Tay Keith, Grammy-Nominated Producer Behind Hits for Drake and Travis Scott, Dies at 29

Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated producer known for shaping some of the biggest rap hits of the past decade, has died at the age of 29. His passing was confirmed by Metro Nashville Police on Thursday following a welfare check at his Nashville apartment. Authorities say there is no suspicion of foul play, and the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers on September 20, 1996, in South Memphis, Tay Keith began producing music as a teenager, uploading his first beats to platforms like YouTube and DatPiff. He taught himself piano and began recreating tracks like Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” demonstrating an early talent for rhythm, melody, and beat construction that would later define his signature sound.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Keith’s career began in earnest after he connected with fellow Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB, forming a collaborative chemistry that would help bring their music from local stages to a national audience.

In December 2018, the same year he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Media Management from Middle Tennessee State University, Tay Keith co-produced BlocBoy JB’s breakout hit “Look Alive” featuring Drake. The single peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling Keith’s arrival as a major player in hip-hop production.

That year, Keith’s momentum accelerated with production credits on:

• Drake’s “Nonstop”, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100
• Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode”, which topped the charts at number one and achieved diamond platinum status

“Sicko Mode” earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, cementing his status among the elite producers of his generation.

Expanding His Influence Across the Industry

Following his initial breakthroughs, Tay Keith’s production credits continued to grow at a staggering pace. He worked with some of the biggest names in music, contributing to hits like:

• Eminem’s “Not Alike”
• Drake, Lil Baby, and Gunna’s “Never Recover”
• Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go” from Homecoming: Live Album
• Sexyy Red’s 2023 viral hit “Pound Town”

His collaborations also included Cardi B, Polo G, DJ Khaled, Lil Nas X, and numerous other artists, earning him dozens of gold and platinum certifications.

In 2022, Keith launched his Drumatized label in partnership with Warner, debuting with Lil Durk and Gunna’s “Lights Off,” further expanding his influence beyond production and into entrepreneurship and artist development.

Innovation and Legacy

Tay Keith’s signature production style—marked by hard-hitting drums, layered melodies, and innovative sampling—helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop, influencing countless artists and producers who followed.

Beyond his musical output, Keith also ventured into brand collaborations. He was recently celebrated by AllHipHop for a collaboration with McDonald’s, which included branded merchandise and vinyl releases, a testament to his expanding reach and influence outside of the recording booth.

His career trajectory—from self-taught teenager in South Memphis to Grammy-nominated producer—underscores a commitment to hustle, creativity, and artistic vision that resonated with fans worldwide.

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Tay Keith posing with artists in a studio or at an award event.

Tributes from the Music Community

News of Tay Keith’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, collaborators, and peers in the music industry. Artists, producers, and social media users alike have highlighted his contributions to hip-hop, his mentorship to younger producers, and the legacy of hits that helped define the sound of the late 2010s and early 2020s.

While the circumstances of his death are still under investigation, his influence on the music world is already firmly established.

Conclusion

Tay Keith leaves behind a remarkable legacy in music production, having contributed to some of the most iconic tracks of recent years and influenced the next generation of hip-hop talent. His career, which combined technical skill, innovation, and entrepreneurial vision, will continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Though gone too soon, his beats, melodies, and creative contributions will remain a permanent part of hip-hop history.