Tay Keith's lightning-fast production skills may have left a lasting impression on the hip-hop scene, but his untimely death at just 29 has sent shockwaves through the music world. The Grammy-nominated mastermind behind some of the decade's biggest hits has been found dead in his Nashville apartment – an eerie discovery made during a welfare check on Thursday afternoon.
Keith's trailblazing career was marked by explosive collaborations that left critics and fans alike breathless. His co-production credits on Travis Scott's 'Sicko Mode' (peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100) and Drake's 'Nonstop' (reaching a sizzling two on the same chart in 2018) earned him two coveted Grammy nominations – the first for 'Sicko Mode' in 2019, and a second nod for his work on Drake and 21 Savage’s 'Rich Flex', which will be announced next year. These chart-topping anthems have conquered UK airwaves and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, making Keith's fingerprints all over British music.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Keith began producing at just 14 – a prodigious talent that would soon see him rubbing shoulders with global superstars. He co-produced tracks for an A-list roster including Beyoncé, Cardi B, Eminem, Future, Lil Nas X, and Miley Cyrus, and his recent credits include Megan Thee Stallion’s 'Megan' album, Jack Harlow's 'Just Us' (featuring Doja Cat), and Travis Scott’s '4x4', all released this year. These artists regularly tour the UK and have left an indelible mark on British music – a testament to Keith's far-reaching influence.
But Keith's creative prowess didn't stop at production; he was also an entrepreneur, co-founding Drumatized Music Group in 2018 alongside his manager, Cambrian Strong. Their pioneering work earned them a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Music list in 2024 – a recognition of their innovative spirit and impact within the music industry.
The tributes have started pouring in from the music community, with rapper BlocBoy JB sharing an emotional message alongside a photo of the pair and a log of their daily phone calls. Other notable figures like Memphis producer Hitkidd and Florida-based DJ and record producer DJ Scheme have also paid their respects – a poignant reminder of Keith's enduring legacy.