New York Metropolis hip-hop influencer and graffiti artist DJ Kay Slay died on Easter Sunday at 55 soon after a harrowing 4-thirty day period struggle with COVID-19.
The trailblazing MC battle referee’s tragic passing was verified to The Submit in a assertion from his household.
“Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally recognised as DJ Kay Slay,” the bereaved Grayson relatives wrote in a touching tribute. “A dominant figure in Hip Hop culture with thousands and thousands of enthusiasts globally, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations.”
They ongoing, “In memory of DJ Kay Slay, our family members wishes to thank all of his pals, lovers, and supporters for their prayers and perfectly wishes for the duration of this difficult time. We ask that you regard our privateness as we grieve this tragic reduction.”
Grayson experienced reportedly succumbed to difficulties of COVID-19 right after remaining hospitalized with the sickness in December and set on a ventilator, The Solar noted.
New York hip-hop radio station Sizzling 97, also honored the rapper in a statement to The Submit, producing: “Hot 97 is stunned and saddened by the decline of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. We cherish the several memories created by way of the 20-furthermore many years he dedicated to the ‘Drama Hour.’ “
A 7 days prior to the his death, Wack 100 had revealed on Instagram that the musician was “still fighting” and required all the prayers he could get.
“He’s been off the #ECMO machine for a couple months now,” they wrote, “Let’s proceed our prayers as our brother continues to fight.”
Born in August 14, 1966 in New York Metropolis, Grayson commenced his vocation as a graffiti artist, and carried out hip hop in his spare time. Throughout that time, he was notably featured in the 1983 hip hop documentary “Style Wars.”
Even with his talent for the art form, the rapper didn’t to begin with intend to grow to be a DJ.
“It was just one thing to do that was enjoyable and that I relished performing,” Grayson told Forbes in a 2019 job interview.
That improved when Grayson, who went by the nickname Dez, released his flagship album “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1” in 2003. The prolific rap artist would go on to create five a lot more studio albums in the course of his job: “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2,” “More Than Just a DJ,” “The Massive Brother,” “Hip Hop Frontline,” and “The Soul Controller.”
In his remaining Instagram publish in January, Grayson promoted the single “In My Soul,” which he collaborated on with artists Tre Williams, Papoose, and AZ.
Grayson is possibly very best identified for his intense commitment to preserving the integrity of hip hop, somewhat than catering to the at any time-modifying preferences of the masses. Dez was also known for his diss-laden mix tapes, which gained him the moniker the “Hip-Hop’s Just one-Person Ministry of Insults” by the New York Instances.
The hip hop community mourned the late lyricist
“Hip Hop shed a real gem,” rap promoter Van Silk, who in the beginning documented the rapper’s passing, instructed Hip-Hop DX. “My expensive brother is absent. I have acknowledged him due to the fact he was 16 a long time previous. He was my little brother. I introduced him to many and we did a lot of matters together. We last talked December mainly because we were finishing up the 200 rolling deep undertaking. He was gonna do his online video element with MC Sha-Rock.”
He included, ““From the mixtapes to helping him launch Straight Stuntin‘ magazine and the whole “What The Science” project, the environment not only shed a real devoted individual to the lifestyle of Hip Hop but a resource of bridging the hole in Hip Hop. I’m gonna overlook my minimal brother.”
“A cultural icon, Kay Slay was far more than just a DJ, to us he was spouse and children and a very important aspect of what produced Incredibly hot 97 the prosperous station it is right now,” they included. “Our hearts go out to his relatives, good friends, and fans worldwide and we will constantly and for good celebrate The Drama King’s legacy.”
“Rest Quick King Dez aka Spade TDS aka DJ Kay Slay a legend in two online games: graffiti and DJaying,” wrote rapper Dante Ross on Twitter. “F Covid. Rest In Electrical power.”
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