In parallel with his career, the artist, whose real name is Kasseem Ryan, was captain of the New York Fire Department and was “one of the first responders on September 11, 2001 during the World Trade Center attacks.”
Artist, producer, firefighter… American rapper Kasseem Ryan, known under the pseudonym Ka, knew how to do it all. The latter died “suddenly” at the age of 52 on Saturday October 12, his loved ones revealed in a press release published on Instagram on Tuesday. Little known to the general public, he was a pillar of the New York scene and underground rap. Alongside his career, Ka was captain of the New York Fire Department and was “one of the first responders September 11, 2001 during the attacks on the World Trade Center »recalled those close to him.
His death caused great emotion within the music industry: “I always compared him to a living prophet because that’s what he was in my eyes”greeted the American producer and DJ The Alchemist on X. He wanted to thank “the most authentic man and artist I have ever had the chance to meet.” “It was an honor to call you friend and comrade. Rest in peace Kasseem Ryanhe concludes. “Always love and respect for this legend. RIP Ka»wrote the American rapper, close to Eminem, Westside Gun on X.
“They didn’t know I rapped”
Kasseem Ryan started his musical career, alongside his work with the fire department, in 1994 with the rap group Natural Elements. After starting a duo with the rapper Kev – who died in 2015 from a car accident – the artist began a solo career in 2008 with the release of his first album Iron Works. Ka stands out in the industry thanks to his writing and his simplicity. In particular, he organized his album launch parties himself, in which he wanted to talk face to face with his fans. To produce these eight albums, Ka never used any other label than his own, “Iron Works”, launched at the same time as his first album of the same name. Its simplicity allows it to be recognized by specialized media such as Pitchfork.
“It’s funny. They (his fellow firefightersEditor’s note) didn’t know I’ve been rapping for a long time, but ’’Grief Pedigre” (son album sorti en 2012Editor’s note) put an end to this. One of the guys was going home after work and he heard (the song, Editor’s note) ”Cold Facts’ on the radiotold Kasseem Ryan in 2013 to the specialized American media Complex. “He was like, ‘Wait, it looks like Ka, and his name is Ka?’ He made the connection, came to work the next day and started telling everyone.”he concluded.
The Thief Next To Jesus released last August will remain the artist’s last album. The message on Instagram from his loved ones indicates that he is survived by his wife, mother and sister.
