New details have emerged surrounding the death of Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith, months after the 29-year-old was found dead inside his Nashville apartment.
According to an autopsy report, Tay Keith died from an accidental drug overdose involving ketamine and compounds associated with kratom. The Nashville medical examiner listed the cause as toxicity involving mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and ketamine. The manner of death was ruled an accident. (ABC News)
TMZ initially reported that the medical examiner found ketamine and mitragynine in Keith’s system. Mitragynine is an active chemical compound found in kratom. Nicotine and ethanol were also detected, while the examination noted that Keith had mild coronary artery disease. (TMZ)
Keith, whose real name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, was found dead in his Nashville apartment on June 18, 2026, after officers conducted a welfare check. Police said at the time that there were no indications of foul play. (ABC News)
Tay Keith Helped Shape a Generation of Hip-Hop
The Memphis-born producer became one of the most recognizable producers of his generation after breaking into the mainstream during the late 2010s.
His production credits included collaborations with some of music’s biggest artists, including Drake, Travis Scott, Beyoncé, Eminem, Future, Lil Baby and Sexyy Red.
Among his most celebrated records was Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” which earned Keith Grammy recognition. He also played a major role in records including Drake’s “Nonstop” and collaborations connected to the Memphis hip-hop movement that helped introduce his production style to a global audience. (https://www.wsmv.com)
Keith accumulated 11 Billboard Hot 100 top-10 hits, demonstrating how quickly his distinctive production moved from Memphis into the center of mainstream hip-hop. (https://www.wsmv.com)
Hip-Hop Continues to Remember Tay Keith
Following Keith’s death, artists, collaborators and fans shared tributes recognizing his influence on modern rap production.
His impact stretched beyond individual hit records. Tay Keith represented a generation of producers who increasingly became recognizable brands themselves, building audiences and careers alongside the artists whose records they helped create.
At only 29 years old, his catalog had already connected him with some of the biggest names in contemporary music.
The medical examiner’s findings now provide additional answers surrounding his sudden death, while his production catalog and influence on the sound of modern hip-hop remain part of his legacy.