Brooklyn Rapper Ka, Beloved Independent Artist and NYC Fire Captain, Dies at 52

Brooklyn Rapper Ka

Brooklyn Rapper Ka, Beloved Artist and FDNY Captain, Passes Away at 52

Ka, the celebrated independent rapper from Brooklyn, born Kaseem Ryan, has passed away at the age of 52, as confirmed by a post on his official Instagram account. The statement noted that he "died unexpectedly," though no specific cause of death was provided.

Hailing from Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka dedicated his life to serving his community through both music and his role as a firefighter. A 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he rose to the rank of captain and was a first responder during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. His legacy extends beyond his heroic service; he was also a prolific artist, having released eleven solo albums, with his latest, The Thief Next to Jesus, coming out in August.

Known for his distinctive style, Ka's music features soft, deliberate phrasing paired with minimalist beats. Before launching his solo career, he was a member of the hip-hop groups Natural Elements and Nightbreed. All of his solo projects were released through his own label, Iron Works, named after his debut album.

In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Ka discussed his approach to music, emphasizing the importance of lyrical depth over heavy beats. “I want to create nice songs, but I want to do that shit that Tupac used to do,” he said, highlighting his aspiration to evoke emotion through his work.

His discography includes notable albums such as Descendents of Cain (2020) and A Martyr’s Reward (2021).

Ka leaves behind a rich legacy in music and is survived by his wife, mother, and sister. The family has requested privacy as they mourn this profound loss.

Brooklyn Rapper Ka, Beloved Independent Artist and NYC Fire Captain, Dies at 52