Tay Keith — the Memphis-born producer whose beats powered stadium-sized hits and helped launch new voices in hip-hop — was found dead in his Nashville apartment on June 18. His passing reverberates across the music world: he was 29, a central figure behind songs that reshaped modern rap, and his family has asked for privacy as details remain limited.
Nashville police said officers discovered BryTavious Chambers, known professionally as Tay Keith, during a welfare check; no cause of death has been confirmed and investigators do not currently suspect foul play. The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from collaborators and peers, and a formal family statement released later emphasized his role as a mentor and community supporter.
What he did — and why it mattered
Chambers built a sound that fused the hard-edged synths and rhythmic drive of Memphis rap with the melodic trap textures that dominated the 2010s. His producer tag became familiar on mainstream radio and streaming charts alike, anchoring records that crossed regional boundaries and helped define a generation of hip-hop production.
Among his best-known credits were BlocBoy JB and Drake’s breakout single, “Look Alive”; Travis Scott’s genre-bending hit “Sicko Mode,” which earned him a Grammy nomination; and Sexyy Red’s irreverent 2023 single “Pound Town,” a track he championed early on. He also produced “Before I Let Go,” a bonus cut on Beyoncé’s acclaimed live collection Homecoming.
Roots, rise and a commitment to new talent
Raised in South Memphis, Chambers grew up listening to regional acts such as Three 6 Mafia and 8Ball & MJG. He began making music as a teenager with minimal equipment — a microphone, a laptop and a piano — posting early work on platforms like YouTube and DatPiff. A key early partnership with BlocBoy JB helped bring his production to a national audience.
In 2018 he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and launched Drumatized, his label and creative incubator aimed at developing emerging songwriters, producers and artists. Friends and collaborators said he balanced high-profile studio work with active mentorship and philanthropy, including support for mental health causes and cancer awareness tied to his family history.
Reaction from the music community
Tributes circulated quickly on social media. BlocBoy JB posted a photo and the message that he and Chambers spoke every day. Producer Hitkidd, who worked with Chambers in Memphis, described being at a loss for words. Drake expressed gratitude for Chambers’ contributions to the culture, and Sexyy Red publicly mourned the loss of a creative partner.
- Date found: June 18, in his Nashville apartment during a welfare check
- Age: 29
- Notable credits: “Look Alive” (BlocBoy JB & Drake), “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott), “Pound Town” (Sexyy Red), “Before I Let Go” (Beyoncé)
- Industry recognition: Grammy nomination for “Sicko Mode” and production on Grammy-winning projects
- Enterprise: Founder of Drumatized, focused on nurturing emerging hip-hop talent
- Family request: Privacy and prayers; memorial details to be announced
The family’s statement painted Chambers as more than a hitmaker — a teacher, son and community figure who used his platform to open doors for others. They described his legacy as living on through the records he made and the opportunities he created.
For the broader industry, his death is a sudden reminder of how behind-the-scenes figures shape musical trends and careers. Chambers’ blending of Memphis grit with contemporary trap production influenced both chart-topping singles and the trajectories of young artists who credited him with seeing potential before the marketplace did.
Authorities have not released further details while the situation remains under investigation. Fans and colleagues continue to share memories and tributes online as arrangements are finalized and additional information becomes available.
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Hello, I’m Atlas. I explore the latest musical releases for you and guide you to your next sonic favorites.