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Drake Pays Tribute to Late Producer Tay Keith Amid Nashville Death
A quiet yet powerful moment unfolded on Instagram when Toronto’s Drake honored his late collaborator, Memphis‑born producer Tay Keith, after the 29‑year‑old was found dead in his Nashville apartment on Thursday. The rapper shared a black‑and‑white image of Tay Keith surrounded by illustrated roses, writing that he felt “endless and eternal gratitude” for the producer’s spirit and contributions to hip‑hop. He added, “You will be deeply missed.”
Metro Nashville Police confirmed that Tay Keith—real name Brytavious Lakeith Chambers—was discovered unresponsive during a welfare check. Authorities ruled no foul play was involved and an autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Chambers, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018, was a Grammy‑nominated record producer whose work helped shape contemporary hip‑hop. His credits include Drake’s “Nonstop,” Travis Scott’s 2018 single “Sicko Mode” (for which he received a Best Rap Song nomination at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards), BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive,” and Eminem’s “Not Alike.” In 2023 he released the single “Pound Town 2,” featuring Sexyy Red and Nicki Minaj.
Tay Keith’s recent collaboration with Drake appeared on the Canadian artist’s 2026 album Iceman. The track “What Did I Miss?” was released as the lead single on July 5, 2025, and later included on Iceman, which dropped on May 15, 2026. His signature style—hard‑hitting drums paired with melodic hooks—has been a staple on many of Drake’s releases.
A statement from Tay Keith’s family described him as a “visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation.” They noted that he had “shaped countless hit records and left a lasting mark on music and culture” from Memphis to the global stage.
Drake’s tribute came shortly after Canadian Press reported the producer’s death. The rapper’s Instagram post, which included the illustrated roses, was shared over the weekend and carried a caption expressing gratitude for Tay Keith’s influence.
Industry observers point out that Tay Keith’s sudden passing leaves a noticeable gap in the production landscape. His collaborations spanned a wide range of artists—from Beyoncé and 21 Savage to Miley Cyrus—and his work on chart‑topping tracks such as “Sicko Mode” and “Nonstop” cemented his reputation as a key figure in modern hip‑hop.
At present, no further details about the cause of death have been released beyond the police statement that no foul play was involved. The producer’s family and colleagues have not announced any plans for memorial events or posthumous releases. Drake’s tribute underscores the personal and professional impact Tay Keith had on his peers.
The music community continues to mourn the loss of a prolific producer whose influence extended across multiple genres. As the industry processes the loss, attention remains on the legacy of Tay Keith’s work and the ongoing projects of artists who benefited from his production.
Metro Nashville Police confirmed that Tay Keith—real name Brytavious Lakeith Chambers—was discovered unresponsive during a welfare check. Authorities ruled no foul play was involved and an autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Chambers, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018, was a Grammy‑nominated record producer whose work helped shape contemporary hip‑hop. His credits include Drake’s “Nonstop,” Travis Scott’s 2018 single “Sicko Mode” (for which he received a Best Rap Song nomination at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards), BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive,” and Eminem’s “Not Alike.” In 2023 he released the single “Pound Town 2,” featuring Sexyy Red and Nicki Minaj.
Tay Keith’s recent collaboration with Drake appeared on the Canadian artist’s 2026 album Iceman. The track “What Did I Miss?” was released as the lead single on July 5, 2025, and later included on Iceman, which dropped on May 15, 2026. His signature style—hard‑hitting drums paired with melodic hooks—has been a staple on many of Drake’s releases.
A statement from Tay Keith’s family described him as a “visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation.” They noted that he had “shaped countless hit records and left a lasting mark on music and culture” from Memphis to the global stage.
Drake’s tribute came shortly after Canadian Press reported the producer’s death. The rapper’s Instagram post, which included the illustrated roses, was shared over the weekend and carried a caption expressing gratitude for Tay Keith’s influence.
Industry observers point out that Tay Keith’s sudden passing leaves a noticeable gap in the production landscape. His collaborations spanned a wide range of artists—from Beyoncé and 21 Savage to Miley Cyrus—and his work on chart‑topping tracks such as “Sicko Mode” and “Nonstop” cemented his reputation as a key figure in modern hip‑hop.
At present, no further details about the cause of death have been released beyond the police statement that no foul play was involved. The producer’s family and colleagues have not announced any plans for memorial events or posthumous releases. Drake’s tribute underscores the personal and professional impact Tay Keith had on his peers.
The music community continues to mourn the loss of a prolific producer whose influence extended across multiple genres. As the industry processes the loss, attention remains on the legacy of Tay Keith’s work and the ongoing projects of artists who benefited from his production.
