Tay Keith, Hitmaking Producer Behind ‘Sicko Mode’ and ‘Look Alive,’ Dies at 29
Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated producer whose work helped shape some of the biggest hip-hop records of the past decade, has died at the age of 29.
The producer, born Brytavious Chambers, was found dead Thursday afternoon in his Nashville apartment, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Authorities said officers conducting a welfare check discovered him at the residence. Police stated that no foul play is suspected and that the cause of death has not yet been determined. His death remains under investigation pending autopsy results.
Though still early in his career, Keith had established himself as one of the most influential producers in contemporary rap. His credits included collaborations with Drake, Travis Scott, Future, Beyoncé, Eminem, and Sexyy Red, among many others. Known for his hard-hitting production style and Memphis-inspired sound, he became a key figure in the commercial rise of Southern hip-hop throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Keith began making beats as a teenager. He drew inspiration from the city's rich rap history, particularly artists such as Three 6 Mafia and 8Ball & MJG, whose influence can be heard throughout his production catalog. While studying at Middle Tennessee State University, he continued developing his craft and building connections within the local music scene.
His breakthrough came in 2018 through his work with fellow Memphis artist BlocBoy JB. The pair's growing momentum eventually led to "Look Alive," a collaboration with Drake that became one of the year's biggest rap hits. The song introduced Keith to a mainstream audience and quickly established him as one of the industry's most sought-after young producers.
That same year, Keith co-produced Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode," a career-defining record that topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. The success of the track further elevated his profile and cemented his place among the leading producers of his generation. He also contributed to Eminem's Kamikaze, co-producing "Not Alike," one of the album's most notable tracks.
Over the following years, Keith's production credits expanded across the industry. He worked extensively with Future and other major rap artists while continuing to maintain strong ties to Memphis. His résumé also extended beyond hip-hop. In 2019, he co-produced Beyoncé's version of "Before I Let Go," released as part of Homecoming: The Live Album.
More recently, Keith played a significant role in the rise of Sexyy Red. He served as executive producer of her 2024 project Sexyy We Trust and was behind several of her breakthrough records, including "Pound Town" and "SkeeYee," helping shape the sound that propelled her into the mainstream.
Despite his success, Keith frequently spoke about the challenges he experienced growing up and the responsibility he felt to support young people facing similar circumstances. In interviews, he discussed being raised primarily by a single mother and experiencing financial hardship throughout much of his childhood. Those experiences informed his philanthropic work later in life.
In recent years, Keith partnered with organizations in Memphis and Nashville to support youth programs and music education initiatives. He also worked with the National Museum of African American Music, helping organize community events that provided resources, mentorship, and exposure to careers in the music industry. He often used those opportunities to encourage aspiring producers and artists, emphasizing that success was possible regardless of one's background.
Keith remained closely connected to his hometown throughout his career and regularly cited Memphis as the foundation of his artistic identity. Even as his profile grew, he continued investing time and resources into community efforts aimed at creating opportunities for the next generation.
