The rapper, whose name was Kaseem Ryan, was known for self-producing 11 albums while also a maintaining a career with the New York Fire Department.

Underground rapper Ka, who worked as a firefighter in New York alongside his music career, has died aged 52. Ka, whose real name was Kaseem Ryan, spent two decades in the fire department and was a first responder for the September 11 terror attacks while also releasing music.

Kaseem Ryan, popularly known as Ka, died on Saturday, October 12 in New York City. Rapper, producer and firefighter was 52 when he breathed his last. The news was confirmed by the rapper's official Instagram page.