Hip-Hop Pioneer DJ Kay Slay Dead At 55

Superstar DJ Kay Slay, who worked with the likes of Busta Rhymes and Kendrick Lamar, died Sunday at the age of 55 following complications from a reported lengthy battle with COVID-19, friends and family shared.

The family of the hip-hop pioneer, born Keith Grayson, released a statement through the New York radio station — where he hosted a show called “The Drama Hour” for more than two decades — announcing the passing of their loved one, reported the New York Post in a piece published Monday.

“Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the Grayson family’s statement read. “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,” the statement added. “We ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve this tragic loss.”

An official statement from The Grayson Family on the passing of Keith Grayson aka DJ Kay Slay: pic.twitter.com/nUZn55k3yh

— HOT 97 (@HOT97) April 18, 2022

The New York Radio station Hot 97 also shared a tribute to the mixtape artist following news of his death.

“Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved DJ Kay Slay,” the statement read. “We cherish the many memories created through the twenty-plus years he dedicated to the ‘Drama Hour.'”

“A cultural icon, the Streetsweeper 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,” the statement added. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans worldwide and we will always and forever celebrate the Drama King’s Legacy.”

The outlet noted that a week before Grayson’s passing, longtime music manager Wack 100 gave an update to fans on Instagram that the hitmaker was “still fighting” and needed prayers — after he had previously shared in January that the superstar had been put on a ventilator battling COVID-19.

“UPDATE!!,” the post read. “@djkayslay still fighting. He’s been off the #ECMO machine for couple weeks now. Let’s continue our prayers as our brother continues to fight.”

DJ Kay Slay first was noticed in his career as a graffiti artist who later dabbled in hip-hop on the side. In 2003, Grayson released his first album “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1.” He followed that with five more studio albums which included “More Than Just a DJ,” “The Big Brother,” and “The Soul Controller.”

The rap artist also famously worked with the likes of rapper Nas, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes, just to name a few, reported NBC News.