Grammy-Nominated Producer Tay Keith Dies at 29 in Nashville

Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, known professionally as Tay Keith, died on June 18, 2026, at the age of 29. The producer was found dead in his Nashville, Tennessee, apartment after police conducted a welfare check. No foul play has been suspected, and the cause of death is under investigation.

Chambers was born September 20, 1996, in Memphis, Tennessee. He began making beats in his teens and posted early work on YouTube and DatPiff. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018 and signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. His production style, characterized by hard‑hitting trap drums, earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song for Travis Scott’s 2018 single “Sicko Mode.” The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most streamed songs of the decade.

Keith’s catalog includes work with Drake (“Nonstop”), BlocBoy JB (“Look Alive”), Eminem (“Not Alike”), and Sexyy Red (“Pound Town 2” featuring Nicki Minaj). In 2023 he released “Pound Town 2” as a lead artist, marking his first Hot 100 entry under his own name. He also founded the production company Drumatized, which supports emerging songwriters, producers, and artists.

The producer’s family released a statement on Saturday morning confirming his death. They described him as a “visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force” whose work helped define the sound of a generation. The statement highlighted his commitment to creating opportunities for others through Drumatized.

Following the announcement, several artists paid tribute. Drake posted a message on Instagram expressing gratitude for Keith’s spirit and contributions, noting that the producer would be deeply missed. Sexyy Red shared several photos on Instagram, calling Keith a brother and expressing her loss.

Nashville police said the welfare check was prompted by a neighbor’s call. The department confirmed that Keith was found deceased in his apartment and that no suspicious activity was observed. The investigation remains open.

Industry observers note that Keith’s sudden passing has left a gap in the production landscape. His work on chart‑topping tracks and his role in nurturing new talent through Drumatized had positioned him as a key figure in contemporary hip‑hop and pop production.

No official statement has been released by Warner Chappell Music or Drumatized regarding the circumstances of his death. The producer’s estate has not yet announced any plans for post‑humous releases or memorial projects.

As the investigation continues, the music community mourns the loss of a prolific producer whose influence extended beyond the studio into mentorship and entrepreneurship. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and further details are expected as police work progresses.