Grammy-nominated music producer Tay Keith, whose real name was Brytavious Chambers, has died at the age of 29. Nashville police confirmed his death on Thursday after officers conducted a welfare check at his apartment. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, and his death remains unclassified as they await autopsy results.
Keith rose to prominence in the late 2010s, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after hip-hop producers in the industry. He was instrumental in shaping the sound of several major rap tracks, most notably co-producing Travis Scott’s chart-topping hit “Sicko Mode,” which earned him his first Grammy Award nomination in 2019. His distinct, bass-heavy sound, deeply rooted in the Memphis rap scene, helped to propel this regional style into the mainstream.
Beyond his work with Travis Scott, Keith's extensive discography includes collaborations with a host of globally recognised artists. He co-produced Drake’s “Nonstop” and Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go,” and contributed to Eminem’s track “Not Alike.” More recently, he was behind Sexyy Red’s breakthrough hit “Pound Town,” demonstrating his continued influence across the rap genre. According to Billboard, his career boasted 11 top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and four number one singles.
Born and raised in South Memphis, Keith began producing beats at the age of 14, sharing his early work on platforms like YouTube. His creative partnership with fellow Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB led to their breakout hit “Look Alive” in 2018, which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite his significant commercial success, Keith remained deeply connected to his Memphis roots, often speaking about the city's profound impact on his musical identity.
In addition to his production work, Keith was dedicated to fostering new talent, establishing DRUMATIZED, a Nashville-based studio and creative hub designed to support emerging artists. Tributes from collaborators and peers have begun to emerge online, reflecting the shock and sorrow within the music community. BlocBoy JB posted a screenshot of their recent calls, expressing his grief, while fellow producer Hitkidd shared, “I ain’t even got the words, we been doing this since 2010.”