Ka, a Brooklyn rapper, producer and firefighter, died unexpectedly on Saturday at age 52, according to a post on his Instagram account.
Kaseem Ryan was a member of the group Natural Elements and also served in the New York City fire department (FDNY). He collaborated with Roc Marciano and GZA and earned praise from artists such as Erykah Badu and Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, BET reported.
“We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss,” the Instagram post reads. “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 added: “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.”
Pitchfork reported that Ka often “hosted DIY events for his album releases where he would talk to fans one-on-one and celebrate bringing people together in person. Arguably most famously of all, Ka took great strides to remain independent wherever possible, from self-producing his work to shipping orders himself.”
Jeff Weiss, writer and founder of POW Recordings, wrote on Twitter/X, “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.”
In August, Ka released his latest album, The Thief Next to Jesus.
Ka is survived by his wife, mother and sister, according to the Instagram post.
