Ka, Beloved Rapper of the Brooklyn Underground, Dies at 52

Ka, the storied Brooklyn rapper and proudly independent musician born Kaseem Ryan, has died, according to a statement posted to his official Instagram. He “died unexpectedly” this past Saturday (October 12) in New York City. “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.

“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.”

This story is being updated.