Full Breakdown
Grammy-Nominated Producer Tay Keith Found Dead in Nashville Apartment
6/19/2026, 8:18:50 PM
The Fatal Discovery
On Thursday, June 18 2026, Metro Nashville police entered the Martin Street apartment of 29-year-old Brytavious Chambers—known professionally as Tay Keith—while conducting a welfare check. Officers found him unresponsive; the department’s statement said no foul play is suspected and that the death remains unclassified pending an autopsy.
Career Highlights & Chart Impact
Keith’s production résumé includes co-producing Travis Scott’s chart-topping “Sicko Mode,” Drake’s “Nonstop,” BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive” (featuring Drake), and Drake & 21 Savage’s 2024 Grammy-nominated “Rich Flex.” Billboard credits him with 11 top-10 Hot 100 entries and four No. 1 singles, and he holds the record for the most No. 1s on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade (six). Additional credits span Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go,” Eminem’s “Not Alike,” Lil Nas X’s “Holiday,” and Sexyy Red’s breakout “Pound Town.” He earned Producer of the Year at the 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, appeared on Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024), and was named one of Billboard’s top 25 producers of the 21st century (2025).
Background & Path to Success
Born and raised in South Memphis, Keith began making beats at 14, uploading tracks to YouTube and DatPiff. A teenage partnership with BlocBoy JB led to the 2018 hit “Look Alive,” which propelled both artists into mainstream visibility. While still a student at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), he co-produced “Sicko Mode,” earning his first Grammy nomination that same year. He graduated in December 2018 with degrees in Integrated Studies and Media Management, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. In 2018 he co-founded Drumatized Music Group, a Memphis-originated label and Nashville studio that became the city’s second Black-owned recording space, offering mentorship and internship programs for emerging talent.
Why It Matters
Keith’s signature trap-laden sound helped re-introduce Memphis-style production to a global audience, influencing the sonic direction of contemporary hip-hop. His mentorship of younger artists—particularly through Drumatized and MTSU internship initiatives—provided pathways for Black creators in both hip-hop and country music. Plans discussed by MTSU dean Beverly Keel include a scholarship in his name, underscoring his lasting impact on music education and community empowerment.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed the welfare-check discovery and reiterated that no foul play is suspected.
- Memphis Mayor Paul Young posted a condolence message, expressing the city’s grief.
- Beverly Keel, dean of MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, highlighted Keith’s intelligence, community involvement, and the university’s shock at his loss, noting his commitment to mentoring students.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticisms have been reported in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers, 29, also known as Grammy-nominated record producer Tay Keith.” — Metro Nashville Police Department
- “Rest in peace, Tay Keith,” — Paul Young, Mayor of Memphis
- “He was so smart and insightful, not only book smart and business smart, but people smart,” — Beverly Keel, Dean, MTSU
- “We talked everyday yeen tell me you was leaving.” — BlocBoy JB (Instagram)
- “I ain’t even got the words, we been doing this since 2010.” — Hitkidd (Instagram)
- “You f**ked me up with this one Tay, get yo rest soldier. Speechless.” — NLE Choppa (social media)
What’s Next
The autopsy results will determine the official cause of death, and authorities have indicated the investigation remains open. MTSU and Drumatized are advancing plans for a scholarship and continued mentorship programs in Keith’s honor, while the music community continues to share tributes and reflect on his artistic legacy.
