DJ Kay Slay died on Sunday following a battle with COVID-19, his family confirmed in a statement.
“Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the family said in a statement shared by Hot 97 on Monday. “A dominant figure in Hip Hop culture with millions of fans worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations. In memory of DJ Kay Slay, our family wishes to thank all of his friends, fans, and supporters for their prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. We ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve this tragic loss.”
Last December, Kay Slay released the collabs-stacked The Soul Controller project, featuring the singles “The Jungle” (with Snoop Dogg and more) and “In My Soul.” The latter—featuring Papoose, AZ, Mysonne, and Tre Williams—received an official video in January. That same month, it was reported that Kay Slay had been hospitalized due to COVID-19.
In a separate statement, also shared Monday, a Hot 97 rep pointed to the undeniable impact DJ Kay Slay had on the station’s growth over the years.
“Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved DJ Kay Slay,” a station spokesperson said. “We cherish the many memories created through the twenty-plus years he dedicated to the ‘Drama Hour.’ A cultural icon, Kay Slay was more than just a DJ, to us he was family and a vital part of what made Hot 97 the successful station it is today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans worldwide and we will always and forever celebrate The Drama King’s legacy.”
Tributes for the 55-year-old artist, once described as “Hip Hop’s One-Man Ministry of Insults” by the New York Times, quickly poured in following news of his death. Mentioned among the the memories were Kay Slay’s graffiti art and his key involvement in a number of classic music moments, including the premiere of “Ether.”
See more below, including touching messages from Immortal Technique and A-Trak, among others.
