Memphis Public Libraries is pleased to announce the Tay Keith Collection honoring Grammy-nominated music producer and Memphian Tay Keith. Keith worked with some of music’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé and Drake. His career included four No. 1 records on the Billboard Hot 100, including Travis Scott’s 2018 single “Sicko Mode” and Drake’s 2023 hit “First Person Shooter.” The 29-year-old passed away in June 2026 in Nashville.
The Tay Keith Collection of memorabilia is part of a multi-platform effort to honor his legacy following a generous donation from the Tay Keith Legacy Foundation.
The Tay Keith Legacy Initiative also include the dedication of the Tay Keith Music Lab inside Cloud901 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Tay Keith Beat Making 101, and Tay Keith in 901Voices.
“The funding of this music lab is an investment in the next generation of Memphis talent and a fitting tribute to Tay Keith. His legacy will live on by giving young people the tools and space to create, learn, and build their own future in Music,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
“We are honored to dedicate our Cloud901 music production lab for Tay Keith. What better way to honor the legacy of a beloved Memphian and his timeless work than with a space that gives teens the freedom to find their own voices,” said Dr. Eric D. Harris, Memphis Public Libraries Director.
Keith attended White Station High School in Memphis and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018. He was known for giving back to underserved communities through Arts and Education. His commitment to motivating and uplifting youth is what inspired his family to create the Tay Keith Legacy Initiative. This partnership aims to preserve Keith’s contributions to Memphis music while giving young people opportunities to explore music production.
Statement from the Tay Keith Family: “Today we keep our beloved Tay Keith’s memory and profound work alive by unveiling the Tay Keith Music Lab in partnership with Memphis Public Libraries. This space will connect his legacy to creation and focus on future generations of young DJ, producers and music moguls to come. Through an archival collection preserved as part of the historical record of Memphis and Shelby County along with 901Voices oral history initiative, all of these elements will serve as a living legacy where future creators can work, where history can be preserved, and a permanent record where Tay’s story can continue to be heard. We feel he would be so proud of this community effort and being able to continue impacting the young creatives in Memphis, which was always a big part of who he was as a person in both his life and music.”
