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Kaseem Ryan, better known as rapper “Ka” who also served as a revered firefighter for the New York Fire Department, has passed away.
On Monday, October 14, Ka estate announced the Brooklyn native’s death in a statement posted to his Instagram page. They confirmed Ka passed away on Saturday, October 12 at age 52. His cause of death wasn't revealed, however, they confirmed he “died unexpectedly.”
“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service — to his city, to his community, and to his music,” the statement said. “As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens.”
"As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens," the statement continues. "Ka rose to the rank of FDNY captain and was a first responder on September 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist, including eleven remarkable self-released solo albums. Ka is survived by his wife, mother and sister We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss.”
Ryan began his career in the music business back in the early 1990s as "K.A." After he left the NYC-based rap group Natural Elements, Ka went on to form his own group Nightbreed with his friend Kev. He eventually went solo and reemerged as "Ka" on GZA's 2008 album Pro Tools. That same year, Ka released his debut album Iron Works.
In the late '90s, Ka joined the New York Fire Department and became a captain. He served as a first responder on 9/11 and helped save the lives of many of his fellow New Yorkers. “I’m living two lives, man," he said during a 2015 interview with Passion Of The Weiss. "I’m trying to be who I am in the day and then trying to feed my soul at night with being the artist that I want to be."
Ka delivered eight solo albums including his most recent LP The Thief Next to Jesus, which dropped in August. He also dropped two collaborative projects and two EP's.
Numerous MC's and producers took to social media to pay homage to Ka including The Alchemist, Westside Gunn, Your Old Droog and more. See their tributes below. Rest in peace, Ka.