NYC rapper and fire captain Ka, who was among 9/11 first responders, dies 'unexpectedly' at 52

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Brooklyn rapper Ka, also a New York City Fire Department veteran, has died at the age of 52 on Saturday, October 12.

The tragic news was made public on Ka, originally named Kaseem Ryan's Instagram profile on October 14, according to which he died "unexpectedly" in New York City.

"Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service — to his city, to his community, and to his music," the statement read.

Ka's legacy: First responder on 9/11 to multiple solo albums

"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 statement continued about the late rapper's service as a firefighter.

His "extraordinary legacy" was not confined to his service. Over the years, he self-released 11 solo albums. The rapper is survived by his family, including his wife Mimi Valdes, mother, and sister.

Ka rose to fame as a rapper in New York in 1993 with the hip-hop group Natural Elements, as per People. He later formed his own group with a friend Kev named Nightbreed.

The rapper halted his rap career after joining the New York City Fire Department in 1999 at the age of 27. He was among the first responders when the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001.

After rising to the ranks of captain, Ka returned to music in 2008, collaborating on  Wu-Tang Clan member GZA's track 'Firehouse'. The same year, he released his first solo album titled 'Iron Works'.

Ka led 'two lives' as a firefighter and emcee

Ka's music career was rather self-funded, self-produced, and based in his home as he grew his fanbase as an emcee in New York.

In a 2015 interview, Ka addressed his dual career, saying, "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."

Ka's firefighter stint became public through a New York Post report after the release of his album 'Honor Killed the Samurai' in 2013. However, he continued to serve in the fire department until his sudden death.

His recent and final album 'The Thief Next to Jesus' was released in August.

Fans pay tribute to Ka after his unexpected death at 52

Tribute messages on social media indicated the shock Ka's sudden death caused among fans. Many remembered the rapper's legacy in music.

"Very very sad indeed, him and Roc Marc are my favourite underground rappers , he deserves a lot respect from the culture this is my all time favourites from him, Rest in peace Ka , true Emcee," a social media user wrote on X.

"A heartbreaking day for hip-hop. Ka was one of the greatest MCs to touch the mic. His words carried so much weight and pain, yet so much promise and love for life. Meeting him was always one of my favorite memories, now I will cherish it forever. Prayers to his family," another added.

"An absolute loss to music and the overall spirit of creativity. Such a gifted MC and producer that crafted a sound that was sonically quiet, but demanded complete attention to every syllable that permeated his life into your own soul. RIP, Ka," one person said.

"This is not fair man. He was doing wonders for the black community with his music," another remarked.

"Wow, I am absolutely shocked to hear this. Just gutted. He will forever be one of the best to ever grace the microphone. Gone too soon, but never forgotten," someone else wrote.

"Bro, this is heartbreaking. He really did care about the craft and the goodwill he showed before the music was such a testimony to that. May he rest easy," another commented.

"Horrible news my goodness. Unreal. I’ve been listening to his music as of late. RIP. Gone too soon and one of the greatest to ever grab a pen," one individual wrote.

"No!!! can't be real... RIP to a legend. an amazing human being and artist. Brownsville stand up," read another remark.

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