American rapper Ka has died.
The news was confirmed in a statement made by his family on social media, praising his life’s work. Ka died “unexpectedly” in New York on October 12th – he was 52 years of age.
Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka first entered hip-hop in the mid 90s as a member of Natural Elements. Reintroduced to audiences as a solo artist on GZA’s album ‘Pro Tools’, he built a 15 year catalogue of sustained excellence.
Utilising complex word play that veered from the caustic to the surreal, Ka – real name Kaseem Ryan – was a true master of his craft. Maintaining a high creativity rate – and exceptionally high standards – his most recent album ‘The Thief Next To Jesus’ arrived this summer.
To Ka, hip-hop was a passion, an art, and a space for personal fulfilment – but he also maintained a day job. As a story in New York Post revealed, he was a serving Captain in the New York Fire Department, working in service for over 20 years. The statement from his family explains that Ka was a first responder on 9/11.
Hugely respected by those in hip-hop and beyond, Ka’s loss has been mourned by a number of public salutes.
Seminal producer The Alchemist writes:
I always called him a living PROPHET because thats what he was to us. Me and Roc always said when KA rapped it was like he was delivering his words from the top of a mountain off a stone tablet. The truest man and artist i have ever been lucky enough to cross paths with. There is so much i want to say. It was an honor to call you a friend and comrade . Thanks Roc for connecting us. KA, you made all of us better. My condolences to the family. Rest easy Kaseem Ryan aka BROWNSVILLE KA . Till we meet again
Find the statement from Ka’s family below.
