Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith was found dead at his Nashville apartment on Wednesday, authorities confirmed. He was 29.
Metro Nashville Police said officers discovered Keith, whose legal name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, while conducting a welfare check at his residence on Martin Street. In a statement shared on social media, police said no foul play is suspected and that the death remains unclassified pending autopsy results.
A cause of death has not yet been released.
USA TODAY reported that attempts have been made to reach Keith’s representative for additional information.
Career
Born in Memphis, Keith rose to prominence as one of hip-hop’s most influential producers of the past decade. He began making beats at age 14 and gained early traction in 2015 through collaborations with rapper Blac Youngsta.
His breakthrough came in 2017 with the viral success of “Shoot” by BlocBoy JB. The following year, Keith achieved international recognition with “Look Alive,” performed by BlocBoy JB featuring Drake. The track became a major commercial hit and helped establish Keith as a sought-after producer.
Keith later co-produced Travis Scott’s 2018 chart-topping single “Sicko Mode,” one of the most successful hip-hop songs of the decade. His production credits also include work with Drake, Beyoncé, Eminem, 21 Savage, Swae Lee, and others.
Perspective
In a 2018 interview with The Nashville Tennessean, Keith described music as an escape from a difficult upbringing in Memphis.
“It was rough,” he said at the time. “You gotta grind, you gotta make your way. Everybody’s got their grind mentality in Memphis. Music was my way out.”
Keith emphasized the importance of balancing education with ambition, noting that one of his proudest achievements was earning a degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
“I want to prove that you can go to school and still chase your dream, too,” he said, adding that he hoped his path would motivate young entrepreneurs and students unsure of their direction.
Legacy
In addition to his production work for major artists, Keith also released music under his own name. In 2023, he produced and released “Pound Town” with Sexyy Red, a track that gained widespread attention online and later received a remix from Nicki Minaj.
Police said additional information may be released following the completion of the autopsy. No further details were available as of Wednesday evening.
FAQs
How was Tay Keith found?
Police found him during a welfare check at his apartment.
Was foul play suspected?
No, police said no foul play is suspected.
What was Tay Keith known for?
He was a Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer.
Where was Tay Keith based?
He was living in Nashville at the time of his death.
Has a cause of death been released?
No, it is pending autopsy results.
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