Rapper Ka dead at 52: Former NYFD firefighter and 9/11 first responder turned MC passes away

Kaseem “Ka” Ryan, the Brooklyn-born rapper and longtime New York City firefighter, died Saturday at the age of 52.

His official Instagram page announced the death on Monday. Although no cause of death was given, the statement said he “died unexpectedly.”

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Kaseem Ryan (1972-2024), the rapper and producer known as Ka, who died unexpectedly in New York City on October 12, at the age of 52,” the message read.

“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service – to his city, to his community and to his music. As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he risked his life to protect his fellow citizens,” the message continued.

‘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 an artist.”

From his beginnings with the group Natural Elements to his solo ventures, Ka independently produced and released eleven albums.

His official Instagram page announced the death on Monday

His most recent project, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August 2024.

Ka reflected on his lifelong passion for hip-hop in an interview with Impose magazine in 2023, when he said, “As a kid, I knew this was for me – I was chosen for it. It was my music.’

News of the rapper’s death sparked a flood of heartfelt reactions from fans on social media.

‘RIP Ka. I didn’t get into him until recently, but he was one of the few rappers who used drumless songs to draw me in. He had such a mature sound. Gone way too soon,” one follower wrote.

One shared: ‘MAN…I can’t believe I’m saying this but RIP to Ka. A true underground legend… If you’re not familiar with his music, listen to “Honor Killed The Samurai” today.”

Another posted a photo of the musician with the message: “LONG LIVE KA, ONE OF THE GREATEST RAPPERS AND WRITERS TO EVER LIVE.”

Yet another wrote, “RIP Ka, rap’s greatest minimalist, Brownsville’s best, dedicated himself to his city and craft in an inimitable way. The master of silent anger, who writes zen koans with unwavering soul and passion. Pain, sadness and wisdom in every bar. An artist who is as pure and real as anyone who ever spews cold facts.’

Ka first gained recognition as a member of the influential underground rap group Natural Elements in the 1990s Complex.

In 2008, he made a comeback with a feature set to GZA’s song Firehouse, reintroducing audiences to his signature style, the outlet said.

News of the rapper’s death sparked a flood of heartfelt reactions from fans on social media

That same year he released his debut album Iron Works. Ka followed four years later with Grief Pedigree.

His latest album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August 2024, following two 2022 LPs, Languish Arts and Woeful Studies.

Before starting his solo career, Ka was a member of the groups Natural Elements and Nightbreed Rolling stone.

He released all of his solo albums through his own label, Iron Works, which also shares the name of his debut album.

From his beginnings with the group Natural Elements to his solo ventures, Ka independently produced and released eleven albums

His most recent project, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August 2024

Ka is survived by his wife, film producer Mimi Valdes, his mother and sister

In an interview with the publication, he discussed how he went against the prevailing trends in hip-hop and opted for lighter, subtler beats instead of the louder sounds that were popular at the time.

“That’s me as a writer, growing up thinking, ‘Did you hear what I said?’ and seeing people focused on the beat: “This beat is fire.” I always got jealous: the beat isn’t better than me!’ he said at the time.

‘That’s where I am now. I want to make beautiful songs, but I want to do those things that Tupac used to do. Whenever a Tupac song came on, you got goosebumps. How did he put feeling into that song? That’s what I’m trying to do now.’

Ka is survived by his wife, film producer Mimi Valdes, his mother and sister.