On October 14, the hip-hop world was hit with the tragic news of the sudden death of beloved underground rap legend Ka, also known as Kaseem Ryan, at the age of 52.
Ka’s passing was announced through a heartfelt statement on his Instagram page, leaving fans and fellow artists in shock. While the cause of death remains unknown, the tributes pouring in make it clear the impact he had on those around him.
Westside Gunn, a longtime admirer of Ka, took to social media, posting a photo of the Brooklyn native with the words, ‘ALWAYS LOVE AND RESPECT 🤲🏽 LEGEND @BrownsvilleKa #RIP 🕊️.’ His brief message encapsulated the sentiments shared by many who held Ka in high regard.
Roc Marciano, who frequently collaborated with Ka, shared a deeply personal message, highlighting Ka’s influence on his life. He described him as a ‘guardian angel’ and spoke of the pain felt for Ka’s family. Roc reminisced about their bond, expressing gratitude for Ka’s impact on his personal growth and the joy he brought to his son’s life.
The Alchemist echoed these sentiments, calling Ka a ‘living PROPHET,’ noting how he and Roc often said when Ka rapped, it was like words delivered from a mountain top. ‘KA, you made all of us better,’ he added, thanking him for his friendship.
Other notable figures like Questlove, Pete Rock, and El-P offered their respects, each recognizing Ka’s unparalleled lyrical prowess and unique artistry. El-P tweeted, ‘If I seem like I’m at a loss for words it’s because Ka took all the good words with him.’
Ka was well-known not only for his introspective lyrics and storytelling but also for his life as a New York City firefighter, even being part of the rescue efforts after 9/11. His career included over a dozen projects, with the latest, ‘The Thief Next to Jesus,’ released just weeks before his passing.
His significant contributions to music came alongside a quiet personal life, where he avoided the limelight to let his work speak for itself. Despite his success, Ka maintained a humble presence, becoming a revered figure for both peers and fans alike.
Ka leaves behind a legacy of profound influence, with many celebrating his dual life as an artist and public servant. Messages of condolence continue to flood in, as those who knew him and admired his work take time to reflect on his remarkable journey.
Ka’s death marks a significant loss in the hip-hop community, both for his contributions to music and his inspiring life story. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence future artists and resonate with fans who appreciated his unique voice.
