Music producer Tay Keith, a central figure in contemporary hip-hop, was found dead on Thursday, June 18, in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 29 years old.
No evidence of crime
As reported by Billboard, Nashville Metropolitan Police responded to the scene for a welfare check and found the musician unconscious. The authorities indicated that, so far, there are no signs of a criminal act.
Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers and originally from Memphis, Keith had 11 songs in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and four number one singles, including “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott and “First Person Shooter” by Drake. He also set the record for most No. 1 songs on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade, with six.
Musical legacy and bridges with country
In addition to collaborating with Eminem, Lil Baby and Gunna, Keith boosted Sexyy Red’s career by producing “Pound Town,” a hit that positioned her as a new voice in commercial hip-hop. He also founded DRUMATIZED, a record label and creative center in Nashville that supported rap and country artists. According to Billboard, it was the second African-American-owned recording studio in that city.
His rise coincided with an academic achievement: in December 2018 he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, the same month he earned his first number one hit and a Grammy nomination.
The dean of the Faculty of Media and Entertainment at that university, Beverly Keel, recalled for Billboard:
Keith stood out for his intelligence, sensitivity and ability to understand people, qualities that were reflected in his creative work.
He also revealed that the two were recently talking about creating a scholarship in his name to support future students.
Industry reactions
Artists expressed their regret. BlocBoy JB, who Keith collaborated with on “Look Alive,” shared photos and wrote that they talked every day. Producer Hitkidd published that they had been working together since 2010.
So far, Tay Keith’s representatives have not issued a public statement.
