In Loving Memory of Isha Barik Miah, September 1972 – October 2026

Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind a rhythm, a laugh, and a spirit that continues to live in everyone who knew them. Isha Barik Miah, affectionately known as "Ish" to his family and "Raw Dot" in the world of hip-hop, was someone whose presence was impossible to forget.

Born in September 1972, in Manhattan, New York, Isha was raised on the Lower East Side, a neighborhood that helped shape his identity, creativity, and lifelong connection to the city. Throughout his life, he also called Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and Queens home. No matter where he went, Isha seemed to know someone. A simple walk through New York could turn into a series of greetings, conversations, and laughter, a testament to the many lives he touched along the way.

Isha was the beloved son of Maria Ortiz and Barik Miah, stepson of Frank Sena, brother to Kudeza Miah, Sujana Miah, and Demi Sena, husband to Jeanette Allen, and father to Ashley Miah.

To those who knew him, Isha was a gentle giant with the heart of a teddy bear. He was hilarious, intelligent, humble, creative, and endlessly hungry, both for a good meal and for everything life had to offer. His laugh was unforgettable, his sense of humor unmatched, and his ability to make people feel welcome came naturally. Whether sharing a meal, talking sports, discussing music, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family, Isha had a way of making ordinary moments feel special.

Music was one of Isha's greatest gifts and passions. A lyrically gifted artist who began rapping as a teenager, he found purpose, expression, and freedom through hip-hop. Performing under the name Raw Dot, he poured his creativity into his craft, using words and rhythm to tell stories and share pieces of himself with the world. Music was more than a hobby or an ambition. It was an outlet, a calling, and a lasting part of his legacy. His artistry lives on through the music he created and the people he inspired to share their own gifts.

Isha was a loving son and brother who shared a deep connection with his family, bringing laughter, warmth, and love into their lives. Alongside him in life was his wife, Jeanette Allen, with whom he shared a bond built through life's many seasons. Through moments of joy, challenges, laughter, and change, Jeanette was an important part of his journey and will forever hold a special place in his story and legacy.

As a loving and protective father, Isha encouraged his daughter, Ashley, to embrace her creativity and never be afraid to share it with the world. Through every stage of her life, he had a simple way of bringing her comfort: taking her out for ice cream. No matter how old she became, some things never changed. Being his daughter meant knowing she was safe, supported, and deeply loved.

Isha's life was also a testament to resilience. He faced personal battles, yet continued to find ways to rise, reconnect with his faith, and move forward. His relationship with God remained an important part of his life. A loyal friend and a community-minded man, he believed in showing up for others, lending a helping hand, and sharing whatever joy he could.

He appreciated life's simple pleasures: a good hip-hop record, a fresh hat with matching sneakers, a conversation about sports, and a delicious meal surrounded by people he loved. From his mother's yellow rice and Bengali food to Thai food, stuffed peppers, hot pot, and tiramisu, Isha knew that some of life's greatest moments happened around a table.

One of his most recent expressions came from what he called his New Balance sneakers: his "Rock It Don't Stop Its." It was a playful phrase that captured something much bigger about his spirit. Keep moving. Keep creating. Keep finding reasons to laugh. Whatever life brings, rock it, don't stop it.

On October 12, 2026, Isha passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, laughter, resilience, and love.

Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on through his music, the friendships he built, the family he loved, and the countless stories that will continue to be told about him. His legacy is not measured only by the years he lived, but by the laughter he inspired, the love he gave, and the people who felt a little more seen, safe, and joyful because he was part of their lives.

In the words of Big Ish, "Rock It Don't Stop It."

May we carry that spirit forward, finding the courage to keep moving, the freedom to keep creating, and the joy in simply being alive.

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