Nicki Minaj has joined the growing list of artists paying tribute to Tay Keith, the acclaimed Memphis producer responsible for some of hip-hop’s biggest records, following the shocking news of his death at the age of 29.
Speaking during an X Spaces session on Saturday, June 20, two days after reports of his passing emerged, Minaj reflected on the loss and offered her condolences.
“I heard about the passing of Tay Keith, and it’s such a tragic loss,” she said. “I’m sending my condolences to his family and his fans, and the artists who had the pleasure of working with him. I don’t believe I met him, but I was on one track as a feature that he did, and he was clearly so beyond talented. What a talented, talented person gone so soon.”
Her remarks add to the outpouring of tributes from across the music industry as artists and fans continue to honor Tay Keith’s legacy and impact on hip-hop.
Metro Nashville Police officers found Tay Keith, born BryTavious Lakeith Chambers, deceased inside his apartment on Thursday, June 18, while conducting a welfare check. Authorities later stated that there were no signs of foul play and that the official cause of death has not yet been determined, pending autopsy results.
On Friday, June 19, Keith’s family released a heartfelt statement honoring his life and legacy. They described him as “a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation.” The statement also emphasized the personal side of the producer, adding: “While the world knew him as Tay Keith, his family knew him as BryTavious — a source of love, strength, laughter, and guidance.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the music industry. Drake, who collaborated with Keith on several records, including the massive hit “Sicko Mode,” shared a message on Instagram that read: “Endless and eternal gratitude for your spirit and your contributions to this thing that we all love so much…you will be deeply missed.”
Sexyy Red, one of Keith’s closest collaborators, also paid tribute after working with him in the studio just days before his passing. She wrote: “BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT WE BROTHERS BUT NOT RELATED. I LOVE YOU BRUDDAAA @taykeith STILL DA BEST DUO US 5LIFE.” A representative later revealed that Keith viewed the rapper as a sister.
BlocBoy JB, whose early success was closely tied to Keith’s production, reflected on their bond, writing: “Never thought you’ll leave this bitch before me thru my downs you kept me up you was and will always be the brother I never had.”
Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee State University, where Keith was named an honorary professor, also remembered him fondly. Speaking to WSMV, College of Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel said, “He first and foremost was a really good man. Even if he hadn’t had all this international success, he was a good person.”
As the tributes continue, many are remembering Tay Keith not only for the chart-topping hits he helped create, but also for the impact he had on those who knew him personally.
