Kaseem Ryan, the rapper known by his stage name Ka, passed away at the age of 52 in New York City on Saturday, October 12. A statement from the family posted on the Instagram account of the rapper announced his death Monday, October 15. The statement did not announce a cause of death, but said that it happened 'unexpectedly.'
"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," the statement read.
Who Was Kaseem Ryan?
Ryan was a former firefighter who became a rapper and music producer. The statement released on his death noted that Ryan served the Brooklyn-based the Fire Department of New York (FNDY) for 20 years, including a stint as the fire captain. In a 2023 interview with the entertainment news outlet Complex, Ka had said that he likes to keep his full-time job 'kinda low.'
"I have a full time job and I work all the time," he had said. I try to keep that kinda low. I just have a job. It ain't my calling or nothing. It's just my job."
However, the statement released Monday noted that the rapper was a first responder during the 9/11 World Trade Center Attack. Meanwhile, he worked as a rapper and music producer, with a portfolio of seven self-released solo albums.
"Ka is survived by his wife, mother, and sister," the statement noted. "We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss."