Pioneering hip hop artist Keith Grayson, who carried out as DJ Kay Slay and labored with prime stars, has died, his household stated. He was 55.
Grayson's loss of life on Sunday was confirmed by his household in an announcement launched by way of New York radio station HOT 97, the place he hosted "The Drama Hour" for greater than 20 years.
"A dominant determine in hip hop tradition with hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will probably be remembered for his ardour and excellence with a legacy that can transcend generations," the household assertion stated.
"In reminiscence of DJ Kay Slay, our household needs to thank all of his buddies, followers, and supporters for his or her prayers and effectively needs throughout this troublesome time. We ask that you just respect our privateness as we grieve this tragic loss," the assertion continued.
Grayson grew up in Harlem, immersed in New York Metropolis's early hip hop scene. He obtained his begin as a teenage graffiti artist and was featured within the 1983 hip hop documentary "Fashion Wars."
He started promoting bootleg mixtapes on road corners within the early '90s and launched his first studio album, "The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1," in Could 2003. Grayson launched a number of extra albums and labored with the likes of Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes.
"Scorching 97 is shocked and saddened by the lack of our beloved DJ Kay Slay," the station stated in an announcement.
Fats Joe and LL Cool J have been among the many celebrities who paid tribute to Grayson on social media.
"Such an actual one. So strong. Relaxation in energy King," LL Cool J wrote on Instagram.