Grammy-nominated record producer Brytavious Chambers, professionally known as Tay Keith, was found dead in his Nashville apartment on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He was 29 years old. Metro Nashville Police discovered Chambers during a welfare check; officials confirmed that no foul play is suspected and the death remains unclassified pending autopsy results.
Police Investigation and Welfare Check
The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that officers arrived at Chambers’ residence on Martin Street on Thursday afternoon to perform a welfare check. Upon entry, they discovered the producer unresponsive. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have explicitly stated that there is no indication of criminal involvement. In cases of sudden, unclassified deaths of prominent public figures, the standard procedure involves a thorough examination by the medical examiner’s office to determine both the cause and manner of death, a process that can take several weeks depending on toxicology reports and forensic analysis.
“No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers also known as Grammy-nominated record producer Tay Keith. He was found dead in his Martin St (apartment) this afternoon by officers performing a welfare check. His death is unclassified pending autopsy results.”
Metro Nashville Police, via USA Today
Musical Legacy and Industry Impact
Born in Memphis, Chambers became a defining architect of modern hip-hop production. He first broke into the mainstream with his work on BlocBoy JB’s 2018 hit “Rover.” That same year, his career trajectory accelerated significantly when he co-produced Travis Scott’s chart-topping single, “Sicko Mode,” a project that earned him a Grammy nomination in 2019, according to Variety. The song became a cultural touchstone, recognized for its complex, multi-part structure that defied the standard radio-single format of the era.
His influence extended across the industry, with credits on tracks for artists including Drake, Eminem, 21 Savage, and Beyoncé. As USA Today reported, his production work includes Drake’s “Nonstop,” Eminem’s “Not Alike,” and Beyoncé’s live version of “Before I Let Go.” His signature producer tag—”Tay Keith, f— these n—as up”—became one of the most recognizable audio identifiers in contemporary music, signaling a high-energy, bass-heavy aesthetic that influenced the sound of the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Academic Roots at Middle Tennessee State University
Chambers’ rise to prominence was marked by a commitment to his education alongside his professional success. He attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), graduating in December 2018 with degrees in integrated studies and media management. He often balanced the rigorous demands of his burgeoning music career with his academic responsibilities, frequently commuting from Nashville to Memphis or traveling to studio sessions while maintaining his course load.
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“By my last week of college, I had my first No. 1 single, so it didn’t make any sense to drop out.”
Tay Keith, via WSMV
According to WSMV, Chambers maintained close professional ties with fellow MTSU alumni, including his stylist Tyland Jackson and public relations director Nicholas Brownlow, both of whom graduated from the school in 2019. His time at MTSU, a program widely respected for its Recording Industry Department, provided him with a technical foundation that complemented his innate ability to craft hit records.
Evolution of a Producer
Chambers’ early interest in production began in his teens, when he used a computer and piano to upload beats to DatPiff and YouTube. He was mentored by Memphis producers including Drumma Boy and Memphis Track Boy. His breakout arrived in 2015 with the production of Black Youngsta’s mixtape “Fuck Everybody,” as noted by Pitchfork. This early success established his reputation within the Southern rap scene before he transitioned into the global pop landscape.
In recent years, Chambers demonstrated an ability to identify and elevate emerging talent. His 2023 collaboration with Sexyy Red on “Pound Town” became a viral sensation, despite initial industry skepticism. Chambers later told Billboard that he saw potential in the track when others viewed it as a joke. This ability to spot “viral” energy in raw, unfiltered recordings solidified his status as a tastemaker, not just a beat-maker. By the time of his death, he had transitioned into an executive role, frequently mentoring up-and-coming artists and producers through his own label imprints.
| Award/Recognition | Year | Context |
|---|---|---|
| BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year | 2018 | Industry recognition |
| Grammy Nomination | 2019 | “Sicko Mode” |
| BMI Producer of the Year | 2024 | Multiple chart-topping hits |
| Forbes 30 Under 30 | 2025 | Music category |
The loss has resonated across the music community, with collaborators like BlocBoy JB expressing their grief over social media. As investigations into the cause of death continue, the music industry reflects on a producer who bridged the gap between underground Memphis rap and global pop success. The industry standard in such situations often involves tributes at upcoming award ceremonies, such as the Grammys or the BET Hip Hop Awards, where Chambers was a frequent participant and celebrated contributor. His legacy remains defined by his unique sound design, his commitment to education, and his pivotal role in shaping the sonic identity of modern hip-hop.
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