The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith, the hitmaking talent behind some of the genre’s biggest records, who has died at the age of 29.
According to Metro Nashville Police, Brytavious Chambers, professionally known as Tay Keith, was found dead Thursday afternoon in his apartment on Martin Street in Nashville during a welfare check. Authorities said his death remains unclassified pending autopsy results, and foul play is not suspected.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Tay Keith rose from local producer to one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop. His signature production style helped launch some of the decade’s biggest hits, earning him widespread recognition throughout the music industry.
Keith received Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song for Travis Scott’s chart-topping 2018 hit “Sicko Mode,” which also featured Drake, Big Hawk, and Swae Lee. He later earned another Grammy nomination for Drake and 21 Savage’s “Rich Flex” in 2024.
One of his earliest breakthrough moments came with Drake and BlocBoy JB’s smash hit “Look Alive,” a song that proudly represented Memphis culture with its memorable opening lyric, “901 Shelby Drive, look alive.” The record helped catapult both BlocBoy JB and Tay Keith into the national spotlight.
Over the course of his career, Keith worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Eminem, Future, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Lil Nas X, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Sexyy Red, and many others. His production credits span numerous platinum-selling projects and helped shape the sound of contemporary hip-hop.
In 2025, Forbes recognized Keith’s impact by including him on its prestigious 30 Under 30 Music list alongside Cambrian Strong for their Drumatized record label. The year before, he was honored as Producer of the Year at the BMI Awards.
According to reports, Keith was born in South Memphis and later lived in East Memphis and Orange Mound. While attending Middle Tennessee State University, he continued honing his craft, eventually landing the career-defining opportunities that would make him one of hip-hop’s most sought-after producers.
News of his passing has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry, with fans and fellow artists remembering the producer whose beats helped define an era.
Tay Keith’s influence extended far beyond the studio. Through his creativity, innovation, and unmistakable sound, he helped shape the soundtrack of a generation.
He was 29 years old.
The cause of death has not yet been released.
Rest in peace, Tay Keith.
Thank you for the music and the legacy you leave behind.
