The Memphis hip-hop community and the music world at large are mourning the loss of producer Tay Keith, who was found dead Thursday (June 18) at age 29.
Within hours of reports confirming the Grammy-nominated producer’s death, news spread on social media, with messages and posts coming from artists, producers and streamers whose careers intersected with the Tennessee native’s work in the music industry.
Emotional tributes poured in from those who had a relationship with the hitmaker, including live reactions from streamers PlaqueBoyMax and Silky, who learned of the news in real time during a livestream. The duo appeared to process the tragedy as more reports surfaced; Silky repeatedly said, “RIP, bro,” while the pair reacted with visible shock.
More posts and reactions, especially from the Memphis community, kept pouring in. BlocBoy JB, one of Keith’s earliest collaborators and closest friends, shared a series of Instagram Stories featuring throwback photos of the pair and screenshots of their daily phone calls. “Damn Cuz You Just Hurt Me Bad,” wrote the Memphis rapper. “We talked everyday yeen tell me you was leaving.”
Hitkidd, another fellow Memphis musician, said he was at a loss for words once he learned of Keith’s death, stating, “I ain’t even got the words, we been doing this since 2010 @taykeith.” The message accompanied a photo of the two together.
Producer BanBwoi posted a message reflecting on his relationship with Keith, which, to him, was like a mentorship and a friendship.
“Idk how to feel bro,” he wrote. “Closest death ever even been to me. I love you and thank you for everything. Thank you for being my first big brother.”
He also recalled the impact that Keith had on his life and career.
“You brought me places nobody asked you to bring me bro. Idk where id be without you deadass man. Not figuratively but literally.”
Keith’s impact in the music industry over the last decade has included producing some of hip-hop’s biggest hits, including Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” Drake’s “Nonstop,” Eminem’s “Not Alike” and BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive.” His work resulted in 11 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and four No. 1s. The artist currently holds the record for the most No. 1s on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade, with six.
His work on Scott’s “Sicko Mode” earned him a Grammy nomination for best rap song in 2019. He was also heavily involved in launching Sexyy Red’s success with the hit “Pound Town,” which eventually led to the Nicki Minaj-assisted remix “Pound Town 2.”
Beyond his chart success, the Memphis-born artist spent recent years exploring his philanthropic side by creating opportunities for the next generation. Through his Nashville-based creative hub and label DRAUMATIZED, he simultaneously helped establish one of Memphis’s few Black-owned recording facilities while making room for emerging hip-hop and country music artists.
