Music Producer Tay Keith Legal Fight With Sexyy Red Label Unresolved When He Died

5:03 PM PT -- Dameka Davis, attorney for the Rebel label, tells TMZ ... “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 Keith’s family and loved ones."

Dameka adds ... "Royalty negotiations are handled by labels -- not artists -- and I’ve 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 Keith’s attorney so that full payment can be made to his estate as soon as possible.”

A rep for Tay Keith said, “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 Red’s sentiments and condolences during this difficult time.”

Music producer Tay Keith had yet to resolve his legal battle with Sexyy Red's label over royalties he claimed he was owed at the time of his death ... but the parties were working towards a resolution, TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Tay sued Sexyy's label back in March 2026, claiming he produced 13 songs for her in 2024, including "Pound Town."

Tay claimed Sexyy’s song made millions from sales and streaming … but he says he never got paid for his services.

In his suit, Tay claimed Sexyy's label was also refusing to provide him with any accounting for the revenues generated by the songs so that he could get his cut of the royalties. The music producer asked the court to force the label to turn over an accounting, declare that he was owed money, and award damages.

On Friday, Sexyy posted about Tay’s death, writing, “BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT WE BROTHERS BUT NOT RELATED. I LOVE YOU BRUDDAAA @taykeith STILL DA BEST DUO US 5LIFE.”

As TMZ first reported, Tay was found dead this week after a welfare check at his home in Nashville. The cause of death has yet to be determined, but cops say foul play is not suspected.