New details have emerged surrounding the death of acclaimed hip-hop producer Tay Keith, three months after he was found dead inside his Nashville apartment at just 29 years old.
The Nashville Office of the Medical Examiner determined that Keith, whose real name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, died from an accidental drug overdose involving ketamine and multiple compounds associated with kratom.
Keith died on June 18, 2026, after authorities discovered him during a welfare check at his Nashville residence.
Tay Keith’s Cause Of Death Ruled An Accidental Overdose
According to the autopsy report, Keith’s cause of death was toxicity involving ketamine, mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.
Mitragynine is one of the primary active compounds found in kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that interacts with opioid receptors in the brain.
The medical examiner classified Keith’s manner of death as an accident, with the circumstances attributed to the toxic effects of drugs.
TMZ also reported that nicotine and ethanol were detected in Keith’s system and that the producer had mild coronary artery disease.
The available findings do not establish exactly how Keith came into contact with the substances.
Tay Keith Was Found During A Welfare Check
Keith’s sudden death shocked the hip-hop community when news broke in June.
Metro Nashville Police officers discovered the producer inside his apartment while conducting a welfare check. Authorities said at the time that foul play was not suspected.
The medical examiner’s findings now provide additional clarity about what caused his death.
Keith had built an impressive career before his passing, becoming one of the most recognizable producers to emerge from Memphis and earning Grammy nominations along the way.
Tay Keith Produced Some Of Hip-Hop’s Biggest Records
Keith became a major force in hip-hop through his distinctive production and collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest artists.
He was particularly known for his work with Drake, including BlocBoy JB’s 2018 hit “Look Alive,” which featured the Toronto rapper.
Keith also co-produced Travis Scott’s massive “Sicko Mode,” alongside additional collaborators. The record became one of Scott’s defining hits and earned Keith a Grammy nomination.
His production credits expanded to include artists such as Beyoncé, Eminem, Cardi B, Lil Baby, Sexyy Red and 21 Savage.
Keith also contributed to Drake and 21 Savage’s “Rich Flex,” which earned another Grammy nomination.
Hip-Hop Mourned Tay Keith Following His Death
News of Keith’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from artists, producers and fans who had followed his rise from Memphis to the top of the hip-hop industry.
Drake was among those who publicly remembered the producer following his passing, reflecting the close musical connection the two had developed through multiple collaborations.
Keith’s death at only 29 brought an abrupt end to a career that had already produced several era-defining records and major industry accolades.
Three months after his passing, the medical examiner’s findings have now established his death as an accidental overdose caused by the toxic effects of multiple substances.