NYC rapper and 9/11 first responder Ka ‘unexpectedly’ dead at 52
Brooklyn-born rapper and producer, Ka — who was also a 9/11 first responder — unexpectedly died over the weekend.
He was 52.
Kaseem Ryan, known by fans as “Ka,” passed away on Saturday in his hometown of New York City, his grieving family announced on social media.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Kaseem Ryan (1972-2024), the rapper and producer known as Ka,” the post reads.
“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service — to his city, to his community, and to his music.”
The rapper’s cause of death has not been released.
Throughout his career, the Big Apple native self-released 11 independent albums, including August’s “The Thief Next To Jesus.”
He was also a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and “put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens,” according to the post.
However, the former FDNY captain came under fire for his songs, which were peppered with anti-cop lyrics.
“F- -k them cops and swats with night vision,” he rapped in a 2013 song. “I see your traps and your plots to dead us, y’all rolling with Kojaks, n- - -a, I got Berettas.”
He rose through the ranks at the FDNY, eventually becoming captain and later served as a first responder on September 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center, his family said.
“He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist,” the social media tribute added, noting his anthology of albums he made a point to self-produce and release independently.
Ka got his start in the early 90s as a member of the group Natural Elements before releasing his first solo album “Iron Works” in 2008. The album caught the attention of Wu-Tang Clan member GZA, who then invited Ka to appear on his 2008 album “Pro Tools.”
Ka’s family asked for privacy while they “grieve this incalculable loss,” they wrote in the post.
Heartbroken fans flooded the comment section of the tribute, which had garnered nearly 30,000 likes as of Tuesday morning, sharing their condolences with Ka’s family and expressing their love for the rapper.
“Ka is one of the greatest lyricists ever …. And without rhyming, being a fireman is one of the greatest jobs we as people respect. I’m heartbroken. Condolences to the family,” one fan wrote.
“Rest in paradise to a legend,” another fan commented.
Ka took such pride in being an independent artist that he would even ship orders of his merchandise himself, according to music outlet Pitchfork.
Ka is survived by his wife, mother and sister.
