New York City rapper and former firefighter Ka, real name Kaseem Ryan, has passed away at the age of 52. His death was announced on his Instagram account, citing his contributions to firefighting, his community in Brownsville, and to hip-hop. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Ka gained recognition for his artistry in 2008 with his underground rap style, collaborating with artists like GZA and Roc Marciano. Known for his humble and thought-provoking lyrics, he was considered one of hip-hop’s greatest writers. His 2016 album “Honor Killed the Samurai” received critical acclaim, with one track critiquing materialism in mainstream hip-hop.
His journey to success was unique, as he put his music career on hold for a 20-year firefighting career, including responding to 9/11 as a first responder and reaching the rank of captain. In the 2000s, he returned to recording and released several albums under his name.
Ka leaves behind a legacy as a recording artist and is survived by his wife, mother, and sister. He is remembered for his impactful and introspective music, with journalists and critics praising him as a poetic emcee and a quiet force in the hip-hop world.
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