Grammy-Nominated Producer Tay Keith Found Dead In Nashville Apartment At 29

The music world is reeling from a devastating loss that has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, as news breaks of the sudden passing of one of its most influential young producers.

Tay Keith, born Brytavious Chambers, who rose to global recognition through a string of chart-dominating collaborations, has died at the age of 29. Police in Nashville confirmed that he was found unresponsive on Thursday at his apartment on Martin Street during a welfare check.

Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected. In an official report, Nashville police said:

“No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers, 29, also known as Grammy nominated record producer Tay Keith. He was found dead in his Martin St. apt. this afternoon

by officers performing a welfare check. His death is unclassified pending autopsy results.”

While the investigation remains open pending autopsy findings, the news has left artists, collaborators and fans in deep shock, given his relatively young age and rapidly rising career.

Keith built a powerful legacy in modern hip-hop production, shaping some of the most recognisable tracks of the past decade. His work included Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” Drake’s “Nonstop,” and BlocBoy JB’s breakout hit “Look Alive,” which helped push him into mainstream prominence.

He also collaborated extensively across the industry, working with artists such as Eminem, Sexyy Red, Lil Baby, and contributing to Beyoncé’s live album “Homecoming” with the bonus track “Before I Let Go.”

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Keith began experimenting with music early, uploading tracks to YouTube and hip-hop platforms like Datpiff while still in his teens. His early connection with rapper BlocBoy JB proved pivotal; the two began working together when Keith was just 14 years old.

His early production credits included work on Black Youngsta’s “Fuck Everybody” mixtape, but his breakthrough arrived with BlocBoy JB’s 2018 track “Rover.” That same year, he delivered several defining records, including “Never Recover” by Lil Baby and Gunna featuring Drake, and the explosive hit “Sicko Mode,” which cemented his place in global music.

The success of “Sicko Mode” brought widespread recognition, earning him his first Grammy nomination in 2019. He would later receive another nomination in 2024 for Drake and 21 Savage’s “Rich Flex,” further solidifying his influence in contemporary hip-hop.

Keith’s contributions were repeatedly acknowledged by the industry. He was named Producer of the Year three times at BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, most recently in 2024, recognising his work on tracks including Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,” Travis Scott’s “Meltdown,” Sexyy Red’s “SkeeYee,” and Drake and 21 Savage’s “Circo Loco.”

He also received BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year honour in 2018, marking an early peak in a career that continued to rise steadily.