New York Metropolis hip-hop influencer and graffiti artist DJ Kay Slay died on Easter Sunday at 55 after a harrowing four-month battle with COVID-19.
The trailblazing MC battle referee’s tragic passing was confirmed to The Submit in an announcement from his household.
“Our hearts are damaged by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally generally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the bereaved Grayson household wrote in a touching tribute. “A dominant determine in Hip Hop tradition with hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide, DJ Kay Slay shall be remembered for his ardour and excellence with a legacy that may transcend generations.”
They continued, “In reminiscence of DJ Kay Slay, our household needs to thank all of his buddies, followers, and supporters for his or her prayers and nicely needs throughout this troublesome time. We ask that you just respect our privateness as we grieve this tragic loss.”
Grayson had reportedly succumbed to issues of COVID-19 after being hospitalized with the illness in December and placed on a ventilator, The Sun reported.
New York hip-hop radio station Scorching 97, additionally honored the rapper in an announcement to The Submit, writing: “Scorching 97 is shocked and saddened by the lack of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. We cherish the various recollections created by way of the twenty-plus years he dedicated to the ‘Drama Hour.’ “
Every week previous to the his dying, Wack 100 had revealed on Instagram that the musician was “nonetheless combating” and wanted all of the prayers he might get.
“He’s been off the #ECMO machine for a pair weeks now,” they wrote, “Let’s proceed our prayers as our brother continues to battle.”
Born in August 14, 1966 in New York Metropolis, Grayson started his profession as a graffiti artist, and carried out hip hop in his spare time. Throughout that point, he was notably featured within the 1983 hip hop documentary “Fashion Wars.”
Regardless of his expertise for the artwork type, the rapper didn’t initially intend to change into a DJ.
“It was simply one thing to do this was enjoyable and that I loved doing,” Grayson instructed Forbes in a 2019 interview.
That modified when Grayson, who glided by the nickname Dez, launched his flagship album “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1” in 2003. The prolific rap artist would go on to create 5 extra studio albums throughout his profession: “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2,” “Extra Than Only a DJ,” “The Large Brother,” “Hip Hop Frontline,” and “The Soul Controller.”
In his final Instagram post in January, Grayson promoted the only “In My Soul,” which he collaborated on with artists Tre Williams, Papoose, and AZ.
Grayson is maybe finest recognized for his fierce dedication to preserving the integrity of hip hop, relatively than catering to the ever-changing tastes of the lots. Dez was additionally recognized for his diss-laden mix tapes, which earned him the moniker the “Hip-Hop’s One-Man Ministry of Insults” by the New York Occasions.
The hip hop neighborhood mourned the late lyricist
“Hip Hop misplaced an actual gem,” rap promoter Van Silk, who initially reported the rapper’s passing, instructed Hip-Hop DX. “My pricey brother is gone. I’ve recognized him since he was 16 years outdated. He was my little brother. I launched him to many and we did a variety of issues collectively. We final talked December as a result of we have been ending up the 200 rolling deep challenge. He was gonna do his video half with MC Sha-Rock.”
He added, ““From the mixtapes to serving to him launch Straight Stuntin‘ journal and the entire “What The Science” challenge, the world not solely misplaced an actual devoted individual to the tradition of Hip Hop however a supply of bridging the hole in Hip Hop. I’m gonna miss my little brother.”
“A cultural icon, Kay Slay was greater than only a DJ, to us he was household and a significant a part of what made Scorching 97 the profitable station it’s immediately,” they added. “Our hearts exit to his household, buddies, and followers worldwide and we are going to all the time and endlessly have fun The Drama King’s legacy.”
“Relaxation Simple King Dez aka Spade TDS aka DJ Kay Slay a legend in two video games: graffiti and DJaying,” wrote rapper Dante Ross on Twitter. “F Covid. Relaxation In Energy.”
