New York City rapper and former firefighter Ka, real name Kaseem Ryan, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. He was praised for his contributions to firefighting, his neighborhood of Brownsville, and the hip-hop community. Ka gained recognition in the indie-rap scene in 2008 for his subtle and stinging rhymes, collaborating with artists like GZA of Wu-Tang Clan. His 2016 track “$” was praised for its powerful and thought-provoking lyrics. Ka produced 11 albums under his name and was known for his humble yet impactful music. He had a rare success story, as he left the recording studio to work as a firefighter for 20 years before returning to music. Despite his late start, Ka’s reputation as a poetic emcee grew, and he became known as a top lyricist. His wife, mother, and sister survive him, with his wife calling him her king, hero, and best friend. Ka’s legacy as a talented artist and dedicated public servant will continue to impact the hip-hop community and beyond.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com