The Nashville Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that Tay Keith, the Memphis-born producer behind“Sicko Mode”and“Look Alive,”died from the toxic effects of ketamine and mitragynine, the active ingredient in kratom. He was 29 years old when he was found in his Nashville apartment on June 18 after a welfare check. The report also listed nicotine, ethanol, and mild coronary artery disease in his system.
For fans of late-2010s rap, Tay Keith’s fingerprints are everywhere. Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, he signed with Drake, produced for Travis Scott and Beyoncé, and won producer of the year at the 2024 BMI Awards. BlocBoy JB, his longtime collaborator, paid tribute writing,“We talked every day yeen tell me you was leaving.”Drake and producer Hitkidd also shared messages honoring his legacy.
The findings have reignited conversation about kratom, which is federally legal in the US and sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and online, despite acting on opioid receptors and carrying real risk when combined with other substances. Investigators have not said whether Keith used kratom intentionally or encountered it another way.
What’s your favorite Tay Keith-produced track? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
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