Full Breakdown
Grammy-Nominated Producer Tay Keith Found Dead in Nashville Apartment
6/20/2026, 11:47:40 PM
Death Confirmed During Welfare Check
On June 18, 2026, Metro Nashville Police officers conducting a welfare check found the body of 29-year-old Brytavious Chambers, known as Tay Keith, in his Martin Street apartment. Police said “no foul play is suspected” and an autopsy was ordered to determine the cause of death. The reason for the welfare check has not been disclosed.
Background & Career Highlights
Born in South Memphis, Chambers rose from the Orange Mound neighborhood to become a leading hip-hop producer. While at Middle Tennessee State University, he co-produced Travis Scott’s 2018 Grammy-nominated “Sicko Mode,” earning his first Grammy nomination at 23. He graduated in December 2018 with degrees in integrated studies and media management and later founded DRUMATIZED, Nashville’s second Black-owned studio, which hosted creative camps for artists such as Walker Hayes and Lalo Guzman.
Key Collaborations & Chart Success
Tay Keith produced for Beyoncé, Drake, Eminem, Lil Nas X and Sexyy Red, contributing to 11 Billboard Hot 100 top-10 entries, including four No. 1 records and a record-setting six No. 1s on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade. Notable tracks include Drake’s “First Person Shooter,” Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” and the 2022 hit “Jimmy Cooks” with Drake and 21 Savage. He was named BMI Producer of the Year in 2024 and appeared on Forbes’ 2025 “30 Under 30” Music list.
Official Statements & Responses
Police confirmed the discovery and reiterated that foul play was not suspected while awaiting autopsy results. MTSU dean Beverly Keel praised Chambers for his “smart and insightful” approach and noted plans for a scholarship and a class honoring his career. Memphis Mayor Paul Young posted a condolence message, and fellow producers Hitkidd and BlocBoy JB expressed grief on social media, underscoring the loss felt in the local music community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All outlets agree on the location, age and lack of foul play, but the cause of death remains undetermined pending the autopsy. No details have been released about why the welfare check was initiated, leaving a gap in the public narrative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No foul play is suspected.” — Metro Nashville Police Department
- “He was so smart and insightful, not only book smart and business smart, but people smart,” — Beverly Keel, Dean, MTSU
- “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% on music,” — Brytavious Chambers (Tay Keith)
- “We talked every day. Yeen tell me you was leaving.” — BlocBoy JB (via Instagram)
What’s Next
The autopsy report is expected in the coming weeks, which will clarify the medical cause of death. MTSU officials plan to establish a scholarship in Chambers’ name and develop an academic module tracing his influence from Memphis to Nashville and beyond. Tributes from artists and industry peers are expected to continue shaping his legacy within hip-hop and beyond.
