Kaseem Ryan, professionally known as Ka, was a Brooklyn-born rapper and producer celebrated for his introspective lyrics and minimalist production style. Emerging from Brownsville, he began his musical journey in the early 1990s with the group Natural Elements. Ka's solo career gained prominence with the release of Iron Works in 2008, leading to collaborations with artists like GZA and Roc Marciano. Over the years, he self-released eleven albums, including notable works such as Grief Pedigree, Honor Killed the Samurai, and Descendants of Cain. Parallel to his music career, Ka served as a New York City firefighter, participating as a first responder during the September 11 attacks and rising to the rank of captain. His dual dedication to music and public service left an indelible mark on both the hip-hop community and his local community. Ka passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2024, at the age of 52.
