Memphis-born producer Tay Keith has passed away, sending a heavy wave through hip-hop as fans, artists, and collaborators begin reacting to the loss of one of rap’s most recognizable modern hitmakers. The cause of death has not been released.
BlocBoy JB, one of Tay Keith’s closest collaborators, appeared to react to the news on Instagram. The Memphis rapper first shared a broken-heart emoji on his Instagram Story, then posted a throwback image of himself standing next to the producer with the caption, “Dam Cuz…You just hurt me bad.”
HitKidd also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing “I ain’t even got the words, we been doing this since 2010 @taykeith,” with a dove emoji after his Instagram name.
Tay Keith, born Brytavious “Tay Keith” Chambers, built his name out of Memphis before his sound traveled across the industry. The Grammy-nominated producer from Memphis is the hometown force behind tracks for Yo Gotti, Blac Youngsta, Moneybagg Yo, and more. His biggest mainstream moment came through Travis Scott and Drake’s “SICKO MODE,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Best Rap Song nomination at the 61st Grammy Awards.
Before that Grammy attention, Tay Keith and BlocBoy JB had already made noise together. BlocBoy’s breakout “Look Alive” featuring Drake carried Tay Keith’s minimalist, keyboard-driven production, while GQ reported that Drake rapped over three Tay Keith beats during that run: “Look Alive,” “Nonstop,” and “SICKO MODE.”
His credits stretched far beyond one era. Tay Keith worked with Drake, Travis Scott, Eminem, Beyoncé, Lil Baby, Gunna, BlocBoy JB, and Sexyy Red, bringing Memphis bounce, heavy drums, and sharp simplicity into records that moved through clubs, charts, and viral moments. Apple Music also highlighted his production on Drake’s “Nonstop,” Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE,” and Lil Baby and Gunna’s “Never Recover.” (Apple Music – Web Player)
Even as his career exploded, Tay Keith finished school. He graduated in December 2018 with degrees in Integrated Studies and Media Management, a milestone he reached during the same season his music was dominating the charts.
Tay Keith’s legacy now sits in the sound he helped popularize, the Southern artists he helped elevate, and the records that made his producer tag instantly recognizable across rap.
