Brooklyn rap veteran and former Natural Elements member Ka (born Kaseem Ryan) has suddenly passed away at age 52, less than two months after releasing his new album The Thief Next To Jesus. A post on his Instagram page broke the sad news:
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Kaseem Ryan (1972-2024), the rapper and producer known as Ka, who died unexpectedly in New York City on October 12, at the age of 52. Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service–to his city, to his community, and to his music. As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens. Ka rose to the rank of FDNY captain and was a first responder on September 11, 2001 during the attacks on the World Trade Center. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist, including eleven remarkable self-released solo albums. Ka is survived by his wife, mother and sister. We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss.
The Brownsville native co-founded Natural Elements in 1993 and exited the group a few years later, and he also had a short-lived, lesser-known group in the mid ’90s called Nightbreed. After taking a hiatus from music, he made an appearance on GZA’s 2008 album Pro Tools and released his debut solo album Iron Works on his own record label (also called Iron Works) that same year. Ka remained very prolific since then. He self-released eight more solo albums between 2012 and 2024, and he also released collaborative albums with producer Preservation under the name Dr. Yen Lo and with producer Animoss under the name Hermit and the Recluse. In addition to being an ever-compelling rapper, many of his own albums are largely or entirely self-produced. He collaborated frequently with the likeminded Roc Marciano over the years, and he also has collaborations with Navy Blue, Joi, and others. You can read more about this year’s The Thief Next To Jesus here.
In a tribute to the late rapper, The Alchemist wrote:
I always called him a living PROPHET because thats what he was to us.
Me and Roc always said when KA rapped it was like he was delivering his words from the top of a mountain off a stone tablet.
The truest man and artist i have ever been lucky enough to cross paths with.
There is so much i want to say.
It was an honor to call you a friend and comrade .
Thanks Roc for connecting us.
KA, you made all of us better.
My condolences to the family.
Rest easy Kaseem Ryan aka BROWNSVILLE KA .
Till we meet again
El-P wrote, “if i seem like i’m at a loss for words its because Ka took all the good words with him.”
Rest in peace, Ka.