Rapper Ka, whose real name was Kaseem Ryan, has died aged 52.
No cause of death has been announced. His death was announced on his Instagram page, with a statement.
“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 post 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 put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens. 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.”
The statement concluded by saying, “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.”
Ka featured on Wu-Tang Clan member GZA’s album Pro Tools in 2008, and also released his own album, Iron Works, in the same year. His most recent album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August.
Ka also worked as a firefighter. In 2013, he recalled how his co-workers found out about his music career.
“It’s funny, they didn’t know I rapped for a long time. But then Grief Pedigree (his second album) put the kibosh on that s**t,” he said. “One of the dudes was driving home from my job and he had satellite radio and Cold Facts came on. And he said ‘Hold on… that sounds like Ka? And his name is Ka?’ He put two and two together, he came to work the next day and started telling everybody, and then he went on YouTube and pulled up the videos. But until then, it was very quiet. But it’s funny because now, I didn’t tell them I put out a new album. I let things just die down, they thought it was just a one-time shot.”
