Tay Keith’s family pays tribute to “a cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation”

Tay Keith’s family pays tribute to “a cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation”

In the wake of his death, Tay Keith’s family have shared a moving tribute to him, saying his legacy would “live on through the music he created”.

Keith, known for being the producer of Travis Scott‘s ‘Sicko Mode’, died on Thursday (June 19) aged 29.

The Grammy-nominee, who has also worked with the likes of DrakeEminem and Beyoncé, was found dead in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville police officers discovered Keith’s body after performing a welfare check. They have confirmed that “no foul play is suspected” in his death, as BBC News reports.

A cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but an autopsy is being conducted.

Now, his family have issued a statement about the late producer. “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of BryTavious ‘Tay Keith’ Chambers,” they said, per Billboard.

“BryTavious was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation. 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,” his family said.

They went on to add: “A proud graduate and honorary professor of Middle Tennessee State University, BryTavious remained an active alumnus, mentor, and advocate for young creatives. He was also a passionate supporter of mental health awareness and cancer-related causes in honor of his late mother.”

“Above all, BryTavious was a beloved son, brother, uncle, family member, and friend,” the statement continued. “While the world knew him as Tay Keith, his family knew him as BryTavious — a source of love, strength, laughter, and guidance. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the music he created, the opportunities he provided, and the lives he touched.”

They added that memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date, and that they “respectfully ask for privacy and continued prayers for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Keith earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Rap Song category at the 2019 ceremony for ‘Sicko Mode’. He then earned a second nod for the same award in 2024 with Drake and 21 Savage’s ‘Rich Flex’.

The producer was featured on Forbes‘ 30 Under 30 Music list last year. He appeared on the rundown with his manager, Cambrian Strong. In 2018, the pair co-founded the Memphis-based label and creative space Drumatized Music Group.

Keith was involved in launching Sexyy Red’s successful career with the breakout hit single ‘Pound Town’ (2023), which went viral on TikTok. A remix of the track featuring Nicki Minaj followed, titled ‘Pound Town 2’.

He co-produced Red’s ‘Get It Sexyy’, with the song recently featuring on the Euphoria season three soundtrack.

Born and raised in Memphis, Keith began producing music aged 14. His career also saw him collaborate with Cardi BFutureLil Nas X and Miley Cyrus. Keith worked on Megan Thee Stallion‘s latest album, too, 2024’s ‘Megan’.

Drake has shared a tribute to Keith, writing: “Endless and eternal gratitude for your spirit and your contributions to this thing we all love so much…you will be deeply missed.”

Meanwhile, Travis Scott also shared an Instagram story paying tribute to the late producer, writing, “We gon miss ya broozayy. Gon keep going hard for ya.”

Travis Scott pays his respects to Tay Keith pic.twitter.com/kyVbzj6zqo

— RTA (@RodeoTheAlbum) June 20, 2026

Per Billboard, Keith’s work led to him bagging 11 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and four Number Ones. He currently holds the record for the most Number Ones on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade, having earned six.

Keith studied at Middle Tennessee State University, where he graduated with a degree in integrated studies and media management in 2018.

“There wouldn’t be any point for me to come to college if I didn’t want to finish it – I could have just focused 100 per cent on music,” he told MTSU News in 2020. “By my last week of college, I had my first Number One single, so it didn’t make any sense to drop out.”

In 2024, BMI named him Producer Of The Year at the R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.

Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB – one of Keith’s earliest collaborators – has paid tribute to the late producer on social media. He shared a broken-heart emoji on Instagram Stories, as well as a photograph of the two together.

“Damn cuz you just hurt me bad,” the caption read. He then posted a screen recording showing a long log of phone calls between them, adding: “We talked everyday yeen tell me you was leaving.”

The post Tay Keith’s family pays tribute to “a cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation” appeared first on NME.

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