Kaseem Ryan, a member of Natural Elements and an FDNY captain, died abruptly, according to the Instagram post. According to an Instagram post, Ka, a 52-year-old Brooklyn rapper, producer, and firefighter, passed away abruptly on Saturday.
Kaseem Ryan was a Natural Elements member who also worked for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). BET said he worked with Roc Marciano and GZA and received accolades from musicians such as Erykah Badu and Yasiin Bey, formerly Mos Def.
“We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss,” the text of the Instagram post said. “Born and bred in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka led a life of dedication to his city, community, and music. As a 20-year New York City Fire Department member, he risked his life to protect his fellow residents. It added: “Ka ascended to the level of FDNY captain and was a first responder. He left an incredible legacy as a recording artist, with eleven outstanding self-released solo albums.
Pitchfork said Ka often “hosted DIY events for his album releases where he would speak with fans one-on-one and celebrate bringing people together in person.” Most notably, Ka made significant efforts to maintain independence whenever feasible, from self-producing his art to transporting orders himself.”
Jeff Weiss, writer, and CEO of POW Recordings, said on Twitter/X, “RIP Ka, rap’s greatest minimalist, Brownsville’s finest, inimitably dedicated himself to his hometown and craft. The maestro of quiet wrath writes Zen Koans with unwavering soul and fire. Each bar contains pain, anguish, and wisdom. “An artist as pure and authentic as anyone who has ever spit cold facts.” Ka’s most recent album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August. According to an Instagram post, Ka is survived by his wife, mother, and sister. Ka’s most recent album, The Thief Next to Jesus, was released in August. Ka is survived by his wife, mother, and sister, according to an Instagram post.
