Brooklyn rapper and firefighter Caption Kaseem 'Ka' Ryan passes away unexpectedly at 52

Brooklyn rapper and firefighter Caption Kaseem 'Ka' Ryan passes away

Brooklyn-based rapper and FDNY captain Kaseem Ryan, known by his stage name Ka, passed away on Saturday, October 12, at the age of 52.

In a statement shared on his Instagram account, his family wrote: “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 Oct. 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.”

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. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist, including 11 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.”

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A post shared by Ka (@brownsvilleka)

Ka first emerged in New York’s underground rap scene in 1993 as a member of the group Natural Elements before forming the duo Nightbreed with his friend Kev. In 1999, at the age of 27, Ka joined the New York City Fire Department, pausing his music career. He was a first responder during the 9/11 attacks and eventually became a captain.

After almost a decade away from music, Ka returned in 2008, appearing on Wu-Tang Clan member GZA’s track “Firehouse” from the Pro Tools album. That same year, Ka released his solo debut album, Iron Works. Known for his deep lyricism and self-produced albums, Ka built a loyal following in the underground hip-hop community while balancing his firefighting career. He often alluded to this dual life, once telling Passion of the Weiss in 2015, “I’m living two lives, man. I’m trying to be who I am in the day and then trying to feed my soul at night with being the artist that I want to be.”

On August 21, 2013, shortly after the release of his critically acclaimed album Honor Killed the Samurai, The New York Post revealed Ka’s identity as a firefighter. Despite the newfound public attention, he continued his work with the fire department and released his final album, The Thief Next to Jesus, in August 2024.

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A post shared by Mimi Valdés (@mimivaldes)

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Ka is survived by his wife, film producer Mimi Valdes, his mother, and his sister. Mimi Valdes paid tribute to her husband on Instagram, writing: “My king, my hero, my best friend. You will always be my everything because love like ours lasts forever. Rest my beautiful husband, see you on the other side.”