over the years. I’ve done my best in recent years not to make an idol out of anyone or anything. We’re all simply children of Creator. Though Ka may be the only being on this planet who I can honestly admit served as a Hero to me. The amount of guidance, insight, inspiration, and understanding I’ve received from him and his art over these 12 years is immeasurable. His music has single-handedly gotten me through some extremely trying times in my life. And his living testament that it’s never too late to right your wrongs and fulfill your purpose in life has provided so many of us with the courage to keep moving forward towards our best selves. Being a witness to his journey has undoubtedly made me a better human being in multiple ways..
In the eyes of myself and many others, there simply is no better writer in Hip-Hop than Ka. A literary giant. Name an artist with a better economy of words than Ka… He had the gift of filling one or two lines of a song with more meaning and depth than entire projects from other artists. The quotables of his catalog are endless.. He gave us enough to reflect on for a lifetime. A true spiritual anchor within the Hip-Hop community. I’ll forever be grateful for his support and belief in me, and for taking the time to see and get to know me; As he did with so many others.. The conversations happening on X right now about Ka and his interactions with his community are incredible… And the art he has left us all with will continue to nourish the hearts and minds of all those who understand his gift.
Rest easy Ka, you’ve fulfilled your mission here. Blessings to the family and all of us processing your transition. #Ka #BrownsvilleKa #RIPKa
Ka referenced his own death often in his music. Had an awareness of what he wanted to do in this lifetime, what he wanted to leave behind, his commitment to improving himself, his block, his city, his world, and hip hop. He lived his words. He will live on through them. RIP.
Ka's work always had the shadow of death and hunger for immortality over each shoulder.
"I made every song on Grief Pedigree like it was the last song I might ever record. I want people to rock my shit forever and ever, so I that’s why I flooded every line."
To see Ka depart just as he was enjoying late, well-deserved success is beyond terrible. He struggled in silence for so many years wanting to be heard, and finally found our ears. I hope he basked in the love he got. We've lost one of our most tremendous and uncompromising MCs.
Rest In Peace @BrownsvilleKa. One of the greatest. I remember the first time I heard his music about 12 years ago, thinking how much of a hidden gem he was. Always respected how he safeguarded his work from the industry and operated on his own terms. No frills, just real
I always called him a living PROPHET because thats what he was to us.
Me and Roc always said when KA rapped it was like he was delivering his words from the top of a mountain off a stone tablet.
The truest man and artist i have ever been lucky enough to cross paths with.
There is so much i want to say.
It was an honor to call you a friend and comrade .
Thanks Roc for connecting us.
KA, you made all of us better.
My condolences to the family.
Rest easy Kaseem Ryan aka BROWNSVILLE KA .
Till we meet again 🕊️
@BrownsvilleKa Peace God. Right now I’m stuck on WS. Specifically the pocket of “Eat” into “The Block” … Those records are easily two of your best works. The depth on these projects are unmatched. Salute again, Ka.
More on this later. Shout out to @JennaBushHager for selecting BLACK BUCK as #ReadWithJenna's January pick.
And a big congrats to my book brother, @SonofBaldwin, whose book, THE PROPHETS, also dropped today. I'm so damn honored to be coming out on the same day as you, Robert.
First DOOM album I ever heard was MM...FOOD in ‘04. Album starts with cartoon samples, had three random instrumentals in the middle. Had no idea what I was listening to.
Ended up turning my life in a whole different direction.