Key Takeaways
- Drake expresses deep sorrow over the loss of producer Tay Keith, who passed away at 29.
- The tribute included heartfelt words and a memorial image shared on social media.
- Tay Keith was a prominent figure in hip-hop, known for producing multiple chart-topping hits.
- His family confirmed his passing and highlighted his impact on music and culture.
Drake is mourning the loss of collaborator Tay Keith following the producer’s death earlier this week.
On Friday (June 19), the superstar rapper shared a heartfelt tribute on social media after the chart-topping producer died Thursday at age 29.
“Endless and eternal gratitude for your spirit and your contributions to this thing that we all love so much,” Drake wrote on Instagram. “You will be deeply missed.”
The Toronto MC accompanied the message with a memorial image featuring the words “In Loving Memory” and “Rest in Peace” alongside a black-and-white photo of Tay Keith framed by illustrated roses.
Known for his signature trap production, the Memphis native became one of hip-hop’s most influential hitmakers. He earned 11 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and produced four No. 1 songs, including Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” and Drake’s “First Person Shooter.” Keith also collaborated with Drizzy on tracks including “Nonstop,” “What Did I Miss?” and “Rich Flex.”
Keith holds the record for the most No. 1s on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade, with six.
Keith was found unresponsive in his Nashville apartment during a welfare check conducted by Metro Nashville Police on Thursday. His cause of death has not been announced.
Memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date, according to his family.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of BryTavious ‘Tay Keith’ Chambers,” his family said in a statement sent to Billboard on Friday.
“BryTavious was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation,” the family added. “From Memphis to the global stage, he shaped countless hit records and left a lasting mark on music and culture. He was deeply committed to creating opportunities for others through his company, Drumatized, supporting emerging songwriters, producers, and artists.”
See Drake’s tribute to Keith on Instagram below.
