DJ Kay Slay died on Sunday following a battle with COVID-19, his family confirmed in a statement.
“Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the family said in a statement shared by Hot 97 on Monday. “A dominant figure in Hip Hop culture with millions of fans worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations. In memory of DJ Kay Slay, our family wishes to thank all of his friends, fans, and supporters for their prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. We ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve this tragic loss.”
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓, #DJKaySlay 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/WUATLWatJI
— PUBLIC ENEMY (@PublicEnemyFTP) April 18, 2022
RIP DJ KAY SLAY 🙏🏾
— TAPE TAPE & HOUSE EP NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) April 18, 2022
RIP to DJ Kay Slay 🙏🏽🧡
— TRINA (@TRINArockstarr) April 18, 2022
Woke up to the awful news that we lost DJ Kay Slay. The man was the human embodiment of hip hop. Graf legend, DJ legend, mixtape legend … so unique, so iconic ,.. when I first got to @hot97 — working with Slay was one of the things that made me so proud to be here .. RIP..
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) April 18, 2022
RIP Kay Slay this is too sad. A monument. Dez!!
— Fabio Foreign (@atrak) April 18, 2022
Heartbroken to hear the news of DJ Kay Slay's passing. Slay was the definition of hip-hop to us as we listened in to Hot97, growing up 30 minutes north of New York City. His hoarse voice yelling over the music he'd play… pic.twitter.com/Nxg8EPAez6
— ItsTheReal (@itsthereal) 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
Drama King.
— Crime Rhyme Houdini (@JustBlaze) April 18, 2022
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
RIP DJ Kay Slay
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
— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) April 18, 2022
Rest in Power big bro. I can’t even believe I’m writing this. Travel well my old friend. My condolences to his family and other friends hurting right now. #DjKaySlay #Harlem pic.twitter.com/M7BFnG62iH
— Immortal Technique (@ImmortalTech) April 18, 2022
DRAMA KING/DEZ…
R.I.P. 🙏🏾 💔👑🕊@kingdjkayslay— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) April 18, 2022
RIP to the DRAMA KING 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— BENNY THE BUTCHER (@BennyBsf) April 18, 2022
Damn. Rest in peace my man the drama king DJ K Slay. Big loss for NYC and hip hop . 🙏🏽
— Alchemist Type Beat (@Alchemist) April 18, 2022
Kay slay gave 40 years of his life to Hiphop . God bless your soul king 👑 .
— Wale (@Wale) April 18, 2022