Rising Star of Hip-Hop Production Passes Away
Tay Keith, the acclaimed hip-hop producer known for crafting major hits for artists like Drake, Travis Scott, and Beyoncé, has passed away at the age of 29.
Body Found During Welfare Check
According to reports from Nashville-based station WSMV, police discovered Keith—whose real name was Brytavious Chambers—unresponsive in his apartment on Thursday afternoon. Authorities were conducting a welfare check at the time. While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, officials stated that there were no signs of foul play.
Early Career and Breakthrough Success
A native of Memphis, Keith began building his reputation early by working with rapper BlocBoy JB during their teenage years. Their collaborations eventually caught the attention of Drake, leading to the 2018 hit “Look Alive,” which climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Global Fame with “Sicko Mode”
Keith’s career reached new heights when he co-produced Travis Scott’s blockbuster single “Sicko Mode” in 2018 while still studying at Middle Tennessee State University. The track became one of the biggest songs of the year and solidified his place in the industry.
Collaborations with Top Artists
Over the years, he collaborated with several high-profile artists, including Beyoncé, Future, Eminem, and Lil Nas X. In 2022, he once again topped the charts with Drake and 21 Savage’s “Jimmy Cooks.” More recently, he contributed to Sexyy Red’s breakout tracks “Pound Town” and “SkeeYee.” His final social media update highlighted Chris Brown’s single “Call Your Name,” posted on May 7.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Keith’s achievements were widely recognized. He was honored as Producer of the Year at the 2024 BMI Awards and received a Grammy nomination for his work on “Sicko Mode.” In 2025, Forbes included him in its prestigious “30 Under 30” list, acknowledging both his musical success and his record label, Drumatized.
Tributes Pour In
Following his passing, tributes poured in from across the music world. BlocBoy JB shared an emotional message on Instagram, expressing his grief over the loss of his longtime friend and collaborator.