Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith was found dead in her Nashville apartment on Thursday afternoon at the age of 29.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Keith, who was best known for producing two of the biggest songs of 2018, Travis Scott‘s “Sicko Mode” and Drakeis “Nonstop.”
Autopsy results are not yet available, but police say foul play is not suspected.
Hip-hop producer Tay Keith was found dead in his apartment on Thursday afternoon after police conducted a welfare check, per TMZ. While an official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the medical examiner, authorities noted in a X statement that there is no suspicion of misconduct.
Keith, born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, worked with numerous A-list acts including Drake, Travis Scott and Beyoncé. He co-produced Travis’ 2018 hit “Sicko Mode,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and followed it up with Drake’s “Nonstop,” which peaked at No. 2 on the chart that same year.
His signature producer tag, “Tay Keith, f-ck these n-ggas up!” became synonymous with high-energy hits across the music industry over the past decade. He also gained critical acclaim through his work with Eminem, Lil Baby, Cardi B, BlocBoy JB and others.
Keith was also instrumental in Sexyy Red’s rise to stardom, producing her 2023 breakout hit “Pound Town,” as well as follow-up tracks including “Pound Town 2” and “Get It Sexyy.”
Keith remembered for mentorship and giving back
On Friday, his family issued a statement confirms his passing. They described him as a “visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation” and left a lasting mark on the music industry.
“He was deeply committed to creating opportunities for others through his company, Drumatized, supporting emerging songwriters, producers and artists,” the statement read.
“A proud graduate and professor emeritus of Middle Tennessee State University, Brytavious remained an active alumnus, mentor and advocate for young creatives. He was also a passionate supporter of mental health awareness and cancer-related causes in honor of his late mother,” Keith’s family added.
They said his legacy would live on and they would always remember him for the love and strength he brought to those around him, before asking for privacy and prayers for his loved ones. The statement confirmed that memorial arrangements would be shared in the coming days.
How Tay Keith rose to hip-hop stardom
Keith was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and began experimenting with music production at the age of 14. The Guardian. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that he really broke through, earning his first Grammy nomination for “Sicko Mode” at just 23 years old.
He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Integrated Studies and Media Management.
“There would be no point in me going to college if I didn’t want to finish it – I could have just focused 100% on music,” he said in a 2020 interview with a university magazine. “By my last week of college, I had my first No. 1 single, so it didn’t make sense to drop out.”
Keith wasn’t just a producer; he was also an entrepreneur dedicated to developing the next generation of Southern talent. He co-founded the Drumatized Music Group with his manager, Cambrian Strong, a venture that earned the pair a spot on Forbes’ 2024 30 Under 30 Music list.
Music industry mourns Tay Keith
Several celebrities and collaborators have taken to social media to pay their respects, per BBC.
Alongside photos of them together and a phone log showing they were in constant communication, BlocBoy JB, who had known Keith since the age of 14, took to Instagram about his death, writing: “Damn Cuz You Just Hurt Me Bad. We talked everyday and told me you had to leave.”
British rapper AJ Tracey called him “a legend in the game”, adding: “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he had a big impact on my career.”
Memphis producer Hitkidd and Florida-based DJ and producer DJ Scheme were also among those paying tribute to their fallen compatriot.
Fans are speculating on the cause of death
Meanwhile, fans also took to social media to share their reactions, with many speculating about the cause of Keith’s death.
“To die at the top of 29 is so tragic. What is the cause of his death?” one X user commented under a TMZ post about Keith’s passing, while another said: “Bro get off the drugs and damn this is going to be ridiculous.”
“Can people just stop doing crazy drugs man? It’s really not that hard. Smoke your weed, drink a little and you’ll live long lives. Popping pills needs to stop being normalized. In fact it should be outlawed and frowned upon,” wrote another.
“Parents, don’t let your kids enter the mainstream music business,” wrote another user. “RIP Tay Keith!!!”
