Tay Keith's Cause of Death Revealed as Drug Cocktail
The Grammy-nominated producer died at 29 from toxic effects of ketamine, mitragynine, nicotine, and ethanol.
Super producer Tay Keith, known for his work with artists like Drake and Travis Scott, died at the age of 29 due to a combination of substances, according to a report from the Nashville Medical Examiner's Office. The substances found in his system included ketamine, mitragynine (the primary compound in kratom), nicotine, and ethanol.
The Nashville Medical Examiner's Office also noted that Keith, born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, had mild coronary artery disease. He was found deceased in his Nashville, Tennessee apartment on June 18, following a wellness check. Metro Nashville Police confirmed his death and stated that no foul play was suspected.
Chambers, originally from Memphis, gained significant recognition after co-producing Travis Scott's 2018 hit "Sicko Mode," featuring Drake. The song, from Scott's album "Astroworld," earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song in 2019. Chambers began his music career at 14, posting original songs and remixes to YouTube. His first major production credit came in 2015 with "Lil B***h" for rapper Blac Youngsta. His breakthrough into mainstream recognition occurred in 2018 with BlocBoy JB's viral hit "Rover," followed by "Shoot" and "Look Alive," which featured Drake.
Over his career, Chambers produced for a range of artists including Eminem, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Sexyy Red, Jack Harlow, Chris Brown, Gunna, and Lil Baby. His production on "Machine Gun Kelly diss track Not Alike" and Drake's "Nonstop" further solidified his place in the industry. "Sicko Mode" became the first hip-hop song to spend at least 32 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100's top 10. He received a second Grammy nomination for producing Drake and 21 Savage's 2024 track "Rich Flex."
Following the news of his death, several collaborators expressed their grief. BlocBoy JB shared throwback photos and a recording of their frequent calls, noting their last conversation occurred just two days before Keith's passing. Rap producer BanBwoi and fellow Memphis producer Hitkidd also paid tribute to Chambers, reflecting on his talent and long-standing friendships within the music community. Neither Drake nor Travis Scott have publicly commented on his death.