DJ Kay Slay Passes Away

April 18, 2022

R.I.P. The Drama King

The community is mourning the loss of hip hop pioneer and mixtape legend, DJ Kay Slay.

After being hospitalized for COVID-19 in January, the DJ, graffiti artist, and radio personality died from complications of the coronavirus on Sunday (April 17). He was 55.

Hip-hop promoter Van Silk confirmed the tragic news to HipHopDX, “Hip Hop lost a real gem. My dear brother is gone. I’ve known him since he was 16 years old. He was my little brother. I introduced him to many and we did a lot of things together. We last talked December because we were finishing up the 200 rolling deep project. He was gonna do his video part with MC Sha-Rock.”

“From the mixtapes to helping him launch Straight Stuntin‘ magazine and the whole What The Science project, the world not only lost a real dedicated person to the culture of Hip Hop but a source of bridging the gap in Hip Hop. I’m gonna miss my little brother.”

The Greyson Family issued a statement to Hot 97, “Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay. 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.”

Hot 97 added, “Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. 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.”

Born Keith Grayson, the East Harlem native was a prominent graffiti artist in his earlier days, who went by the name of Dezzy Dez. Since the ’90’s, the Smack Ya Favorite DJ released countless of mixtapes before releasing his debut album, The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1 in 2003. He was also the founder of Straight Stuntin’ magazine.

In the past two years, Slay released his latest albums, Living Legend in 2020 and The Soul Controller last December. Our condolences goes to the family, friends, and fans of Kay Slay.

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