New York rapper and legend, Ka, died at 52

According to his social media accounts, Ka, a renowned New York City rapper and former firefighter, has passed away. The 52-year-old's legal name was Kaseem Ryan. He was 52.

On Saturday, he passed away "unexpectedly," according to a statement on his Instagram account that was confirmed by NBC News (Monday). He was commended for his contributions to hip-hop, his cherished neighborhood of Brownsville, and firefighting as part of a "life of service—to his city, to his community, and to his music."

A spokesperson for the New York City chief medical examiner did not immediately respond to a request for information, and a cause of death was not available.

"Capt. Ryan served the FDNY and the people of the city of New York with distinction for 20 years, working assignments in both the Bronx and Brooklyn," Fire Department spokesperson Jim Long said by email. "The Ryan family remains in our thoughts during their time of loss."

Ka's Career

Ka's artistry was only recognized by critics, songwriters, and fellow emcees relatively recently in his life. He initially captivated audiences in 2008 , in an indie-rap scene where Ferraris and charts are not highly valued.

Ka earned recognition for his published lyrics and his partnerships with producers Roc Marciano and GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan.

He was regarded as one of the finest writers in hip-hop by some, and his humble, subtle, and stinging rhymes maintained a place in the minds of critics and fellow artists.

The track "$," which was included on Ka's acclaimed 2016 album "Honor Killed the Samurai," revolutionized mainstream hip-hop by describing it as celebratory during a period of metaphorical conflict.

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. pic.twitter.com/INIsg5kVME

— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) October 14, 2024

Heartfelt Composition

"With bars of greed, I plead, how many cars you need? When fathers bleed to fill ribs of kids that hardly read/F--- your loot rhymes, and the new finds you purchased/If you ain’t buyin’ no soup for them soup lines and churches," he wrote.

In a 2016 profile headline, The Fader, a music publication, referred to Ka as "New York Rap's Greatest Living Treasure."

Hip-hop journalist Jeff Weiss said Monday on X that Ka was "the master of quiet rage," whose music contained "pain, grief and wisdom in every bar."

After eschewing the recording studio for a 20-year firefighting career, Ka became a captain and responded to 9/11 as a first responder, according to his Instagram account.