R.I.P. Brooklyn rapper Ka

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Ka

Brooklyn rapper Kaseem Ryan, better known as Ka, has died according to a statement from his family on his Instagram. He was 52.

The post reads: “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. 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.”

The prolific and thoughtful Ryan began his rap career in the ’90s as a member of Natural Elements, and beginning with Iron Works in 2008, he launched a solo career that has included nine albums under his own name, as well as similarly cryptic, conceptual underground rap albums under the aliases Dr. Yen Lo and Hermit and the Recluse. Each of his records is defined by his low-key but lyrically dense rapping style, as well as his penchant for conceptual motifs such as chess on 2013’s The Night’s Gambit, the Old Testament on Descendants of Cain, and The Manchurian Candidate on Dr. Yen Lo’s Days With Dr. Yen Lo.

Ka also collaborated with a number of noteworthy artists, including the Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA, Roc Marciano, and producer Preservation. Most of his music is self-released and often arrived without a promotional cycle, each one a surprise worth devoting repeat listens to. In addition to his rap career, Ka also worked as a firefighter in New York City. His latest album, The Thief Next to Jesus, arrived earlier this year.

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