'Eternal gratitude': Drake pays emotional tribute to Tay Keith after producer is found dead at 29

Tay Keith was behind several of Drake’s chart-topping hits, including 'Nonstop', 'Rich Flex', and 'First Person Shooter'
Drake took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute after Tay Keith was found dead at his Nashville home on Thursday, June 18 (Prince Williams/WireImage, Getty Images)
Drake took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute after Tay Keith was found dead at his Nashville home on Thursday, June 18 (Prince Williams/WireImage, Getty Images)

TORONTO, CANADA: Drake has shared a heartfelt tribute to record producer Tay Keith following news of his death at 29. In an emotional Instagram post, the rapper expressed his grief and appreciation for Keith’s work and influence. 

The message was accompanied by a memorial-style image highlighting the young and talented producer’s legacy. The post quickly drew attention from fans and the music community, sparking widespread discussion online about Keith’s impact.

For those unaware, Keith built an impressive career working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Beyonce, Eminem, and Drake.

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 9: Rapper Drake performs onstage during
Drake performs onstage during 'Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert' at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia (Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Drake remembers Tay Keith after his sudden death

In his Instagram post, Drake shared a simple but emotional message dedicated to Tay Keith: “Endless and eternal gratitude for your spirit and your contributions to this thing that we all love so much... you will be deeply missed.”

The tribute quickly resonated with fans, many of whom noted the strong creative bond the two had built through their work in music. Keith’s production style had played a significant role in shaping several modern hits, and Drake’s message added to the growing wave of recognition for his impact. 

Speaking of their collaborations, Drake and Keith have delivered some of the biggest rap bangers of the past decade. Their hitmaking streak kicked off with 'Look Alive' (2018) and 'Nonstop' (2018), before continuing with tracks like 'Never Recover' (2018).

The duo later linked up again for fan-favorite records, including 'Jimmy Cooks' (2022), 'Rich Flex' (2022), 'First Person Shooter' (2023), and 'MELTDOWN' (2023). Together, they built a catalog of chart-toppers that dominated playlists, streaming charts, and the rap conversation for years. 'Rich Flex' even earned Keith a Grammy nomination. 

Apart from Drake, several other artists paid tribute to Keith after his death. BlocBoy JB mourned the loss of his "brother," while Travis Scott, NLE Choppa, Key Glock, Juicy J, and Hitkidd shared heartfelt messages honoring the producer's legacy and impact on hip hop.

Tay Keith was found dead at his Nashville home during a welfare check

The Grammy-nominated record producer was found dead at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, June 18, according to police. Officers conducting a welfare check discovered the hitmaker, unresponsive in his Martin Street apartment in the afternoon, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed.

Authorities noted that no foul play is suspected, and the cause of death remains pending autopsy results.

Confirming his death in a statement, Keith's family remembered him as a "beloved son, brother, uncle, family member and friend." In a heartfelt statement, they said, "While the world knew him as Tay Keith, his family knew him as BryTavious, a source of love, strength, laughter, and guidance."

Record Producer Tay Keith attends Mike Will Made-It Day Golf Classic at White Columns Country Club on March 24, 2025 in Milton, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Record Producer Tay Keith attends Mike Will Made-It Day Golf Classic at White Columns Country Club on March 24, 2025, in Milton, Georgia (Prince Williams/WireImage)

"He was also a passionate supporter of mental health awareness and cancer-related causes in honor of his late mother,” the statement added.

“Above all, BryTavious was a beloved son, brother, uncle, family member, and friend. 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," his family shared.

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