Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith, who shaped hits for Travis Scott and Beyoncé, dies at 29
The hip-hop producer behind 'Sicko Mode' and 'Nonstop' was found dead in his Nashville apartment on 18 June. Police say there is no sign of foul play.
A Grammy-nominated producer whose beats powered some of the biggest hip-hop hits of the last decade, Tay Keith (born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers) was found dead in his Nashville apartment on 18 June. He was 29. The Metro Nashville Police Department responded to a welfare check at his Martin Street residence and discovered his body. No signs of foul play were immediately apparent, and the cause of death remains undetermined pending an autopsy.
The discovery
Officers carried out a welfare check at the apartment on Thursday afternoon. The producer's body was found inside. In a statement, police said there was no suspicion of a criminal act.
No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers, 29, also known as Grammy-nominated record producer Tay Keith.
The medical examiner's office has not yet classified the death. Results from the autopsy are expected to provide more clarity.
A prolific career cut short
Tay Keith grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and started making music at 14. His breakthrough came in 2018, when he produced Travis Scott's 'Sicko Mode', a US number one that earned a Grammy nomination for best rap song, and Drake's 'Nonstop', which peaked at number two. That same year, his work on 'Look Alive' by BlocBoy JB and Drake became an anthem.
Over the following years, he worked with a vast roster of stars. He co-produced Eminem's 'Not Alike', delivered the bonus track 'Before I Let Go' for Beyoncé's 'Homecoming' live album, and shaped hits for Lil Nas X ('Holiday'), Sexyy Red ('Pound Town', 'Get It Sexyy'), Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, J. Cole, 21 Savage, and DJ Khaled. His discography includes four Billboard Hot 100 number-ones, among them 'First Person Shooter' by Drake featuring J. Cole. Forbes placed him on its 30 Under 30 Music list, and Billboard named him one of the top producers of the 21st century. He founded the Memphis-based label Drumatized Music Group with his manager, Cambrian Strong.
Reactions and unanswered questions
BlocBoy JB posted a broken-heart emoji on his Instagram story alongside a photo with Keith and wrote, 'Damn, you really hurt me.' He also shared his call history, showing regular contact with the producer as recently as this week.
Some fans drew attention to a recent live appearance in which Keith reportedly told the audience:
I'm not afraid of anyone. If it happens, it happens.
Police have not commented on those remarks. The autopsy is still pending.
