Tay Keith’s cause of death has now come into focus three months after police discovered the Grammy-nominated producer in his Nashville apartment. The 29-year-old worked with Eminem, Drake, Travis Scott, and several other major artists during his career.
New medical findings identified ketamine and mitragynine, a compound found in kratom, in Keith’s system. The report also noted other substances and a preexisting heart condition.
Tay Keith’s cause of death involved ketamine and a kratom compound
According to TMZ, the Nashville Medical Examiner’s Office attributed Keith’s death to the toxic effects of ketamine and mitragynine. Mitragynine serves as one of the main active compounds in kratom.
However, the report did not establish how Keith came into contact with kratom. TMZ noted that investigators could not determine whether he intentionally used the substance or encountered it another way.
The medical examiner also detected nicotine and ethanol in Keith’s system. Additionally, the report noted mild coronary artery disease. TMZ did not report that the heart condition served as the primary cause of death.
Police found Keith at his Nashville apartment on June 18 while conducting a welfare check. At the time, Metro Nashville Police said officers suspected no foul play. The producer, whose real name was Brytavious Chambers, was 29.
Keith built a major career in hip-hop before his death. He co-produced Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” which earned him a Grammy nomination. He also worked on Drake hits including “Nonstop” and “Rich Flex.”
The Eminem producer Keith also contributed to “Not Alike” from Eminem’s 2018 album Kamikaze. Beyond those collaborations, he worked with Beyoncé, Sexyy Red, and Lil Baby.
Meanwhile, Keith’s death prompted tributes across the music industry. Drake honored the producer in an emotional social media post shortly after the news broke.
The medical examiner’s findings provide the clearest explanation yet of Tay Keith’s cause of death. However, the report leaves some questions about the exact circumstances surrounding his final hours.
