Kaseem Ryan, the Brooklyn rapper known as Ka and celebrated for his independent artistry, has passed away, according to an announcement on his official Instagram account.
On Monday, his Instagram account revealed the shocking news of his passing on October 12 in New York City, a city he devoted his life to. He leaves behind 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,” the post reads. He was 52.
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“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service—to his city, to his community, and to his music,” the statement continues. “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.”
From his initial release with Natural Elements in 1994 to his last solo project, *The Thief Next to Jesus*, which dropped in August, Ka was meticulous about every word in his lyrics and their potential influence on his community. He often organized grassroots events for his album launches, where he would engage with fans personally, fostering a sense of togetherness. Notably, Ka was committed to maintaining his independence, self-producing his music and handling shipping personally, never forgetting the opportunity he had to revive his music career.
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For Ka, hip-hop was a captivating experience from the very first note. At just six years old, he was enchanted by a rap song playing on the radio, feeling an instinctive connection. “I knew as a child this was for me — I was chosen for it. It was my music,” he shared in an interview with Impose Magazine.
Growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, he witnessed the genre’s evolution, but he chose to take his time with songwriting and perfecting his distinctive flow.
Guided by a friend’s advice to broaden his perspective while writing, he focused on developing full verses rather than just scattered lines.