1. Kaseem Ryan (born Aug… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists using this name.
1. Kaseem Ryan (born August 11, 1972), better known by his stage name Ka, is an American rapper, producer, and firefighter from Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York City, New York.
He is a former member of the group Natural Elements. In 1998 he formed the group Nightbreed with his friend Kev. In 2008, he was re-introduced on GZA's album Pro Tools on the song "Firehouse" and in that same year he released his debut album Iron Works. In 2012, he released the follow-up Grief Pedigree on his label Iron Works. The album featured a guest appearance by Roc Marciano and was produced by Ka.
Ka has also worked under the names Dr. Yen Lo and Hermit and the Recluse, both as collaborations between him and Preservation for the former and Animoss for the latter.
2. KA is a Dutch rapper. He released his debut album in late 2020
That Cold and Lonely
Ka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This what it look like
This what it look like
Fact you hear me, I'm clearly a modern marvel
Graciously platin' offerings, they try and starve you
I bathe replenish from my days of menace
I dealt vicious for well-wishers and naysayers
It's love, they got me from scrub to great player
Guess I was destined, my progression is evident
Want the best, so it test 'til I rest in the sediment
Was steady pride, try to show you every side
I give it life, but write like I already died
No petty fray, every day I hail the truth
Let it spray, never say Ka failed the youth
I rep with the gods, got the weap's and the scars
Where it ain't workin' out 'til you flexin' in cars
When putting on a mask wasn't protection from SARS
Drama pacin' for denomination, 'pressive and large
Crooked in the town with a crew of raw people
That'll put you in the ground for the root of all evil
Kill in the building, the proof is in the bricks
We revel in the present like the future don't exist
That's what mold me, that cold and lonely
Where they call you out if they know you phony
I'm live, it's what it look like
It's what it look like
It's what it look like
A phonetical verse praise good
But my genetic code vs. neighborhood
With no clear winner, I still appear thinner
Don't howl like I'm holier than thou, a mere sinner
Wasn't blessed to be restin' in the burbs
I was stressin', wrestling with the scourge
Stay low in beef, never live high on the hog
If not for Fresh Air Fund, I'da died in the smog
When huntin' is nothin' we ain't tryna rob
Put pressure on the jester, applying it hard
When you step protect your mind and chestplate
Tried years for these ideas to gestate
Progress movin' to the next, the rest wait
But in this realm am I at the helm or it's just fate
If you inclined to drop the needle, you'll find Ka cerebral
They paged - get you caged, I'm trying to free you
This what mold me, that cold and lonely
Where they ring your bell if they know you phony
I'm live, it's what it look like
It's what it look like
It's what it look like
I ain't scared to die, that's what it look like
This what it look like
It's what it look like
Yea, this what it look like
I'm live, this what it look like
The song "That Cold and Lonely" by KÅ is a reflection of the artist's personal and professional journey. The lyrics depict the struggle of a soldier who stops to compose an ode and how KÅ's own experiences, both victorious and tragic, have influenced his perspective. The chorus "That's what mold me, that cold and lonely, where they call you out if they know you phony," speaks to the loneliness and isolation that has pushed KÅ to become an authentic and grounded artist.
The verse "Graciously platin' offerings, they try and starve you," refers to the pitfalls of success and how it drives people to undermine both themselves and others. KÅ's determination to remain true to himself, despite the pressures to conform, is reflected in his lyrical prowess, which he describes as being "rep with the gods," possessing both "the weap's and the scars."
Overall, "That Cold and Lonely" is an introspective journey that encourages people to find their authentic selves and stand by their convictions. KÅ's turn of phrase demonstrates the breadth of his talents as a lyricist, showing that even in the darkest of times, art can bring light.
Line by Line Meaning
This what it look like
This is the reality of my life and my experiences
Fact you hear me, I'm clearly a modern marvel
I am a remarkable and innovative person that people recognize
Graciously platin' offerings, they try and starve you
Even though I offer valuable contributions, some still try to deprive me
I bathe replenish from my days of menace
I have learned and grown from my past troubles and chaos
Was true by my influence, the rage is in us
My influence confirms the anger and passion within us
I dealt vicious for well-wishers and naysayers
I have given intense effort and response to both supporters and critics
It's love, they got me from scrub to great player
The support and love I receive has helped me ascend from obscurity to success
Guess I was destined, my progression is evident
My progress indicates that I was meant to succeed
Want the best, so it test 'til I rest in the sediment
I strive for excellence and will continue to be tested until I die
Was steady pride, try to show you every side
I have a constant sense of self-worth and I aim to reveal all of my aspects
I give it life, but write like I already died
I bring passion and vitality to my writing, as if it were my swan song
No petty fray, every day I hail the truth
I do not engage in small conflicts, I always pursue the truth
Let it spray, never say Ka failed the youth
I speak boldly and forcefully, and I refuse to let down the younger generation
I rep with the gods, got the weap's and the scars
I associate with significant figures and possess potent weapons and emotional wounds
Where it ain't workin' out 'til you flexin' in cars
In some situations, you won't succeed until you demonstrate your worth with material possessions
When putting on a mask wasn't protection from SARS
Even when we wear masks, we are not fully safeguarded from danger
Drama pacin' for denomination, 'pressive and large
We get caught up in conflicts and dramas over money and power
Crooked in the town with a crew of raw people
I live in a corrupt city with a group of uncivilized individuals
That'll put you in the ground for the root of all evil
My companions will kill you for money
Kill in the building, the proof is in the bricks
We have committed murder in this location, and the evidence is present
We revel in the present like the future don't exist
We enjoy the moment without considering the future consequences
That's what mold me, that cold and lonely
My difficult and isolating experiences shaped me into who I am
Where they call you out if they know you phony
In this environment, people will expose you if you are fake or dishonest
A phonetical verse praise good
A well-written verse that sounds good can receive recognition
But my genetic code vs. neighborhood
My innate traits are at odds with my environment
With no clear winner, I still appear thinner
Even though there is no clear victor in this conflict, I am still underrepresented
Don't howl like I'm holier than thou, a mere sinner
I don't pretend to be perfect, I am just as flawed as anyone else
Wasn't blessed to be restin' in the burbs
I was not fortunate enough to live in a comfortable suburban area
I was stressin', wrestling with the scourge
I was struggling and fighting against the problems in my life
Stay low in beef, never live high on the hog
I avoid conflict, and I do not live extravagantly
If not for Fresh Air Fund, I'da died in the smog
If I did not have access to resources, I would have suffered and potentially died early
When huntin' is nothin' we ain't tryna rob
When there are no options, we will resort to theft or robbery
Put pressure on the jester, applying it hard
We will confront and intimidate someone who acts foolish or silly
When you step protect your mind and chestplate
When you go out, be cautious and protect yourself mentally and physically
Tried years for these ideas to gestate
I have been working on developing these ideas for a long time
Progress movin' to the next, the rest wait
I am moving forward and progressing, while others are left behind
But in this realm am I at the helm or it's just fate
Am I in control of my success, or is it predetermined by fate?
If you inclined to drop the needle, you'll find Ka cerebral
If you appreciate rap music, you will find my lyrics intelligent and thought-provoking
They paged - get you caged, I'm trying to free you
Some people try to control and limit you, while I attempt to free you and provide liberation
I ain't scared to die, that's what it look like
I am not afraid of death, it is evident in my actions
Contributed by Jonathan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
stunnareht
[Sample]
Not infrequently a marching soldier might be seen to halt, take his writing utensils from his belt, and compose an ode
[Intro]
This what it look like
This what it look like
[Verse 1]
Fact you hear me, I’m clearly a modern marvel
Graciously platin’ offerings, they try and starve you
I bathe replenish from my days of menace
Was true by my influence, the rage is in us
I dealt vicious for well-wishers and naysayers
It’s love, they got me from scrub to great player
Guess I was destined, my progression is evident
Want the best, so it test ‘til I rest in the sediment
Was steady pride, try to show you every side
I give it life, but write like I already died
No petty fray, every day I hail the truth
Let it spray, never say Ka failed the youth
I rep with the gods, got the weap's and the scars
Where it ain’t workin’ out 'til you flexin’ in cars
When putting on a mask wasn’t protection from SARS
Drama pacin’ for denomination, 'pressive and large
Crooked in the town with a crew of raw people
That’ll put you in the ground for the root of all evil
Kill in the building, the proof is in the bricks
We revel in the present like the future don’t exist
[Hook]
That's what mold me, that cold and lonely
Where they call you out if they know you phony
I’m live, it’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
[Verse 2]
A phonetical verse praise good
But my genetic code vs. neighborhood
With no clear winner, I still appear thinner
Don’t howl like I’m holier than thou, a mere sinner
Wasn’t blessed to be restin’ in the burbs
I was stressin’, wrestling with the scourge
Stay low in beef, never live high on the hog
If not for Fresh Air Fund, I’da died in the smog
When huntin’ is nothin’ we ain’t tryna rob
Put pressure on the jester, applying it hard
When you step protect your mind and chestplate
Tried years for these ideas to gestate
Progress movin’ to the next, the rest wait
But in this realm am I at the helm or it’s just fate
If you inclined to drop the needle, you’ll find Ka cerebral
They paged - get you caged, I’m trying to free you
[Hook]
This what mold me, that cold and lonely
Where they ring your bell if they know you phony
I’m live, it’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
[Outro]
I ain’t scared to die, that’s what it look like
This what it look like
It’s what it look like
Yea, this what it look like
I’m live, this what it look like
[Production by Ka]
Southside 609
”Crooked in the town with a crew of raw people, that’ll put you in the ground for the root of all evil”
R. Alexander
Endlessly raw, cursed like the howling wind...
CJ Floyd
That tambourine/sleigh bell combo make it feel extra cold and lonely
UltraWaveVisions
This cat is at the highest stage of the art...grandmaster levels! Living LEGEND
stunnareht
[Sample]
Not infrequently a marching soldier might be seen to halt, take his writing utensils from his belt, and compose an ode
[Intro]
This what it look like
This what it look like
[Verse 1]
Fact you hear me, I’m clearly a modern marvel
Graciously platin’ offerings, they try and starve you
I bathe replenish from my days of menace
Was true by my influence, the rage is in us
I dealt vicious for well-wishers and naysayers
It’s love, they got me from scrub to great player
Guess I was destined, my progression is evident
Want the best, so it test ‘til I rest in the sediment
Was steady pride, try to show you every side
I give it life, but write like I already died
No petty fray, every day I hail the truth
Let it spray, never say Ka failed the youth
I rep with the gods, got the weap's and the scars
Where it ain’t workin’ out 'til you flexin’ in cars
When putting on a mask wasn’t protection from SARS
Drama pacin’ for denomination, 'pressive and large
Crooked in the town with a crew of raw people
That’ll put you in the ground for the root of all evil
Kill in the building, the proof is in the bricks
We revel in the present like the future don’t exist
[Hook]
That's what mold me, that cold and lonely
Where they call you out if they know you phony
I’m live, it’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
[Verse 2]
A phonetical verse praise good
But my genetic code vs. neighborhood
With no clear winner, I still appear thinner
Don’t howl like I’m holier than thou, a mere sinner
Wasn’t blessed to be restin’ in the burbs
I was stressin’, wrestling with the scourge
Stay low in beef, never live high on the hog
If not for Fresh Air Fund, I’da died in the smog
When huntin’ is nothin’ we ain’t tryna rob
Put pressure on the jester, applying it hard
When you step protect your mind and chestplate
Tried years for these ideas to gestate
Progress movin’ to the next, the rest wait
But in this realm am I at the helm or it’s just fate
If you inclined to drop the needle, you’ll find Ka cerebral
They paged - get you caged, I’m trying to free you
[Hook]
This what mold me, that cold and lonely
Where they ring your bell if they know you phony
I’m live, it’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
It’s what it look like
[Outro]
I ain’t scared to die, that’s what it look like
This what it look like
It’s what it look like
Yea, this what it look like
I’m live, this what it look like
[Production by Ka]
AiM__FreakZ
His sound is so relaxing
The Earth IsASeriesOfTubes
This is the best song no ones heard
Jean-Francois Bouvier
Yes, just after IAM, un bon son brut pour les truands!
HazardousTeam
When putting on a mask wasn't protection from SARS.
My man was living in 2030.
Graham
The first SARS epidemic was like 2004