Alert – 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, passed away at age 52 on Saturday.

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, 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,’ it 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 a recording artist.’

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

Kaseem ‘Ka’ Ryan, the Brooklyn-born rapper and longtime 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, ‘I knew as a child this was for me — I was chosen for it. It was my music.’

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

‘RIP Ka. I was only put onto him recently, but he was one of the few rappers that go over drumless tracks to pull me in. He had such a mature sound. Gone far too soon,’ one follower posted.

One shared, ‘MAN… I can’t believe I’m saying this but R.I.P. to Ka. A true underground legend… If you’re unfamiliar with his music, go check out “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 THAT EVER LIVED.’

Yet another wrote: ‘RIP Ka, rap’s greatest minimalist, Brownsville’s finest, inimitably dedicated himself to his city & craft. The master of quiet rage, writing zen koans with unremitting soul & passion. Pain, grief & wisdom in every bar. An artist as pure & real as anyone who ever spit cold facts.’

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

In 2008, he made a comeback with a feature on GZA’s track 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.

His final album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August 2024, following two LPs from 2022, Languish 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 ventures, Ka independently produced and released eleven albums

His most recent project, The Thief Next to Jesus, came out 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, opting for lighter, more subtle beats instead of the harder sounds popular at the time. 

‘That’s me being a writer, growing up and being like, “Did you hear what I said?” and seeing people zoned out on the beat — “This beat is fire.” I used to get jealous: The beat ain’t better than me!’ he said at the time. 

‘That’s where I’m at right now. I want to create nice songs, but I want to do that shit that Tupac used to do. A Tupac song came on, you’d get goosebumps. How did he put feeling in 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.