New York City hip-hop legend DJ Kay Slay dies of COVID at age 55

Hip-hop influencer and graffiti artist DJ Kay Slay died in New York City on Easter Sunday at the age of 55 after a harrowing four-month battle with COVID-19.

The tragic death of the leading MC battle referee was confirmed to The Post in a statement from his family.

“Our hearts are shattered by the passing of Keith Grayson, better known as DJ Kay Slay,” the grieving Grayson family wrote in a touching tribute. “A dominant figure in hip-hop culture with millions of fans around the world, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and legacy that transcends generations.”

They continued, “In memory of DJ Kay Slay, our family would like to thank all his friends, fans and supporters for their prayers and good wishes during this difficult time. We ask that you respect our privacy as we mourn this tragic loss.”

Grayson reportedly succumbed to complications from COVID-19 after being hospitalized with illness in December and put on a ventilator, The Sun mentioned.

New York hip-hop radio station Hot 97 also honored the rapper in a statement to The Post, writing, “Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of beloved DJ Kay Sly. We cherish the many memories made during his 20 years Dedicated to “Drama Hour”. “

A week before his death, WAC 100 on Instagram That the musician is “still fighting” and needs all the prayers he can get.

They wrote: “He’s been out of the #ECMO machine for two weeks now, let’s continue our prayers while our brother continues to fight.”

Born on August 14, 1966 in New York City, Grayson began his career as a graffiti artist and performed hip-hop music in his spare time. During that time, he made a special appearance in the 1983 hip-hop documentary ‘Style Wars’.

Despite his talent for the art form, the rapper initially had no intention of becoming a DJ.

“It was just such a fun thing, and I enjoyed it,” Grayson told Forbes. 2019 interview.

That changed when Grayson, who went by the nickname Dez, released his groundbreaking album “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1” in 2003. The prolific rap artist was going on to create five more studio albums during his career: “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2,” More than just a DJ”, “Big Brother”, “Hip-Hop Frontline”, and “Soul Control”.

at Last post on Instagram in JanuaryGrayson promoted the single “In My Soul” with which he collaborated with artists Tre Williams, Papoose, and AZ.

Grayson is perhaps best known for his extreme dedication to maintaining the integrity of hip-hop music, rather than catering to the ever-changing tastes of audiences. Dez was also known For his lively mixed streaks, Which earned him the nickname “Hip-Hop’s One-Man Ministry of Insults” by the New York Times.

The hip-hop community mourned the late poet

“Hip-hop has lost a true gem,” said rap promoter Van Silk, who reported the rapper’s death. Hip Hop DX. “My dear brother is gone. I’ve known him since he was 16. He was my little brother. I introduced him to so many and we did a lot of things together. The last time we spoke was in December because we were finishing the Deep Rolling 200 project. He was going to do his video part with MC Sha-Rock”.

He added, “From song tapes to helping him launch Straight Stuntin magazine and the entire What The Science project, the world has not only lost a true person dedicated to hip-hop culture, but has been a resource to bridge the gap in hip-hop music.” Jump. I will miss my little brother.”

They added, “Kay Sly, a cultural icon, 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 thoughts are with his family, friends and fans around the world and we will always and forever celebrate the legacy of The Drama King.”

“Rest Easy King Dez aka Spade TDS aka DJ Kay Slay is a legend in two games: Graffiti and DJaying,” Rapper Dante Ross wrote on Twitter. “F Covid. The rest is in power.