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DJ Kay Slay Dies At 55 From COVID-19 Complications

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We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and fans who are grieving his passing.

DJ Kay Slay, real name Keith Grayson, died at the age of 55 as a result of COVID-19 complications. His death was verified by his family in a statement released by HOT 97, a hip-hop radio station in New York.

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

“Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay,” his family said in a statement acquired by New York Post. “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.”

The hip-hop radio station also shared their own tribute saying, “Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. We cherish the many memories created through the twenty-plus years he dedicated to the ‘Drama Hour.’”

“A cultural icon, Kay Slay was more than just a DJ, to us he was family and a vital part of what made Hot 97 the successful station it is today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans worldwide and we will always and forever celebrate The Drama King’s legacy.”

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

DJ Kay Slay’s brother revealed in January 2022 that he was in the hospital after contracting COVID-19, but that he was “in a recovery state.” Wack 100 had even stated on Instagram a week before his death that he was “still fighting,” and needed all the prayers he could receive.

During the 1980s, DJ Kay Slay came to prominence as a graffiti artist before moving to a music career, releasing six albums and dozens of mixtapes. The New York Times even refers to him as “Hip Hop’s One-Man Ministry of Insults.”

The following are the titles of his four studio albums: The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1, The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2, The Champions: North Meets South (with Greg Street), and More Than Just a DJ.

Reactions to DJ Kay Slay Dies At 55 From COVID-19 Complications

When I started gettin serious about DJing one of the most important films I was told to watch was Style Wars. Everyone in that doc was someone I immediately studied and it’s helped shaped my own style. It’s hard to see such pivotal pillars of hip hop go. RIP DEZ aka DJ Kay Slay.

@emgeedub

RIP to the legendary "Drama King", DJ Kay Slay🙏🕊

@TheRealAntonioA

This will now be my favorite intro of all times! Rip dj Kay slay!

@ThickBellaFe

DJ Kay Slay was the voice of one of my favorite hip hop series

@aqs713

My biggest Hip Hop memory of DJ Kay Slay is when he brought wild NY Spittas out to my hood and shot the ‘Too Much For Me’ video in 2002. Son signed autographs for all us Project kids and was humble af!! You had to be there 😩 Rest In Peace to a LEGEND. 🗽

@jewel_ebony

One of the most underrated posse cuts of all time. Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Kevin Gates, and Rell all FLOATED on this! RIP DJ Kay Slay, thank you for everything 🙏🏾.

@thoughtfulbae

I cant remember how many nights I got ampd when I heard WARNING…WARNING… THE DRAMA KING IS NOW IN THE BUILDING !!! DJ KAY SLAY YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT YOUR IMPACT LIVES FOREVER…

@MadamMoneySays

R.I.P DJ Kay Slay. 💔

@BookOfShady

RIP DJ Kay Slay, only just got the news. First thought took me back to this video from back when. Wishing your family strength and guidance in this troubling moment 🙏🏾

@Meebz2K

Words of wisdom from DJ KAY SLAY. His IG is a Goldmine of knowledge. This is a major loss for hip hop and the world. #Legend #RIP 😔.

@Ddd79089885