Producer Tay Keith Dies at 29

Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated producer behind some of hip hop’s defining moments, has died at 29. His real name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers.

He was found dead Thursday in his Nashville apartment during a welfare check, according to Metro Nashville Police. The cause of death remains unclear, and authorities say foul play is not suspected.

Tay Keith earned his Grammy nomination for producing Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” in 2018, a track that helped define an era of rap production. But his fingerprints were all over the map.

He co-produced Drake’s “Nonstop,” crafted the beat for BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive,” and worked with an impressive roster that included Eminem, Lil Baby, and Beyoncé. His production on “Before I Let Go” appeared on Beyoncé’s “Homecoming: The Live Album.”

Keith was instrumental in launching Sexyy Red to prominence. He produced her 2023 breakthrough hit “Pound Town,” and the two reconnected on subsequent tracks like “Pound Town 2” and “Get It Sexyy.”

The loss reflects the fragility of even those at the height of creative success. In a matter of years, Keith had moved from emerging talent to one of rap’s most sought-after producers, shaping records that dominated streaming platforms and radio.

He was 29.