Memphis is honoring the late hip-hop producer Tay Keith, real name Brytavious LaKeith Chambers, with a lasting tribute to his music and commitment to his hometown.
The city designated Sept. 20 as Tay Keith Day in recognition of the Memphis native. Officials also presented his family with the Key to the City.
Tay Keith, whose real name was Brytavious LaKeith Chambers, died in June at 29. He became one of hip-hop’s most prominent producers through collaborations with Drake, Travis Scott, Beyoncé and other major artists.
His career included four No. 1 records on the Billboard Hot 100. Those credits included Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE” and Drake’s “First Person Shooter.”
The Memphis honors arrive alongside the dedication of the Tay Keith Music Lab. Memphis Public Libraries named its Cloud901 production room after the late producer on Sept. 21.
The facility will give young people access to music-production tools and instruction. A new Beat Making 101 curriculum will also teach aspiring creators production fundamentals.
“The funding of this music lab is an investment in the next generation of Memphis talent,” Mayor Paul Young said. “His legacy will live on by giving young people the tools and space to create.”
Hip-Hop Producer Tay Keith Receives Own Day & Key To The City In Memphis
The project is part of the broader Tay Keith Legacy Initiative. It includes an archival collection documenting his life, career and contributions to Memphis music.
Family members and friends will also share memories through the library’s 901Voices oral-history initiative. Those recordings will become part of the library’s digital archive.
“We are honored to dedicate our Cloud901 music production lab for Tay Keith,” Dr. Eric D. Harris said. The library director called it a space where teens can “find their own voices.”
Tay Keith’s family also addressed the tribute.
“Today we keep our beloved Tay Keith’s memory and profound work alive,” the family said. They described the lab as a bridge between his legacy and future DJs, producers and music executives.
The family added that Tay Keith would have been proud of the community effort. They also emphasized his dedication to Memphis’ young creatives.
Before his international success, Tay Keith developed his sound in Memphis. His production helped carry that city’s musical identity across the world.
Now, Memphis is giving future creators a place to build their own sound.
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