Ka was a first responder with the FDNY during the 9/11 terrorist attacks
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Rapper Ka performing during the 2014 Pitchfork Music Festival in July 2014
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Ka performing during the 2014 Pitchfork Music FestivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“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,” a statement shared on Ka’s Instagram read.
“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service – to his city, to his community, and to his music.
Ka was a veteran of the New York City Fire Department and first responder on September 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center.
A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Ka’s death comes on the heels of his latest solo album, The Thief Next to Jesus, which was released in September.
The Brownville native emerged on the rap scene in 1994 as a member of the underground group Natural Elements.
In 2008, Ka embarked on a solo career, delivering a hard-hitting, raw verse on GZA’s Firehouse song featured on his album Pro Tools.
Two of his albums, 2013’s The Nights Gambit and this year’s The Thief Next to Jesus, made Vulture’s annual list of the best albums when they were released.
Ka spoke about his double life as a firefighter captain and a lyrical underground MC in a 2013 interview.
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“I have a full-time job, and I work all the time. I try to keep that kinda low,” Ka told Complex at the time.
“I just have a job. It ain’t my calling or nothing. It’s just my job. But I love my job because it gives me the freedom to do the art.
“I feel like if I didn’t have a job, that’s when I would have to compromise myself a little bit more.”
Statement announcing Ka’s death
A statement was shared to Ka’s official Instagram page announcing his death.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
‘ILLEST TO EVER DO IT’
The New Yorker dubbed Ka “the last underground rapper” in 2021.
Fans mourned Ka’s death on social media, paying tribute to the “illest to ever do it.”
“I am in utter disbelief about the Ka news. this man is one of the greatest lyricists and songwriters to ever walk this planet. someone who wasn’t just a rapper, but a philosopher, whose words will continue to inspire and open up minds so long as there’s human beings. RIP to a God,” one fan wrote on X.
“Thank you for years of amazing music. We should be grateful we got one last album before he passed away,” another fan wrote.
“Ka is the best rapper many of you never heard. I’m utterly shocked by the news of his passing. I hope he realized how much he meant to hip-hop,” someone else said.
“My absolute favorite artist has passed away. Rest in peace, King,” one fan wrote with a heartbreak emoji.
Another commented, “Damn rip, legendary pen.”