Ka (rapper) | |
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Birth name | Kaseem Ryan[1] |
Born | [1] | August 11, 1972
Origin | New York |
Genres | Hip hop |
Years active | 1994-present |
Labels | Iron Works |
Website | Brownsville Ka |
Firefighter career | |
Department | New York City Fire Department |
Service years | 1999-present |
Kaseem Ryan (born August 11, 1972), better known by his stage name Ka, is an American rapper, producer, and firefighter from Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York City, New York.[2][3][4][5][6][7] His solo work has met critical acclaim and he is often noted for his focused concept albums and lyricism.[8]
He is a former member of the group Natural Elements.[9] In 1995 he formed the group Nightbreed with his friend Kev.[10] In 2008, he was re-introduced on GZA's album Pro Tools on the song "Firehouse" and in that same year he released his debut album Iron Works.[11] In 2012, he released the follow-up Grief Pedigree on his label Iron Works. The album featured a guest appearance by Roc Marciano and was produced by Ka.[12]
In an August 2016 New York Post story, Ka was identified as a Brooklyn-based FDNY fire captain. The article focuses on his "double life as a hip-hop artist whose songs are peppered with the N-word, drugs, violence and anti-cop lyrics."[13] In a 2013 interview Ka discussed being a firefighter, saying "I have a full time job and I work all the time. I try to keep that kinda low. I just have a job. It ain't my calling or nothing. It's just my job."[14]
Title | Album details |
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Iron Works |
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Grief Pedigree |
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The Night's Gambit |
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Honor Killed the Samurai |
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Descendants of Cain |
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A Martyr's Reward |
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Languish Arts |
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Woeful Studies |
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The Thief Next to Jesus |
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Title | Album details |
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Days With Dr. Yen Lo (with Preservation, as Dr. Yen Lo) |
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Orpheus vs. the Sirens (with Animoss, as Hermit and the Recluse)[15] |
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Title | Album details |
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1200 B.C. (with Preservation) |
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The Superfly Single |
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