The effect made his hushed, crackly voice feel like a wood-carving tool shaving images into sepulchral mists.
He reached uncommon depths of personal insight.
He was one of the first responders during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
Ka at the 2014 Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park in ChicagoBarry Brecheisen/WireImage
Some had never quite cracked the mainstream, despite modest acclaim from rap-heads and college-radio spins.
Others had navigated major-label politics, with mixed success, and could still command a substantial audience.
Each new release felt like a gift of richly appointed beauty.
Its obviously for a more mature audience,he toldPassion of the Weissin 2015.
If youre listening half-heartedly, you gonna miss a lot of things.
I dont want you to sit down every time you listen to a Ka record.
But if you want to really absorb what Im saying, you may have to take some time.
He filmed YouTube videos to promote album tracks; forGrief Pedigree,he made a video for every cut.
Eventually, he didnt bother shipping out physical product, either.
Its unlikely they knew it would be his last public appearance.
Ironically, Kas final album,The Thief Next to Jesus,is cloaked in spiritual meditations.
Heard now, every song feels like an urgent message from someone whose gifts were all too finite.
