The official cause of death for Tay Keith, who was nominated for a Grammy, has now been stated months after he died suddenly at the age of 29. The Nashville Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, who was known professionally as Tay Keith, died as a result of the toxic effects of a number of substances, the manner of death being classified as an accident.
What the Autopsy Found
The report from the autopsy states that Keith died as a result of toxicity caused by mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and ketamine.
Mitragynine and other compounds of this type are active alkaloids present in kratom, which is a plant-based product that has effects similar to opioids, and ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic which can suppress breathing and consciousness when taken in large amounts.
The medical examiner regarded the case as accidental and the Metro Nashville Police have stated that foul play is not suspected.
Keith was found by the officers in his apartment in Nashville on June 18, 2026, as a result of a welfare check.
At that time, the police stated that the cause of his death was “unclassified pending autopsy findings,” which left the hip-hop community in a state of uncertainty until the toxicology results were confirmed.
A Meteoric Rise From Memphis to the Global Stage
Keith was born in Memphis and later settled in Nashville, where he became one of the most in-demand producers of his generation.
His breakthrough came when he worked on Drake’s “Look Alive” in 2018, and he then co-produced Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode”, for which he was nominated for a Grammy in 2019 in the category of Best Rap Song.
He was nominated a second time in 2024 for “Rich Flex” by Drake and 21 Savage, thus solidifying his reputation for creating powerful, chart-successful beats.
His Education and Connection to MTSU
In addition to his hit songs, Keith was admired for his work ethic and humility.
He was the first member of his family to get a college degree and completed his studies at Middle Tennessee State University even though his career was becoming successful. This being a promise he had made to his mother.
Once he had graduated, MTSU made him an honorary professor and he stayed involved on campus, offering mentoring to students and supporting the various programs at the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.
Tributes From Drake, Travis Scott and MTSU
The news of Keith’s death had a major impact on the music world.
Drake posted a tribute on Instagram, stating, “I have endless and eternal gratitude towards your spirit and your contributions to this thing that we all love so much… I shall miss you very much.”
Travis Scott posted a message on his Instagram story saying, “We’re going to miss you, broozayy. We’ll keep pushing on for you….!!!”
MTSU Remembers Tay Keith
At MTSU, officials paid tribute to his legacy in a video which was issued on the day he died.
Beverly Keel, who is the dean of the college, remembered that Keith had insisted on completing his studies even though he was already working with some of the top artists.
“Many people said to him, ‘Hey, you’re already working with Drake and Travis Scott, so why are you finishing your degree?’ But it was very important to him; he had made a promise to his mother that she should see him earn a college diploma,” Keel said. “After he graduated, he then experienced great success.”
Langston Bleu, an R&B artist who also attended MTSU, pointed out that Keith’s journey had inspired many students, particularly Black students from Memphis and the nearby areas.
“People saw themselves in Tay too,” Bleu said, “for they realised that success was possible.”
Family Statement: “A Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle, Family Member, and Friend”
Through a statement issued by his label, Drumatized, Keith’s family described him as “a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work had helped to define the sound of a generation from Memphis all the way to the global stage.”
They also stated that although the world knew him as Tay Keith, his family knew him as BryTavious. “A source of love, strength, laughter, and guidance.”
The family stated that they can take comfort in the fact that his legacy will continue through the music which he created, the opportunities which he provided, and the lives which he touched.
