I knew IAN HE WAS ONE OF MY SISTER CLASSMATE FROM WHEN HE WENT TO HIGHSCHOOL HE WAS A GOOD GUY HE REALLY WILL BE WELL MISS MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY SORRY FOR YALL LOSS

In memory of Ian Kassof, Demetria Brown lit a candle

I will miss you 🥺 more than you know your smile, laugh,and everything about you. Rest in Peace my 💕 Cynthia

My deepest condolences to the Kassof family. Ian will be dearly missed I know by many people in Long beach and all over. I had just spoke to Ian a week before his birthday, We talk for quite a while reminiscing about old times. I stayed with Ian in three different apts lol some how I always ended up on his couch. I remember when I moved into his place in Brooklyn, Ian was like "remember Darius this is only temporary" it ended up lasting quite a while. Ian was a real brother to me, the first time I tried to leave Ian's couch, things went bad for me. I called Ian and told him I was in trouble, he came to pick me up the next weekend, packed all my stuff in his car and than I was back on his couch. Ian always had my back and I always had his back. The Kassof family has always made me feel welcomed and I do appreciate them very much. I had been asking Ian to come to San Diego and stay on my couch for while. Come out to Cali and get away from the unpredictable east coast weather. He said he would come at some point, and I knew he would but, now I know that's not going to happen. I use to spend so much time with Ian it was a big change for me when I finally did leave his couch and move out to the west coast on my own. When things were not going well Ian would say "Darius just come back, you know you got a place out here". It was hard leaving Ian's couch forreals I mean he knew how to make a place into a home. I always felt like I was home when I was at Ian's. So now its going to be hard not being able to call or text or facetime my boy. Now thinking he won't ever get back to me. But I know one day well meet again, and I can hug him super tight again one day. I know he's safe and I am super sure he's happy at peace and without pain. Thank you to the Kassof family for raising a Amazing person, 47 years doesn't nearly seemed like a lot of time for someone like Ian to be around. But I do appreciate every minute and every day I spent with Ian. Thanks so much Ian for letting me sleep on your couch for so long. Break day my bro !!!! Darius

Now here's a little story I got to tell About three bad brothers you know so well It started way back in history With Ad-Rock, MCA, (and me) Mike D Been had a little horsey named Paul Revere Just me and my horsey and a quart of beer Ridin' 'cross the land, kickin' up sand Sheriff's posse's on my tail 'cause I'm in demand One lonely Beastie I be All by myself without nobody The sun is beatin' down on my baseball hat The air is gettin' hot, the beer is gettin' flat Lookin' for a girl, I ran into a guy His name was MCA, I said, "Howdy," he said, "Hi" [Verse 2: Ad-Rock, MCA] He told a little story that sounded well-rehearsed Four days on the run and that he's dying of thirst The brew was in my hand, and he was on my tip His voice was hoarse, his throat was dry, he asked me for a sip He said, "Can I get some?", I said, "You can't get none!" Had a chance to run, pulled out his shotgun Quick on the draw, I thought I'd be dead He put the gun to my head, and this is what he said: "Now my name is MCA, I've got a license to kill (Yeah) I think you know what time it is, it's time to get ill (Yeah) Now what do we have here, an outlaw and his beer? (Uh-huh) I run this land, you understand? I've made myself clear?" We stepped into the wind, he had a gun, I had a grin You think this story's over, but it's ready to begins [Verse 3: Ad-Rock, MCA, (Mike D)] Now I got the gun, you got the brew You got two choices of what you can do It's not a tough decision, as you can see I can blow you away or you can ride with me I said, "I'll ride with you if you can get me to the border The sheriff's after me for what I did to his daughter" I did it like this, I did it like that I did it with a wiffleball bat, so I'm on the run, the cop got my gun And right about now it's time to have some fun The King Ad-Rock, that is my name And I know the fly spot where they got the champagne We rode for 6 hours, then we hit the spot The beat was a-bumpin', and the girlies was hot This dude was starin' like he knows who we are We took the empty spot next to him at the bar MCA said, "Yippie Yo, you know this kid?" I said I didn't, but I know he did The kid said, ("Get ready, 'cause this ain't funny My name's Mike D, and I'm about to get money" Pulled out the jammy, I aimed it at the sky) He yelled, ("Stick 'em up!") and let two fly Hands went up, and people hit the floor He wasted two kids that ran for the door ("I'm Mike D, and I get respect Your cash and your jewelry is what I expect") MCA was with it, and he's my ace So I grabbed the piano player, and I punched him in the face Piano player's out, the music stopped His boy had beef, and he got dropped Mike D grabbed the money, (MCA snatched the gold) I grabbed two girlies and a beer that's cold What do you say when you lose your best friend, closest friend 43 out of my 47 years on Earth. Surprised I’m here, outlived my buddy barely. What an asshole. I will not accept his death. I can’t be at the wake, because I will jump in the coffin myself and heart will just stop beating. Ian called a few weeks ago to say goodbye and I knew it and appreciated that. Still was lame to check out early, but understand. Always did. Still don’t agree, but no pain is probably a good thing. Ian welcomed danger and got pain. It was admirable above all. I was looking forward to chilling with him as we always did since we were kids. It never changed. Just when you stop believing in an afterlife. Someone so close to you leaves on his own terms, forcing you to believe in an afterlife. An invitation not to die now, but when you die I will be there waiting. As many of you know - There is nobody closer to me that could die. Not a parent. Not my child. Not my girlfriend. All who would destroy me just the same. All i love very much. But to not die next to Ian like brothers in arms, like an 80's superhero film or cheesy b movie or kung fu flic... is a shame, but too late. I missed the chance. But my brother for life finally peaced out. I will never be the same. Love you all. Especially my brothers from Long Beach. and Kassof family. I carry you everyday with my life. You are the ones that make me laugh on my darkest days from jokes you told decades ago. You are the ones that remind me of the beach and the waves and the hot pavement and the summers and the winters. Ian removed all fear from my own living by his hardcore demise and death. I have nothing left to fear and that makes life a little colder. Fear is actually a fun thing to play with. He knew that well. We liked 80’s movies. We liked danger in different ways. We liked our own path. Still do. We're undefeatible. And like many others said on here and will continue to say - on my darkest days Ian showed up like a hero he was. I know he was curious of death always, like the psyeheldelic experience. mystery, and spirit of it. His spirt runs deep and is indestructrable. His body was almost indestructible half cyborg as he proved. Nice ride regardless. The word will never be the same for me, but his brotherhood will never leave me. honestly there are no words... but I gave you some in case you were confused... I'm not confused... Just never will be the same and never accept I will have to walk a day on this land without my deepest soul brother - still staten island new jersey --- 125th street or the long beach sand is more fitting, that's the poem I'll write to myself to keep going another day in his honor.. I'm sure a lot of girls are crying hot ones he had good taste, if they all showed up at the wake it would be better than the fashion shows i shot

Ian's memory will always live on through the love he shared with others. May his light continue to shine on through you. My deepest condolences.

Mark, I was so sad to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Joe

We are so sad for Ian’s family and friends. We hope you find comfort and peace knowing he was so loved.

In memory of Ian Kassof, Linda Balogh lit a candle

Dear Ones, I have always loved Ian since he and Mike first met at four years old during Storytime at Long Beach Library. The years have passed but Ian has always been in my heart. Sending love and condolences to all of you from my family you know and from me. We share your devastating loss as we celebrate Ian's life. xxoo

In memory of Ian Kassof, Jason Galli lit a candle

I am so very sorry for your loss I know how very hard it is to lose one of your children. Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Nancy

You have no idea what Ian did for me. He saved my life. I am shocked and saddened. Rest in peace my friend.

There are no words for the loss of a son brother. Our Hearts are with you. Prayers for strength for family with love♡♡♡

Ian was my first roommate when I moved out of home after graduating high school, he was such a good friend. We used to skateboard and do graffiti together growing up. I remember when he paged my beeper to go skate and i called him from a payphone so excited to tell him that I finally landed a kick flip and he laughed and said youre lying , show me when I get there.. and when he arrived... I couldn't land one haha. Honestly I barely landed that one and he knew it haha. I miss us going to hardcore shows and djing. We were both in to almost exactly the same music and arts. He really was such a talented soul and will truly be missed .I am so glad that my first pair of turntables went to you goose! A piece of long beach is gone but you'll always be remembered and cherished . ♡

In memory of Ian Kassof, Beny lit a candle

Are you the full moon or the sun? Whatever you are I swear to God you are beyond compare! I Love you Goose. We will meet again soon. May there be a beautiful welcome for you in the home that you are going to. You are not going somewhere strange. You are going to the home you never left. Love Case

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.