Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images and Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI
Tay Keith’s sudden passing left fans, collaborators, and music artists in shock. Following reports of his death, tributes flooded social media, with artists like Sexyy Red, Moneybagg Yo, Gunna, BlocBoy JB, and more reacting to the loss. But in the middle of the emotional messages, reports started circulating that the Memphis producer had an unresolved financial dispute with Sexyy Red prior to his passing.
According to TMZ, Tay Keith never fully resolved a legal dispute that he had with Sexyy Red’s Rebel label before his sudden passing. He filed the case over royalties he claimed the label owed him, even though both sides were reportedly working toward a resolution. Court documents obtained by TMZ show Tay filed the lawsuit against Red’s label in March, claiming he produced 13 songs for her in 2024, including her hit ‘Pound Town.’ Tay said the songs brought in millions from sales and streaming, but he never received payment for his work. In the suit, Tay also claimed the label refused to give him an accounting of the revenue from the records, blocking him from collecting his share of his royalties. Additionally, he reportedly asked the court to force the label to turn over financial records, confirm what they owed him, and award damages.
A rep for Tay Keith spoke exclusively with TMZ and clarified that his lawsuit was directed specifically at Red’s label and not at her personally. The rep also shared that they remained friends before his passing and that Tay looked at Red like a sister.
“The dispute is between the parties respective labels, and naming Sexyy Red in the lawsuit was a legal formality. 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 Reds sentiments and condolences during this difficult time,” Tay Keith’s rep said in a reported statement.
Following reports of Tay’s lawsuit against Sexyy Red’s Rebel label, attorney Dameka Davis released a statement on behalf of the label, saying that Red was heartbroken over Tay’s passing.
Sexyy Red is overwhelmed with grief at the devastating loss of her dear friend and artistic collaborator, Tay Keith. 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 Keiths family and loved ones,” Davis shared in her statement.
Davis also shared that the label was working closely with Tay’s team to finalize a royalty agreement and fully compensate to properly compensate him for his contributions. Furthermore, she noted that they were actually in the final stages of a resolution prior to his death.
“Royalty negotiations are handled by labels — not artists — and Ive 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 Keiths attorney so that full payment can be made to his estate as soon as possible,” Davis added.
Despite news of Tay’s financial dispute with her label, she still hopped on Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute along with a collection of photos of them together. She called him her brother and said they made the best duo.BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT WE BROTHERS BUT NOT RELATED I LOVE YOU BRUDDAAA @taykeith STILL DA BEST DUO US 5LIFE
As The Shade Room previously reported, Tay Keith passed away on Thursday, June 18. The Metro Nashville Police Department found him in his apartment after responding to a welfare check. At this time, officials have not confirmed his cause of death.
