Kaseem Ryan, better known as Ka, has tragically passed away at the age of 52. His unexpected death was announced through a statement on his Instagram account, revealing that he “died unexpectedly”in New York City on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The statement further elaborated:
“A native of Brownsville, Brooklyn, (he) dedicated his life to serving — his city, his community, and his music.”
Ryan first made waves in the underground hip-hop scene in the mid-1990s as part of the group Natural Elements, before forming a duo named Nightbreed with his friend Kev.
In 2000, he took a hiatus from music to join the New York City Fire Department, where he was on the front lines during the 9/11 tragedy at the World Trade Center. He later ascended to the rank of Fire Captain, a title he held until his untimely death.
Ka eventually returned to music, a decision he credited to his wife, Mimi Valdés, during a 2016 interview with The Fader. Valdés, a seasoned music executive, has dedicated over two decades to the realms of R&B and hip-hop.
Ka and Mimi Valdés’ Love Story
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Mimi Valdés honored her late husband, stating:
“My king, my hero, my best friend. You will always be my everything because love like ours is eternal. Rest well, my beautiful husband, until we meet again.”
Mimi Valdés, a passionate journalism student from New York, immersed herself in the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the early 1990s. She began her career as an editorial assistant at Vibe magazine, co-founded by music moguls David Salzman and Quincy Jones.
As part of Vibe, she championed the rise of hip-hop artists, showcasing new talents and analyzing trends within the genre. In a 2023 interview with Pop Sugar, she revealed her reputation as the “hip-hop girl.”Valdés rapidly ascended through the ranks, becoming Vibe’s editor-in-chief in 2003, making her the second woman to hold that position.
Reflecting on her experiences at Vibe, she noted:
“It was an incredible journey. I’m truly thankful, as it set me on a path to tell these vital stories and ensure that artists received the journalistic recognition they deserved, while also broadening the horizon for the music and culture.”
During her tenure at Vibe, Valdés spotlighted emerging talents like 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West, and also launched Vibe Vixen, a sister publication aimed at women. The magazine featured notable personalities such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, and Kelly Rowland.
According to a 2016 profile of Ka in The Fader, the couple’s first encounter was at a radio station, where Valdés was assisting with guest arrangements during a freestyle session featuring Natural Elements. However, their romantic relationship blossomed only after Ka stepped away from music.
Ka mentioned in the article that it was Valdés who inspired his return to the music scene, emphasizing that it was about rediscovering his passion rather than just securing a record deal. He remarked:
“She definitely has an ear for music. She was the first to feature Lil Wayne on the cover; this woman knows her hip-hop. So for her to reassure me made a significant impact—it was the first time someone of her caliber recognized my worth as an artist.”
Since then, the couple has built a shared life, nurturing Ka’s baby cousin Shania and his godchildren, Ashley, Tyrone, and Chase. In 2020, Ka released a song prominently featuring those he cherished, including a tribute to Mimi titled I Love (Mimi, Moms, Kev).
Mimi departed from Vibe in 2006 and currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer of her own company, i am OTHER, alongside Pharrell Williams. Additionally, she has produced several notable films and shows that advocate for diversity and inclusion, such as Hidden Figures, Dope, Harlem, and Roxanne Roxanne.
As reported by Variety in August 2023, she collaborated with Nina Yang Bongiovi to co-found Fly Green Socks, a media firm dedicated to telling hip-hop stories in film.
In 2008, Ka released his first solo album, Iron Works, and he has since established a critically acclaimed discography, including Honor Killed the Samurai, A Martyr’s Reward, and The Night’s Gambit, all while continuing his service as a firefighter. In a 2015 interview, he stated:
“I’m living two lives. By day, I’m who I am, and by night, I seek to nourish my soul as the artist I aspire to be.”
Ka gained recognition for his deeply conceptual works, characterized by understated delivery and powerful lyrics.
The exact cause of Ka’s passing remains unconfirmed, but he leaves behind his wife, mother, and sister.
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