Who was KA? Tributes pour in as beloved Brownsville Brooklyn rapper dies aged 52

Rapper Kaseem Ryan, popularly known as KA, tragically passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024. His death was confirmed via a statement uploaded on his Instagram account. However, the cause of his death wasn't revealed. Mentioning that the rapper was 52 years old when he “died unexpectedly,” the statement further 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, Kaseem Ryan lived a life of service to his city, to his community, and to his music."

The post also shed light on his career as a “20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department,” and how he had "put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens.” The statement highlighted that Ryan held the rank of FDNY Captain when the attacks on the World Trade Center took place on September 11, 2001.

As soon as the news about his death started going viral on social media, many netizens poured in tributes on X.

“This one hits hard. Kaseem Ryan, one of our favorite rappers of the last 15 years, dead at 52. A true poet gone,” a netizen wrote.

“That being said...RIP to Ka. Easily one of my favorite MCs. An artist who worked at a truly elite level. Who lived the idea of helping others...thru his professional life and his art. And I've heard from countless ppl that he was a GREAT guy in real life. This is a terrible loss,” another social media user added.

“I haven’t even really paid too much attention to baseball after I heard KA Passed away…..that Brotha was so amazing and it’s crazy because most people never heard him rhyme they have no idea how dope he was,” an X user commented.

Others also remembered the late rapper's notable works and wrote:

“I cannot fathom what the world has lost with Ka’s passing. the greatest mind and pen in hip hop, taken away from us in unstoppable form. absolutely devastating. nobody could touch him. not even close. Rest in power, king,” another person mentioned.

"RIP Ka, your impact on rap and your community will never be forgotten. "The Thief Next to Jesus" is his final gift to us all," another X user wrote.

Furthermore, Ryan was also a well-known musician who was part of an underground rap group, Natural Elements. The post confirming his death also recognized him as a “recording artist,” who had released eleven solo albums to date.

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Rapper KA dropped his last album titled The Thief Next to Jesus in August 2024

Kaseem Ryan became interested in hip-hop during his childhood years. As he started working as a member of the Natural Elements, he released his first solo album Iron Works in 2008. He dropped Grief Pedigree In 2012 and a year later, he came up with The Night’s Gambit.

Before releasing his last album titled The Thief Next to Jesus in August 2024, he worked on multiple music projects like A Martyr’s Reward, Honor Killed the Samurai, Woeful Studies, and others. While the artist was renowned for his songs and albums, he often stated how he preferred to keep his full-time job “kinda low.” In an interview with Complex on August 8, 2023, the rapper said:

"I have a full time job and I work all the time. I try to keep that kinda low. I just have a job. It ain't my calling or nothing. It's just my job."

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According to the latest Instagram post, the rapper is now survived by his wife, mother, and sister. While the artist's family has not revealed more details about the funeral and memorial services, they have requested privacy, “as they grieve this incalculable loss.”