October 15th 2024.
The sudden passing of Brooklyn rapper Ka has left the music world and his community in mourning. Ka, whose real name was Kaseem Ryan, was not only known for his talent on the mic, but also for his selfless service as a firefighter in New York City. It's hard to believe that at only 52 years old, he is no longer with us.
According to an official statement on his Instagram, Ka passed away unexpectedly on October 12th in New York City. The post read, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Kaseem Ryan, the rapper and producer known as Ka. He truly lived a life of service - to his city, his community, and his music." Ka was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and his love for his hometown was evident in his lyrics and actions.
As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, Ka put his life on the line every day to protect others. He rose to the rank of captain and even served as a first responder during the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Ka's bravery and dedication to his job will never be forgotten.
Aside from his heroism, Ka also made a name for himself in the music industry. He released eleven solo albums throughout his career, each one showcasing his unique style and powerful storytelling. Fans and fellow artists took to Instagram to pay their respects, with one user writing, "My absolute favorite artist has passed away. Rest in peace, king."
Ka's legacy will live on through his music and the impact he had on those around him. He is survived by his wife, mother, and sister, and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Before pursuing music full-time, Ka was a part of the group Natural Elements and later formed the duo Nightbreed. In 2008, he released his debut solo album Iron Works, catching the attention of Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. The two collaborated on GZA's 2008 album Pro Tools. Ka's follow-up album, Grief Pedigree, was released in 2012 and featured a guest appearance by Roc Marciano.
Ka's journey as a rapper and firefighter was not always known to his colleagues. In an interview with Complex in 2013, he shared, "It's funny, they didn't know I rapped for a long time. But then Grief Pedigree put the kibosh on that." He went on to explain how a coworker discovered his music and shared it with the rest of the team. However, even after gaining recognition in the rap game, Ka chose to keep his two worlds separate, not even telling his coworkers about his latest album release.
Ka's unexpected passing serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and to never take anything for granted. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Ka.
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