Brooklyn Underground rapper and producer Ka dead at 52-years-old

The Brooklyn Underground rapper, Ka, has died . He was 52-years-old.

The rapper’s official Instagram account announced that Ka, whose real name was Kaseem Ryan, died on Saturday, October 12. The post stated that the artist "died unexpectedly" in New York City .

The statement read: "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."

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The statement 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."

The sad note concluded: "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."

In the 1990s, Ka was a part of the well-known underground rap group called Natural Elements. His trademark sound was reintroduced to the world in 2008 when he joined GZA on Firehouse. His debut album, Iron Works, was released that same year. Roc Marciano made an appearance on his follow-up album, Grief Pedigree, which was released in 2012.

With the releases of Grief Pedigree in 2012 and The Night's Gambit in 2013 on his own label, Iron Works, Ka made a name for himself in the music industry. Rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE were inspired by Ka's music. Ka released Honor Killed the Samurai in 2016, followed by 2020's Descendants of Cain, 2021's A Martyr's Reward and 2022's Languish Arts and Woeful Studies.

Fans were left in shock with the news of his passing. One person commented under the post: "Wowww I’m legit f---ed up right now , Ka was one of my blueprints and a [goat emoji] of [goat emoij]s this is wild." Another fan wrote: "The illest to ever do it RIP." Celebrities such as radio DJ Charlamagne tha God also shared some words, penning: "My brother we were just starting to communicate again I will forever miss you. Hopefully you see Kev on the other side."

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