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Kaseem ‘Ka’ Ryan, New York City rapper-producer and firefighter, dies at 52

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Kaseem 'Ka' Ryan, New York City rapper-producer and firefighter, dies at 52

As I reflect upon the life of Ka, the New York City rapper and firefighter, I am struck by the incredible depth and breadth of his experiences. Born and raised in Brooklyn amidst the birth of hip-hop, he served as a first responder during the 9/11 attacks, all while balancing his music career and rising through the ranks of the Fire Department to become a captain.

KA, a notable rap artist and producer from New York City, as well as a former fire department captain, has passed away at the age of 52.

On Monday, it was announced on his social media platforms that Kaseem Ryan, who was an artist, passed away in New York City over the weekend. The cause of his death has not been made public. The statement released mentioned that “Ka dedicated his life to serving his city, his community, and his music.

On her Instagram account, Mimi Valdés, a film producer who’s married to the rapper, announced his passing. She referred to him as “my king,” “my hero,” and “my best friend” in a post made on Monday.

Valdes said, “You’ll always mean everything to me, for a love such as ours is eternal.” Rest in peace, my dear husband, I’ll meet you beyond this world.

Born in Brooklyn, Ka gained notoriety for transforming his personal struggles and emotions into abstract songs such as “Conflicted,” “Mourn at Night,” and “Sirens.” During his musical journey that coincided with his fire department duties, Ka independently released 11 solo albums, including the critically acclaimed album “Honor Killed the Samurai,” as stated on his Instagram.

Music was therapeutic, Ka said during a 2016 Q&A for the Red Bull Music Academy.

He explained, “If I didn’t express myself through my music, I might become even more unbalanced. I’m not claiming I’m not already a bit eccentric, but the lack of an outlet like this could make me even more so.” Essentially, he views each album as a form of release or purging.

Ka was born on August 11, 1972, in the Brownsville district of Brooklyn, which saw the emergence of hip-hop. He began taking his musical aspirations seriously during the ’90s, around the time he became a member of Natural Elements, a local underground group that included Mr. Voodoo among its members. However, feeling uncertain about his own contributions, Ka chose to depart from the group and temporarily abandon music, as revealed in a 2013 interview with Complex.

As I immersed myself in my personal life and career as a firefighter for the FDNY, reaching the rank of captain, music took on a more solitary role for me – a quiet passion tucked away. However, this all changed when a 2016 article in the New York Post revealed my hidden music career, causing quite a stir within the hip-hop community. Notable artists like Killer Mike and El-P from Run the Jewels expressed their disapproval, adding fuel to the fire.

By then, Ka had self-released four albums, collaborated with “Shadowboxin’” rapper GZA, taught himself how to produce his own music, shot his own videos and connected with rapper-producer Roc Marciano.

In the course of his professional journey, self-reliance served as a cornerstone for Ka: He established his Iron Works record label and took it upon himself to publicize his music and market his own merchandise, up until very recently. Ka’s latest album, titled “The Thief Next to Jesus,” was released in August.

The statement posted on Ka’s Instagram asks for consideration in respecting the privacy of Ka’s family and close ones, as they grapple with an immeasurable grief.

Following the announcement of his passing on Monday, figures such as Marciano, Busta Rhymes, Lena Waithe, Quinta Brunson, and Octavia Spencer extended their sympathies. Similarly, FDNY spokesperson Jim Long conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Ka’s family in a statement released Tuesday to The Times.

In Marciano’s Instagram tribute, he said, “Ryan was the most powerful brother I ever knew. He was generous and played a significant role in my personal growth, and he did the same for countless others – that’s simply one of the many qualities that come with being friends with him. I’ve learned so much from him, and I continue to learn from him even today. I want to thank him again for everything he’s done for me as a person and as my brother. I love him dearly, and I’m going to miss our conversations about basketball and how he could make my son laugh – my son adored him too.

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2024-10-16 01:31

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