Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, the Grammy-nominated producer known as Tay Keith, was found dead in his Nashville apartment on Thursday (June 18). He was 29.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, officers conducted a welfare check at his residence on Martin Street and discovered him unresponsive. No foul play is suspected, and the cause of death remains unclassified pending autopsy results.
Born in Memphis, Tay Keith moved to Nashville and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University before founding his production company, Drumatized. He became one of the most sought-after beatmakers in hip-hop and trap, known for his signature producer tag and hard-hitting, bass-heavy sound that helped define a generation of rap hits.
His biggest credits include co-producing Travis Scott and Drake’s “Sicko Mode,” which earned a Grammy nomination and topped the Billboard Hot 100, as well as BlocBoy JB and Drake’s “Look Alive.” He also worked with Beyoncé, Cardi B, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Eminem, J. Cole and many others. More recently, Tay Keith played a pivotal role in Sexyy Red’s mainstream breakthrough, producing major tracks including the viral hit “Pound Town” and “SkeeYee.”
Tay Keith’s death comes as court documents from a March 2026 lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County, Florida, have circulated widely online. In the filing, he accused Sexyy Red (real name Janae Naara Wary) and her label, Rebel Music of Florida LLC, of failing to pay him for production work on 13 songs recorded in 2024, including several of her biggest hits.
The producer alleged that the tracks generated significant revenue through streaming and other commercial exploitation, but he received neither payment for his services nor a proper accounting of royalties. He sought damages, an accounting of revenues and a court declaration regarding the owed compensation. The case was still unresolved at the time of his passing.
Sexyy Red posted tributes shortly after news of his death broke, sharing photos and writing messages such as “BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT WE BROTHERS BUT NOT RELATED” and “I LOVE YOU BRUDDAAA @taykeith STILL DA BEST DUO US 5LIFE.” The posts drew mixed reactions online amid discussion of the legal dispute.
News of Tay Keith’s death prompted an immediate wave of tributes from across the music industry, particularly from the Memphis and Nashville scenes. Artists including Key Glock, Juicy J and BlocBoy JB publicly mourned the loss, remembering his impact both personally and professionally.
Tay Keith executive produced Sexyy Red’s 2024 project In Sexyy We Trust and had previously spoken highly of their collaboration. His passing highlights ongoing industry conversations around producer compensation, royalties and accounting practices in hip-hop.
Tay Keith’s estate could potentially continue pursuing the legal matter. His family has requested privacy as they grieve.
Tay Keith leaves behind a substantial catalog that helped shape modern rap and trap. He will be remembered as a key architect of some of the decade’s most influential records. RIP.
