9/11 First Responder and NYC Rapper ‘Ka’ Dies Suddenly at 52

New York City hero Kaseem “Ka” Ryan has tragically died suddenly, his family has revealed.

Ka was a first responder with the New York City Fire Department during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The veteran firefighter rose to the rank of FDNY captain while also launching a career as a successful rapper and music producer.

His family revealed that Ka died unexpectedly on Saturday.

A statement shared on Ka’s Instagram account 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.

Ka was a first responder on September 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center.

No cause of death has been revealed.

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Ka’s death comes on the heels of his latest solo album, “The Thief Next to Jesus,” which was released in September.

The Brownville native emerged on the rap scene in 1994.

He was a member of the underground group Natural Elements.

In 2008, Ka embarked on a solo career, delivering a hard-hitting, raw verse on GZA’s “Firehouse” song featured on his album “Pro Tools.”

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That same year, Ka released his first debut album, “Iron Works.”

Two of his albums, 2013’s “The Nights Gambit” and this year’s “The Thief Next to Jesus,” made Vulture‘s annual list of the best albums when they were released.

Ka spoke about his double life as a firefighter captain and a lyrical underground MC in a 2013 interview.

“I have a full-time job, and I work all the time,” Ka told Complex at the time.

“I try to keep that kinda low.

“I just have a job. It ain’t my calling or nothing. It’s just my job.

“But I love my job because it gives me the freedom to do the art.

“I feel like if I didn’t have a job, that’s when I would have to compromise myself a little bit more.”

The statement was shared on Ka’s official Instagram page announcing his death continued:

“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 New Yorker dubbed Ka “the last underground rapper” in 2021.

Fans mourned Ka’s death on social media, paying tribute to the “illest to ever do it.”

“I am in utter disbelief about the Ka news,” one fan wrote on X.

“This man is one of the greatest lyricists and songwriters to ever walk this planet.

“Someone who wasn’t just a rapper, but a philosopher, whose words will continue to inspire and open up minds so long as there’s human beings. RIP to a God.”

“Thank you for years of amazing music,” another fan wrote.

“We should be grateful we got one last album before he passed away.”

“Ka is the best rapper many of you never heard,” someone else said.

“I’m utterly shocked by the news of his passing. I hope he realized how much he meant to hip-hop.”

“My absolute favorite artist has passed away. Rest in peace, King,” one fan wrote with a heartbreak emoji.

Another commented, “Damn rip, legendary pen.”

“Speechless, feels unreal. His music legacy is immortal,” another said.

Ka is survived by his wife, mother, and sister.

READ MORE – Pilot Dies Suddenly Mid-Flight, Packed Passenger Plane Forced into Emergency Landing in New York

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