Grammy-Nominated Producer Behind Drake and Travis Scott Hits, Tay Keith, Dies at 29
American music producer Tay Keith has died at the age of 29, bringing an abrupt end to the career of one of hip-hop’s most influential young hitmakers.
Keith was reportedly found dead in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, following a welfare check by local authorities on June 18, 2026.
Police confirmed there was no immediate indication of foul play, while an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Widely regarded as one of the defining producers of modern hip-hop, Tay Keith rose to prominence through collaborations with top global artists including Drake, Travis Scott, Beyoncé, Eminem, and others.
His work earned him Grammy nominations and multiple chart-topping records across the Billboard Hot 100.
He first gained major industry recognition in 2019 with a Grammy nomination for Sicko Mode, produced for Travis Scott, and continued to build a strong catalog of hits, including collaborations with Drake and 21 Savage on Rich Flex.
Over the years, he contributed to numerous top-ten Billboard entries and several number-one records.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Keith began producing beats as a teenager and later studied at Middle Tennessee State University, where he graduated in 2018.
His early passion evolved into a professional career that saw him become one of the most in-demand producers in contemporary rap and R&B.
Beyond music, he co-founded Drumatized Music Group, a creative platform aimed at developing emerging talent, and was recognized by Forbes on its 30 Under 30 list in 2023.
He also received Producer of the Year honors at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in 2024.
Following news of his death, tributes have begun pouring in from collaborators and friends.
Rapper BlocBoy JB, a longtime associate, shared emotional messages online describing the loss as deeply personal, reflecting on their close friendship and frequent communication.
As the music industry reacts to the sudden passing, fans and colleagues continue to remember Tay Keith for his role in shaping a generation of sound and for the global impact of his productions.
