Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith dies at 29 as hip-hop world mourns loss

Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith has died at the age of 29, leaving the hip-hop community mourning the loss of one of the genre’s most influential young producers.

Authorities in Nashville confirmed that the producer, whose real name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, was found dead at his Martin Street apartment on Thursday, June 18, during a welfare check.

Metro Nashville Police stated that no foul play is suspected, while the official cause of death remains pending an autopsy.

In a statement, police said: “No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers also known as Grammy-nominated record producer Tay Keith.”

“He was found dead in his Martin St apartment this afternoon by officers performing a welfare check. His death is unclassified pending autopsy results.”

Born in Memphis, Tay Keith became known as one of hip-hop’s most successful producers, working with major artists including Drake, Travis Scott, Beyoncé, 21 Savage, Swae Lee, and Eminem.

He began creating beats at just 14 years old, eventually turning his passion for music into a career that reached global audiences.

Keith’s breakthrough came in 2015 when he started working with Blac Youngsta. His career reached another level in 2017 with “Shoot,” his collaboration with BlocBoy JB, before achieving worldwide recognition with “Look Alive” featuring Drake in 2018.

He later co-produced Sicko Mode, which became one of the biggest hip-hop hits of the decade. 

The track made history by becoming the first hip-hop song to spend at least 30 weeks inside the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10 and earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.

Keith also contributed to several major releases, including Drake’s “Nonstop,” Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go,” and Eminem’s “Not Alike.”

Beyond production, Tay Keith also released his own music, including the 2023 hit “Pound Town” with Sexyy Red, which became a breakout success and later received a remix featuring Nicki Minaj.

The producer previously opened up about growing up in Memphis and described music as his path toward a better future.

“It was rough,” he told The Tennessean. “You gotta grind, you gotta make your way. Everybody’s got their grind mentality in Memphis. Music was my way out.”

Keith’s career reflected that determination, transforming his early love for creating beats into a lasting impact on hip-hop.