Grammy-nominated record producer Tay Keith was found dead in his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, police said.
Police performing a welfare check found the prolific hitmaker, whose real name is BryTavious Chambers, unresponsive in his Martin Street apartment in Nashville on Thursday afternoon, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said.
No foul play is suspected, police said. He was 29.
The cause of Keith’s death is pending autopsy results.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement Friday.
“BryTavious was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation,” the statement said. “From Memphis to the global stage, he shaped countless hit records and left a lasting mark on music and culture.”
Keith hailed from Tennessee and worked with music’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé and Drake. His career included four No. 1 records on the Billboard Hot 100, including Travis Scott’s 2018 single “Sicko Mode” and Drake’s 2023 hit “First Person Shooter.”
He was nominated for a Grammy in 2019 for “Sicko Mode,” which he helped produce while he was a student at Middle Tennessee State University, and again in 2024 for “Rich Flex” by Drake and 21 Savage.
He also frequently collaborated with rapper Sexyy Red, including on “Get It Sexxy” and “Pound Town.”
His family said Keith was dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging artists through his company Drumatized.
“A proud graduate and honorary professor of Middle Tennessee State University, BryTavious remained an active alumnus, mentor, and advocate for young creatives. He was also a passionate supporter of mental health awareness and cancer-related causes in honor of his late mother,” the statement said.
“Above all, BryTavious was a beloved son, brother, uncle, family member, and friend. While the world knew him as Tay Keith, his family knew him as BryTavious—a source of love, strength, laughter, and guidance,” it continued. “We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the music he created, the opportunities he provided, and the lives he touched.”
