Hip-Hop Mourns Tay Keith After Producer Found Dead During Nashville Welfare Check

On Thursday, June 18, police conducting a welfare check at the Nashville, Tenn. home of Memphis producer Tay Keith found him deceased. Authorities have not disclosed a cause of death and say they do not suspect foul play.

The announcement landed across the hip-hop world as a stop-the-scroll moment. Friends, collaborators and rivals turned to socials to share grief and memories — among them BlocBoy JB, Mike WiLL Made-It, Juicy J, The Alchemist and more.

Reactions

BlocBoy JB posted on Instagram, “Damn cuz you just hurt me bad,” alongside a throwback photo of himself with Tay.

“Rest up young legend , honored to have met you and made history with you in this lifetime,” Mike WiLL Made-It wrote on X. “Gone so early , thankful for your contributions to the game true artist true legend and inspiration ! Gone but never forgotten….”

Three 6 Mafia’s Juicy J offered a terse, stunned salute: “Can’t believe I’m saying this RIP TAY KEITH Memphis Tenn Legend. Prayers up for the family friends & fans we lost a great one.”

Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, Tay-K was a Grammy-nominated beatmaker and one of the last decade’s most visible hit makers. His producer tag, “Tay Keith, f**k these ni**as up!”, announced his presence on tracks that became cultural fixtures — from Travis Scott’s 2018 “Sicko Mode” and BlocBoy JB’s breakout “Look Alive” to Drake’s 2018 club cut “Nonstop” and J. Cole’s 2023 “First Person Shooter.”

There is a bluntness to how his work threaded through mainstream rap: a short, recognizable tag; a clutch of radio and streaming hits; collaborators who rushed to name him in public grief. The cause of death remains unrevealed as the community processes the loss.

R.I.P.