Remembering KA: Tributes Emerge for Brownsville Brooklyn Rapper Who Passed Away at 52

Kaseem Ryan, renowned in the music industry as KA, sadly passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024. His Instagram account confirmed the unfortunate news, though specifics regarding the cause of death remain undisclosed. At the time of his unexpected passing, Ryan was 52 years old. The statement shared on social media 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 dedicated his life to serving his city, community, and music.”

The announcement emphasized his dedication as a member of the New York City Fire Department for two decades, where he “risked his life to safeguard his fellow citizens.”At the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, Ryan held the esteemed rank of FDNY Captain.

As news of his death circulated widely on social platforms, an outpouring of tributes filled X.

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

“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 people that he was a GREAT guy in real life. This is a terrible loss,” added another.

“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,” commented a user on X.

Others fondly reminisced about KA’s significant contributions to music:

“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 user shared.

“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 expressed.

Ryan was not just a respected rapper; he was also a talented musician known for being part of the underground rap collective, Natural Elements. The post announcing his death also recognized him as a “recording artist”with eleven solo albums to his credit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oxbBP-Ai8U

Ka – Chamber (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oxbBP-Ai8U)

KA’s final album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August 2024

Prior to his last release, The Thief Next to Jesus in August 2024, Ryan produced a variety of music projects such as A Martyr’s Reward, Honor Killed the Samurai, Woeful Studies, among others. Though recognized for his musical talent, he frequently mentioned his preference to keep his full-time career “kinda low.”In an August 8, 2023 interview with Complex, he stated:

“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.”

As per his latest post on Instagram, the late rapper leaves behind his wife, mother, and sister. While his family has yet to disclose further information regarding funeral and memorial services, they have requested privacy during this difficult time as they deal with this immense loss.

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