UMVA has learned that Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith has died at the age of 29, leaving the music industry in shock.
The hip-hop star, known for his work on Travis Scott's Sicko Mode and Drake's Nonstop, was found dead at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, during a police welfare check on Thursday. The Metro Nashville police department has stated that 'no foul play is suspected', but the cause of death remains unknown.
Keith had worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyonce, Cardi B, Eminem, Future, Lil Nas X, and Miley Cyrus. His impressive portfolio includes co-producing two of 2018's biggest hits: Scott's Sicko Mode, which reached No 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and Drake's Nonstop, which peaked at No 2 on the same chart.
In 2018, Keith founded music label and creative space Drumatized Music Group, based in Memphis, alongside his manager, Cambrian Strong. The duo were featured together on Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 Music list in 2024, recognizing their significant contributions to the music industry.
Throughout his career, Keith received two Grammy award nominations, including one in 2019 for Sicko Mode and another in 2024 for his production on Drake and 21 Savage's Rich Flex. He began producing music at just 14 years old, and his recent credits include Megan Thee Stallion's 2024 album Megan, Jack Harlow's single Just Us featuring Doja Cat, and Travis Scott's single 4×4.
Rappers and producers have taken to social media to pay tribute to Keith, with BlocBoy JB sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram. He expressed his grief, stating 'Damn Cuz You Just Hurt Me Bad' with a broken heart emoji, and shared a log of phone calls between the pair, adding 'We talked everyday yeen tell me you was leaving.'
Tributes have also been paid by Memphis music producer Hitkidd and Florida-based DJ and producer DJ Scheme, highlighting the impact Keith had on his colleagues and the music industry as a whole.
