Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith was found dead Thursday in his Nashville apartment, with Metro Nashville Police telling local outlets no foul play is suspected, sending shockwaves through the music industry.
Officers discovered the body of Brytavious Lakeith Chambers — known professionally as Tay Keith — while conducting a welfare check, WSMV and Fox 13 Memphis reported, citing Metro Nashville Police. He was 29. WSMV reported his body was found at his Martin Street apartment. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from collaborators. BlocBoy JB, one of Mr. Chambers’ closest creative partners, posted a throwback photo of the two together on Instagram with the caption, “Dam Cuz…You just hurt me bad,” according to Baller Alert. Fellow Memphis producer HitKidd shared his own tribute, writing, “I ain’t even got the words, we been doing this since 2010.”
Born Sept. 20, 1996, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Chambers built one of hip-hop’s most recognizable production resumes. His signature producer tag — “Tay Keith, f—- these n——s up” — became a ubiquitous fixture across the genre. He rose to mainstream prominence in 2018, co-producing Travis Scott’s chart-topping “Sicko Mode,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. He also helmed Drake’s “Nonstop” and “God’s Plan,” Eminem’s “Not Alike,” BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive,” and Sexyy Red’s “Pound Town 2.”
Earlier this year, Mr. Chambers partnered with the American Cancer Society to donate speakers to Hope Lodges nationwide in memory of his late mother, LaToya, writing at the time: “Music is healing.”
Most recently, Billboard named him one of the top producers of the 21st century on its Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where he ranked No. 12 alongside industry luminaries including Jermaine Dupri and Boi-1da. “God is Great. Forever Grateful,” he wrote in response to the recognition.
His management has asked for prayers for his family as authorities continue their investigation. No additional details have been released.
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