'Incalculable loss': Musician dies aged 52 just after album release
Rapper, producer and New York firefighter Ka, born Kaseem Ryan, has died. He was 52.
The musician died "unexpectedly" on Saturday 12 October, according to a statement shared to his Instagram profile. No cause of death has been reported.
"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," the statement read.
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"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 (Mimi Valdes), 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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Ka's wife Mimi Valdes shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. Instagram/ @mimivaldes
Ka's wife took to Instagram with her own post confirming her husbands death.
"My king, my hero, my best friend. You will always be my everything because love like ours lasts forever," Valdes wrote.
"Rest my beautiful husband, see you on the other side."
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Between his work as the New York City Fire Department's captain and his music work, Ka lead a busy life.
He emerged in the New York rap scene as a member of the group Natural Elements but soon after formed the the rap duo Nightbreed with his friend Kev.
The pair released a single titled 2 Roads Out the Ghetto in 1998.
Ten years later, Ka released his debut solo album titled Iron Works which caught the attention of Wu-Tang Clan member GZA who then invited him to appear on the 2008 album Pro Tools.
After that, he went on to release eight more albums throughout his career. Ka's death comes only two months after he released his latest album title The Thief Next To Jesus in August.
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