Kaseem ‘Ka’ Ryan, Brooklyn Rapper and NYC Firefighter, Dies at 52

Kaseem ‘Ka’ Ryan, a prolific Brooklyn-based rapper and NYC firefighter, died at the age of 52. Renowned for his lyrically-rich albums and two-decade career with the FDNY, Ka, born Kaseem Ryan, was a respected figure in both the music and firefighting communities. His underground rap career, which began in the 1990s, culminated in acclaimed solo albums like “Iron Works” and “Honor Killed the Samurai.” While pursuing his art, Ka also served as a first responder during 9/11 and rose through the ranks of the FDNY, eventually becoming a captain.