Tributes to Tay Keith continued to ripple through the hip-hop world following news of his death. Sexyy Red was among the artists publicly mourning the producer she frequently referred to as family. In a series of social media posts, the rapper shared messages honoring both their creative partnership and personal bond. But as condolences spread online, so did speculation. Conversations that began as remembrances gradually shifted toward unverified claims about royalty payments tied to the pair’s past work together.
One widely circulated post, attributed to The Jasmine Brand on Instagram, showed Sexyy Red reposting a video clip featuring Keith alongside prayer hands and cat hand emojis. In another message, she wrote, “BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT WE BROTHERS BUT NOT RELATED,” before adding, “I LOVE YOU BRUDDAAA @taykeith STILL DA BEST DUO US 5LIFE.” The posts reflected the closeness the two had long projected publicly. Yet, they also became a flashpoint for renewed online scrutiny surrounding their business relationship.
As speculation intensified, some social media users alleged that Keith had not been fully compensated for work connected to Sexyy Red’s music. Representatives for the producer, however, say those claims misrepresent the situation. According to Keith’s team, any disagreement that existed involved the parties’ respective labels rather than the artist herself. Additionally, the matter was already nearing resolution before his death.
Label-led talks, nearly resolved
“The dispute is between the parties’ respective labels, and naming Sexyy Red in the lawsuit was a legal formality,” a spokesperson for Tay Keith’s team said in a statement. “Any allegations are directed at the label, not Red personally. Both labels have been cooperating, and the matter is close to being resolved. Tay and Red remained friends, and he considered her a sister. They were in the studio together as recently as last week working on new music. We appreciate Red’s sentiments and condolences during this difficult time.”
Dameka Davis, an attorney representing Rebel Music, offered a similar account. She disputed online narratives that suggested Sexyy Red personally withheld royalties from the producer. Davis said royalty negotiations were being handled by the labels and their legal representatives. This is a standard practice within the music business. She also noted that discussions were in their final stages before Keith’s sudden death.
“Sexyy Red is overwhelmed with grief at the devastating loss of her dear friend and artistic collaborator, Tay Keith,” Davis said in a statement. “Tay was a brilliant artist, and through his close musical partnership with Sexyy, he became a genuine friend to everyone at Rebel. We send our sincerest condolences to Tay Keith’s family and loved ones.”
“As the attorney for Rebel, I want to step forward to correct the record on false, irresponsible, and deeply hurtful clickbait being spread on social media about royalty arrangements with Tay Keith,” Davis continued. “Royalty negotiations are handled by labels—not artists—and I’ve worked closely with the legal counsel and team for Tay Keith to finalize the royalty agreement to fully compensate him for his valuable contributions as a musical collaborator with Sexyy. In fact, we were in the final stages of getting Tay Keith fully compensated before his shocking passing this week. We are expediting the finalization of this work with Tay Keith’s attorney so that full payment can be made to his estate as soon as possible.”
Tay Keith says he was mocked for backing Sexyy Red early
“People were trolling the s**t out of me,” the late producer told Billboard. “They were real-deal trolling me. It wasn’t much good feedback. It was coming from even people around me, ‘What you doing?’ I saw the potential. That’s as simple as it was, me believing in her. I think people doubted me working with her. Because they didn’t see the reason to do it. I definitely seen the potential. I tell people all the time how long I was watching Sexyy Red’s music before she blew up.”
Tay Keith died on June 18 in Nashville, where authorities responded to a welfare check, according to local reports. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death, which remain under review. He was 30 years old.
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