Ka, Brooklyn Rapper and 9/11 First Responder, Dies at 52

Ka, a renowned independent Brooklyn rapper, producer and 9/11 first responder, died at the age of 52.

The emcee, whose real name is Kaseem Ryan, unexpectedly passed away on Oct. 12, according to a post on his social media accounts. Throughout his career, the rapper and producer self-released 11 independent albums, and as a member of the New York City Fire Department, he rose the ranks to fire captain and was a first responder on 9/11 following the attacks on the World Trade Center.

“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,” reads the post. “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.”

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The Brownsville native got his start in music in the early 1990s as a member of the group Natural Elements. After he left the collective, he formed the duo Nightbreed with Kev. But it wasn’t until 2008 that he released his first solo album, “Iron Works,” which kicked off a string of releases throughout the years, most recently with “The Thief Next to Jesus” in Aug. 2024.

Throughout his career, he also released a pair of collaborative albums, 2015’s “Days With Dr. Yen Lo” and 2018’s “Orpheus vs. The Sirens” alongside Animoss. He was known for his understated, philosophical rhymes and spare production style, as well as his independent ethos.

In 1999, he took a break from his music career to become a firefighter before returning to it in 2008. He was a first responder at the World Trade Center attacks, and rose the ranks over the years to become a fire captain in 2009. “I have a full time job and I work all the time,” he told Complex in 2013. “I try to keep that kinda low. 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.” In 2016, the New York Post stirred up controversy by publishing a story that painted him as an anti-cop rapper leading a double life as a firefighter.

Following news of his death, Ka was celebrated on social media for his unique style and talents. “The truest man and artist i have ever been lucky enough to cross paths with,” wrote producer/rapper Alchemist. “There is so much i want to say. It was an honor to call you a friend and comrade.”