Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer whose sound helped define some of rap’s biggest hits of the late 2010s and 2020s, has died. He was 29.
The producer, whose real name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, was found dead Thursday, June 18, in his Nashville apartment during a welfare check, according to People.
Metro Nashville Police said no foul play is suspected. His death remains unclassified pending autopsy results.
Keith’s family confirmed his death in a statement and asked for privacy as they mourn.
His Family Confirmed the Loss
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Brytavious ‘Tay Keith’ Chambers,” his family told People. The family remembered him as a “visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force” who helped define the sound of a generation.
They said his legacy will live on through his music, the opportunities he created and the lives he touched. Memorial details will be announced later.
Keith Helped Shape Major Rap Hits
Keith first gained major national attention through his work with BlocBoy JB and Drake on “Look Alive.” Pitchfork reported that his producer tag and Memphis-rooted sound became tied to records including Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” Drake’s “Nonstop” and Sexyy Red’s “Pound Town.”
People reported that his credits also included work with Eminem, Beyoncé, Lil Baby, Future, 21 Savage, Lil Nas X, Jennifer Lopez and Sexyy Red.
The Guardian reported that Keith most recently contributed to projects including Megan Thee Stallion’s 2024 album Megan, Jack Harlow’s “Just Us” featuring Doja Cat and Travis Scott’s 2025 single “4×4.”
He Earned Two Grammy Nominations
Keith received two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song. His first came in 2019 for “Sicko Mode,” and his second came in 2024 for “Rich Flex” by Drake and 21 Savage, according to The Guardian.
“Sicko Mode” became one of the records most closely associated with his rise. The song helped move him from Memphis producer to one of the most recognizable names in mainstream hip-hop production.
Page Six reported that Keith was named Producer of the Year at the 2024 BMI Awards and later appeared on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 music list.
He Stayed Connected to Tennessee
Keith was born in Memphis and remained closely tied to Tennessee. WSMV, citing Metro Nashville Police, reported that he was found in his Martin Street apartment in Nashville. He attended Middle Tennessee State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in 2018, the same year his production work reached a new level nationally.
People reported that Keith later remained connected to MTSU as an honorary professor and mentor. His work also extended through Drumatized, the company he used to support young creatives and build new opportunities.
Tributes Followed From Across Music
After news of his death broke, friends and collaborators began sharing tributes online. People reported that BlocBoy JB and Hitkidd were among those who publicly mourned him. The Guardian reported that DJ Scheme and AJ Tracey also posted tributes, with Tracey calling Keith “a legend of the game.”
Keith’s cause of death has not been determined. Police said no foul play is suspected, and the official classification will wait for autopsy results.