DJ Kay, a hip-hop legend, has died at age of 55. Keith Grayson died as a result of his COVID illness

DJ Kay Slay, a hip-hop influencer and graffiti artist from New York City, died on Easter Sunday at the age of 55 after a four-month fight with COVID-19.

The unfortunate death of the trailblazing MC fight referee was confirmed by his family in a statement to The Post.

The heartbroken Grayson family said in a heartfelt tribute, “Our hearts are shattered by the loss of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay.” “With millions of admirers across the world, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence, leaving behind a legacy that will last decades.”

“Our family wishes to thank all of DJ Kay Slay’s friends, followers, and supporters for their prayers and best wishes at this terrible time,” they wrote. We respectfully request that you respect our privacy as we mourn this awful loss.”
Grayson died of COVID-19 complications after being hospitalised with the condition in December and placed on a ventilator, according to the Sun.

“Hot 97 is horrified and heartbroken by the passing of our beloved DJ Kay Slay,” the New York hip-hop radio station said in a statement to The Washington Post. We treasure the numerous memories he produced throughout his twenty-plus years on the ‘Drama Hour.'”

Wack 100 had posted on Instagram a week before his death that he was “still struggling” and needed all the prayers he could receive.

They added, “He’s been off the #ECMO machine for a couple weeks now.” “Let us continue to pray for our brother while he fights.”

Grayson, who was born in New York City on August 14, 1966, began his career as a graffiti artist and dabbled with hip-hop in his leisure time. During this period, he was included in the hip-hop documentary “Style Wars,” which was released in 1983.

Despite his ability for the craft, the rapper had no intention of becoming a DJ.

In a 2019 interview with Forbes, Grayson said, “It was simply something to do that was enjoyable and something I loved doing.”

That changed in 2003, when Grayson, also known as Dez, published his debut album “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1.” “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2,” “More Than Just a DJ,” “The Big Brother,” “Hip Hop Frontline,” and “The Soul Controller” were among the five studio albums released by the prolific rap artist during his career.

Grayson promoted the tune “In My Soul,” which he co-wrote with Tre Williams, Papoose, and AZ, in his farewell Instagram post in January.

Grayson is arguably most recognised for his unwavering commitment to maintaining hip-purity hop’s rather than succumbing to the shifting tastes of the people. The New York Times dubbed Dez “Hip-One-Man Hop’s Ministry of Insults” because of his diss-laden mixtapes.
The late lyricist was mourned by the hip-hop community.

Rap promoter Van Silk, who first reported the rapper’s death, told Hip-Hop DX, “Hip Hop lost a great treasure.” “My loving brother has passed away. He’s been a friend of mine since he was 16 years old. He was my younger sibling.

I introduced him to a lot of people, and we did a lot of stuff together. We last spoke in December, when we were nearing the end of the 200-rolling-deep project. He planned to film his video with MC Sha-Rock.”

“From the mixtapes to helping him start Straight Stuntin’ magazine and the entire ‘What The Science’ project, the world not only lost a true committed individual to Hip Hop culture but also a source of bridging the gap in Hip Hop,” he continued. “I’m going to miss my little brother.”
“Kay Slay was much more simply a DJ to us; he was family and a critical part of what made Hot 97 the great station it is today,” they said.

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans worldwide and we will always and forever celebrate The Drama King’s legacy.”