Hip hop pioneer Keith Grayson, known professionally as DJ Kay Slay has died do complications from Covid-19. He was 55 years old. His family, through NYC radio station Hot 97 where he hosted a radio show for over 20 years, confirmed his passing.
Grayson grew up in Harlem and made a name for himself in hip hop through graffiti, his work as a DJ, and releasing several projects along with hosting radio shows.
Embed from Getty ImagesHis “Streetsweeper” series of mixtapes made him a household name in hip hop circles.
The hip hop community reacted on Twitter upon hearing the news.
A Word From The HOT 97 Family: 🕊️
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) April 18, 2022
RIP DJ Kay Slay pic.twitter.com/TawxjRSSRh
It’s a bunch of fake ass fraud people running around the culture and DJ KAY SLAY was the total opposite! Real as they come. Rest in Paradise my brother.
— CROOK (@CrookedIntriago) April 18, 2022
RIP DJ Kay Slay
— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) April 18, 2022
Dez. The Drama King. Mr. Smack Your Favorite DJ.
Not only did he premiere “Ether,” host Dipset’s first mixtape and unleash countless songs and freestyles. But he was also featured in the movie ‘Style Wars’ in 1983. A true pioneer, innovator and legend. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/Bm2gzfEGHK
We lost one of the most SOLID MFs in HipHop.. I’ve been checking in on him his whole struggle in the Hospital. I honestly thought he was gonna pull through. This truly Hurts… F Covid. RIP to the Drama King 👑 #Kay Slay pic.twitter.com/5MyanPPPWo
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) April 18, 2022
Can’t believe I’m typing this. Rest in power DJ Kay Slay. Legend. Fuck! https://t.co/bljTndeQ90
— Statik Selektah (@StatikSelekt) April 18, 2022
