The music world is mourning the loss of Tay Keith, who died on June 18, 2026, at the age of 29. Across social media, artists, producers, and fans have paid tribute to one of the defining architects of modern hip-hop production.
Known for his booming 808s, eerie melodies, and instantly recognizable producer tag, Keith helped shape the sound of rap throughout the late 2010s and 2020s. His estate released a brief statement following his passing: “We respectfully ask for privacy and continued prayers for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Born Brytavious Chambers in Memphis, Tennessee, Tay Keith rose from regional producer to one of the most in-demand names in music. His credits stretched across projects by Drake, Travis Scott, J. Cole, Sexyy Red, Chris Brown, Jack Harlow, and countless others. Alongside his production work, he continued expanding his Nashville-based label DRUMATIZED and mentoring emerging talent.
To commemorate his career and lasting impact on hip-hop, here are five of Tay Keith’s most popular and influential songs.
“Sicko Mode” – Travis Scott feat. Drake
Few records define an era quite like “Sicko Mode.”
Released in 2018 as part Travis Scott’s Astroworld, the track became a cultural phenomenon thanks in part to its unconventional structure and multiple beat switches. Tay Keith was responsible for the song’s thunderous opening section, creating a tense atmosphere that immediately grabbed listeners before the track shifted directions.
Commercially, “Sicko Mode” became one of the biggest rap songs of the decade. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned Diamond certification from the RIAA, and secured Tay Keith a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance. The song remains the centerpiece of his catalog.
“Nonstop” – Drake
When Drake released Scorpion in 2018, “Nonstop” quickly emerged as one of the album’s standout tracks.
Built around a minimalist but relentless bass-heavy instrumental, the song showcased Keith’s ability to create a hit without overcrowding the production.
The track debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Years later, it continues to rank among Drake’s most streamed songs.
“First Person Shooter” – Drake feat. J. Cole
By 2023, Tay Keith had become one of rap’s most trusted hitmakers, and “First Person Shooter” reinforced that reputation.
Appearing on Drake’s For All the Dogs, the song paired two of hip-hop’s biggest stars over a high-energy instrumental designed for maximum impact.
The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped Drake tie Michael Jackson for the most No. 1 singles by a solo male artist at the time.
“Look Alive” – BlocBoy JB feat. Drake
Before Grammy nominations and global chart success, there was “Look Alive.”
Released in early 2018, the song became the breakthrough moment for both BlocBoy JB and Tay Keith. Driven by a haunting piano melody and hard-hitting Memphis drums, the track introduced Keith’s signature style to a worldwide audience.
“Look Alive” climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulated hundreds of millions of streams. More importantly, it established Memphis as a major force in contemporary rap production and opened the door for Keith’s meteoric rise.
“Pound Town” – Sexyy Red
Tay Keith’s influence never faded as rap evolved.
“Pound Town” became one of 2023’s defining viral records, helping launch Sexyy Red into mainstream stardom. The song’s raw energy, club-ready production, and social media appeal transformed it into a cultural talking point far beyond traditional hip-hop audiences.
Momentum accelerated further when Nicki Minaj joined the official “Pound Town 2” remix. The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 and delivered Tay Keith his first chart entry credited as a lead artist, highlighting how his name had grown into a recognizable brand beyond production credits alone.
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