Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith died from the combined toxic effects of ketamine and mitragynine, a psychoactive compound found in kratom, according to an autopsy report released by the Nashville Medical Examiner’s Office.
The manner of death was ruled an accident. Keith, whose legal name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, was 29 years old when he was found dead in his Nashville apartment on June 18, 2026.
Key Facts
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The autopsy report identified a specific combination of substances in Keith’s system: “mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and ketamine toxicity,” according to ABC News, which obtained the report. The medical examiner also detected nicotine and ethanol (alcohol) in his system and noted that Keith had mild coronary artery disease.
Mitragynine is the primary active alkaloid in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia that is federally legal in the United States but banned in several states. The National Center for Biotechnology Information describes mitragynine as having opioid-like effects.
It remains unclear whether Keith was intentionally using kratom or encountered the compound through another substance, according to reporting from TMZ and other outlets.
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The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that its Specialized Investigations Division received the toxicology report on September 16 and will follow up “to determine how and from whom he obtained the substances”. No charges have been filed, and police have not named any suspects or persons of interest. The investigation remains active as of September 18, 2026.
Keith was discovered by officers performing a welfare check at his apartment on Martin Street in Nashville on the afternoon of June 18. His girlfriend had called 911 after he sent her a text asking her to visit and then stopped responding for approximately 24 hours. Police stated at the time that no foul play was suspected, and the death was classified as unclassified pending autopsy results.
Background and Career
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Keith graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018 while already establishing himself as a producer. He co-owned the independent label Drumatized Music Group and was widely credited as an architect of modern trap production, drawing influence from Southern hip-hop groups including Three 6 Mafia and 8Ball & MJG.
Keith’s production credits included Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” which earned him a Grammy nomination in 2019, and Drake and 21 Savage’s “Rich Flex,” nominated in 2024. He also produced for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Eminem, and Sexyy Red, among others.
According to Billboard, Keith held the most No. 1 entries on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart during the 2020s decade, with six. He was named Producer of the Year multiple times at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards and received the Songwriter of the Year honor in 2025.
Following his death, Drake wrote, “Endless and eternal gratitude for your spirit and your contributions to this thing that we all love so much”.
What Comes Next
The Metro Nashville Police Department’s investigation into how Keith obtained the substances that caused his death is ongoing. The medical examiner’s ruling of accidental overdose closes the cause-of-death determination but does not resolve questions about the source of the ketamine or mitragynine.
Keith’s family released a statement describing him as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, family member, and friend” and requesting privacy. Memorial arrangements have not been publicly announced.
