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Grammy-Nominated Producer Tay Keith's Cause of Death Revealed: Accidental Overdose

The Nashville medical examiner found ketamine and a kratom compound in his system when he was found dead in his apartment in June.

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BY OBSERVER ENTERTAINMENT DESK

The Weekly Observer

SEP 18, 2026 · 2 MIN READ
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NASHVILLE — Hip-hop producer Tay Keith died from an accidental overdose involving ketamine and mitragynine, the active ingredient in kratom, the Nashville medical examiner's office has ruled, according to TMZ.

The Grammy-nominated producer, known for work with Drake and other major hip-hop artists, was found dead inside his Nashville apartment in June. The medical examiner's report also noted nicotine and ethanol in his system, along with mild coronary artery disease. It remains unclear whether Keith knowingly used kratom, a substance that is federally legal, or was exposed to it another way.

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