Richard Echols.
Family, friends, and music industry stalwarts gathered at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, Tennessee on June 30 to honor the life and legacy of BryTavious "Tay Keith" Chambers — who passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2026.
In attendance were key collaborators of Chambers like Gunna, Sexyy Red, Murda Beatz, and more. They were there to commemorate the Memphis hip-hop trailblazer, whose production elevated his hometown's dynamic scene to a global stage, in turn shaping the sound of a generation.
Richard Echols.
In addition to central figures from the hip-hop and music industry community, local leaders were also in attendance, all of whom highlighted Chambers's importance to the Memphis community, like State Representative Justin J. Pearson as well as Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who presented Chambers with an official proclamation celebrating his lasting impact on the city.
Richard Echols.
Following the indoors ceremony, Chambers's friends and family gathered outside for a private burial and repast, where members of Drumatized — the independent record label and music boutique founded by Chambers — laid their friend and collaborator to rest.
Richard Echols.
Richard Echols.
Chambers was a prolific producer and artist. He was most known for producing Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode," as well as being a key part of shaping Memphis rap's resurgence in the late 2010s.
Chambers was an integral part of the Memphis rap scene, working closely with local stalwart BlocBoy JB. The rise of the Memphis scene, and his integral part in it, led him to working with Drake on the Canadian rapper's collaboration with BlocBoy JB, "Look Alive," and later on the Drake cut "Nonstop" off his 2018 album, Scorpion.
In a 2018 interview with The FADER, Chambers spoke about working with Drake and the seminal moment in his career. "He wanted that Memphis slap," Chambers told The FADER about the Drake collaboration. "You'll go to Metro Boomin for this sound, or Pi'erre [Bourne] for this, or Zaytoven for his sound. It just so happened that the sound I've developed has the Memphis origins to it that made Drake wanted to work with it. I've just took the origins — with Three 6 Mafia and DJ Squeeky and them — and brought it back to life in a sense."
Richard Echols.
Tay Keith's last full length project was his 2023 collaborative project with Lil Darius, Yung n Turnt.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026 Chambers's family shared the following statement:
It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of BryTavious “Tay Keith” Chambers.
BryTavious was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force whose work helped define the sound of a generation. From Memphis to the global stage, he shaped countless hit records and left a lasting mark on music and culture.
He was deeply committed to creating opportunities for others through his company, Drumatized, supporting emerging songwriters, producers, and artists.
A proud graduate and honorary professor of Middle Tennessee State University, BryTavious remained an active alumnus, mentor, and advocate for young creatives. He was also a passionate supporter of mental health awareness and cancer-related causes in honor of his late mother.
Above all, BryTavious was a beloved son, brother, uncle, family member, and friend. While the world knew him as Tay Keith, his family knew him as BryTavious—a source of love, strength, laughter, and guidance.
We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the music he created, the opportunities he provided, and the lives he touched.
We respectfully ask for privacy and continued prayers for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.
The Family of BryTavious “Tay Keith” Chambers