Kaseem ‘Ka’ Ryan, the Brooklyn-born rapper and veteran New York City firefighter, died Saturday at age 52.
His official Instagram page announced the death on Monday. While 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, his community and his music. “As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he risked his life to protect his fellow citizens,” he continued.
‘Ka rose to the rank of captain in the FDNY and was the first responder on September 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist.’
From his beginnings with the group Natural Elements to his solo projects, Ka produced and released eleven albums independently.
Kaseem ‘Ka’ Ryan, the Brooklyn-born rapper and veteran New York City firefighter, passed away unexpectedly at age 52 on Saturday.
His official Instagram page announced the death on Monday.
His most recent project, The Thief Next to Jesus, came out in August 2024.
Ka reflected on his lifelong passion for hip-hop in an interview with Impose Magazine in 2023, saying: ‘Since I was a child I knew this was for me; I was chosen for it. It was my music.’
The news of the rapper’s death sparked an avalanche of heartfelt reactions from his fans on social media.
‘RIP Ka’. I was recently put in contact with him, but he was one of the few rappers who uses songs without drums to attract me. It had a very mature sound. Gone too soon,” one follower posted.
One shared: ‘MAN… I can’t believe I’m saying this but RIP Ka! A true underground legend… If you’re not familiar with his music, go listen to “Honor Killed The Samurai” today please.’
Another posted a photo of the musician with the message: ‘LONG LIVE KA, ONE OF THE GREATEST RAPPERS AND WRITERS WHO EVER LIVED.’
Another wrote: ‘RIP Ka, rap’s greatest minimalist, Brownsville’s greatest, was inimitably dedicated to his city and his craft. The master of silent rage, who writes Zen koans with relentless soul and passion. Pain, sorrow and wisdom in every bar. An artist as pure and real as any who ever spat out cold facts.’
Ka first gained recognition as a member of the influential underground rap group Natural Elements in the 1990s, according to Complex.
In 2008, he returned with a feature on GZA’s Firehouse, reintroducing audiences to his distinctive style, according to the outlet.
News of the rapper’s death sparked an outpouring of heartfelt reactions from fans on social media.
That same year he released his debut album Iron Works. Four years later, Ka followed up with Grief Pedigree.
Their latest album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August 2024, following two 2022 LPs, Lanner Arts and Woeful Studies.
Before embarking on his solo career, Ka was a member of the groups Natural Elements and Nightbreed, according to 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 projects, Ka produced and released eleven albums independently.
His most recent project, The Thief Next to Jesus, came out in August 2024.
Ka is survived by his wife, film producer Mimi Valdés, his mother and his sister.
In an interview with the publication, he talked about how he went against the prevailing trends in hip-hop, opting for lighter, more subtle beats instead of the harder sounds popular at the time.
‘That’s me being a writer, growing up and saying, “Did you hear what I said?” and seeing people distracted by the rhythm: “This rhythm is fire.” I used to be jealous: The rhythm is not better than me!’ he said at that time.
‘That’s where I am now. I want to create pretty songs, but I want to do that shit that Tupac used to do. A Tupac song came on and you got goosebumps. How did you put feeling into that song? That’s what I’m trying to do now.’
Ka is survived by his wife, film producer Mimi Valdés, his mother and his sister.
