Drake Pays Tribute as 29-Year-Old Producer Tay Keith Dies in Nashville
Over the weekend, Drake honored the late producer Tay Keith with an Instagram tribute after the Memphis‑born talent was confirmed dead at 29 on Thursday. The Toronto rapper shared a black‑and‑white photo of Keith, surrounded by illustrated roses, and wrote that he felt “endless and eternal gratitude” for the producer’s spirit and contributions to hip‑hop.
Metro Nashville Police confirmed that Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, known professionally as Tay Keith, was found dead in his apartment on Martin Street during a welfare check on Thursday, June 18. The department stated there were no signs of foul play. Keith was 29 and had lived in Nashville at the time of his death.
Keith’s production credits span more than a dozen chart‑topping singles. He co‑produced Drake’s 2018 hit “Nonstop,” Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” and Beyoncé’s “I’m Not Your Girl.” Other high‑profile collaborations include work with Eminem, 21 Savage, and Miley Cyrus. His most recent contribution to Drake’s 2023 album Iceman was the track “What Did I Miss?”.
In his Instagram post, Drake wrote, “You will be deeply missed,” and added that he would forever remember the producer’s influence. The post came after the news that Keith had been found dead, and it was shared by the rapper’s official account.
A statement released by Tay Keith’s family commemorated the producer’s achievements. The family said, “BryTavious was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation.” They added that his work “shaped countless hit records and left a lasting mark on music and culture.”
Industry observers note that Keith’s production style—characterized by hard‑hitting drums and melodic synth lines—has become a staple of contemporary hip‑hop. His work earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song for “Sicko Mode” at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
Keith held a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and was signed to a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. He was also a member of the BMI writers’ guild.
The loss of Tay Keith is being felt across the music community. Producers and artists who have worked with him have expressed shock and sadness, while fans of his signature sound mourn the abrupt end of a prolific career.
At present, the investigation into his death remains closed, with police confirming no foul play. The music industry continues to honor his legacy through tributes and the continued use of his production work in new releases.
The current situation is that Tay Keith’s death has been officially confirmed, and his influence is being celebrated by peers and fans alike. No further details about the circumstances of his death have been released.