Grammy-Nominated Producer Tay Keith Found Dead at 29 in Nashville Apartment
Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, known professionally as Tay Keith, was found dead in his Martin Street apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The 29‑year‑old producer was discovered by Metro Nashville Police during a welfare check. Police said the death was unclassified pending an autopsy and that no foul play was suspected.
Chambers was a native of Memphis who began posting music to YouTube and mixtape sites such as Datpiff as a teenager. He met rapper BlocBoy JB at age 14; the two collaborated on early tracks that helped launch their careers. In 2018, Chambers produced the hit “Rover” for BlocBoy JB and the track “Never Recover” by Lil Baby and Gunna featuring Drake. The same year he co‑produced Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.
The producer’s work extended to other high‑profile artists. He produced Drake’s “Nonstop,” Sexyy Red’s “Poundtown,” and Miley Cyrus’s “Mother’s Daughter.” His credits also include songs for Beyoncé, Eminem, Lil Baby, Gunna, Metro Boomin, DJ Khaled, Cardi B and Kanye West.
Chambers graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in December 2018 with degrees in integrated studies and media management. A MTSU spokesperson noted that he had finished his degree even as he was producing chart‑topping tracks. In an interview, he said, “There wouldn’t be any point for me to come to college if I didn’t want to finish it — I could have just focused 100% on music,” and added, “By my last week of college, I had my first No. 1 single, so it didn’t make any sense to drop out.”
The producer received industry recognition, winning BMI’s R&B/Hip‑Hop Producer of the Year three times, most recently in 2024. He was also honored as BMI’s R&B/Hip‑Hop Songwriter of the Year in 2018. His work on tracks such as Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,” Travis Scott and Drake’s “Meltdown,” and 21 Savage and Drake’s “Rich Flex” contributed to these awards.
Following the discovery of Chambers’ body, MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment dean Beverly Keel said, “He was so smart and insightful, not only book smart and business smart, but people smart. He understood people and how they would act and react, which is probably why he was such a great songwriter. He had tremendous vision about the industry, music, culture and people.” She also noted that his difficult upbringing may have shaped his empathy and desire to help others.
The Metro Nashville Police statement confirmed that the death was “unclassified pending autopsy results.” No cause of death has been released, and the investigation has not identified any signs of foul play. The producer’s death has prompted reflections on the pressures of the music industry and the health and safety of artists and producers.
As of now, the investigation remains open. An autopsy will determine the cause of death, and no further information has been released by authorities or the producer’s representatives.
