New York Metropolis hip hop star and graffiti artist DJ Kay Slay died on Easter Sunday at 55 after a harrowing 4 month battle with COVID-19.
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New York Metropolis hip-hop influencer and graffiti artist DJ Kay Slay died on Easter Sunday at 55 after a harrowing four-month battle with COVID-19.
The trailblazing MC battle referee’s tragic passing was confirmed to The Publish in a press release from his household.
“Our hearts are damaged by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally generally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the bereaved Grayson household wrote in a touching tribute. “A dominant determine in Hip Hop tradition with thousands and thousands of followers worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will probably be remembered for his ardour and excellence with a legacy that can transcend generations.”
They continued, “In reminiscence of DJ Kay Slay, our household needs to thank all of his associates, followers, and supporters for his or her prayers and nicely needs throughout this troublesome time. We ask that you simply respect our privateness as we grieve this tragic loss.”
Grayson had reportedly succumbed to issues of COVID-19 after being hospitalized with the illness in December and placed on a ventilator, The Solar reported.
New York hip-hop radio station Scorching 97, additionally honored the rapper in a press release to The Publish, writing: “Scorching 97 is shocked and saddened by the lack of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. We cherish the various recollections created via the twenty-plus years he devoted to the ‘Drama Hour.’ “
Per week previous to the his demise, Wack 100 had revealed on Instagram that the musician was “nonetheless preventing” and wanted all of the prayers he might get.
“He’s been off the #ECMO machine for a pair weeks now,” they wrote, “Let’s proceed our prayers as our brother continues to combat.”
Born in August 14, 1966 in New York Metropolis, Grayson started his profession as a graffiti artist, and carried out hip hop in his spare time. Throughout that point, he was notably featured within the 1983 hip hop documentary “Type Wars.”
Regardless of his expertise for the artwork type, the rapper didn’t initially intend to develop into a DJ.
“It was simply one thing to try this was enjoyable and that I loved doing,” Grayson informed Forbes in a 2019 interview.
That modified when Grayson, who glided by the nickname Dez, launched his flagship album “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1” in 2003. The prolific rap artist would go on to create 5 extra studio albums throughout his profession: “The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2,” “Extra Than Only a DJ,” “The Massive Brother,” “Hip Hop Frontline,” and “The Soul Controller.”
In his last Instagram put up in January, Grayson promoted the one “In My Soul,” which he collaborated on with artists Tre Williams, Papoose, and AZ.
Grayson is maybe greatest recognized for his fierce dedication to preserving the integrity of hip hop, fairly than catering to the ever-changing tastes of the plenty. Dez was additionally recognized for his diss-laden combine tapes, which earned him the moniker the “Hip-Hop’s One-Man Ministry of Insults” by the New York Occasions.
The hip hop group mourned the late lyricist
“Hip Hop misplaced an actual gem,” rap promoter Van Silk, who initially reported the rapper’s passing, informed Hip-Hop DX. “My pricey brother is gone. I’ve recognized him since he was 16 years outdated. He was my little brother. I launched him to many and we did lots of issues collectively. We final talked December as a result of we had been ending up the 200 rolling deep challenge. He was gonna do his video half with MC Sha-Rock.”
He added, ““From the mixtapes to serving to him launch Straight Stuntin‘ journal and the entire “What The Science” challenge, the world not solely misplaced an actual devoted individual to the tradition of Hip Hop however a supply of bridging the hole in Hip Hop. I’m gonna miss my little brother.”
“A cultural icon, Kay Slay was greater than only a DJ, to us he was household and a significant a part of what made Scorching 97 the profitable station it's at this time,” they added. “Our hearts exit to his household, associates, and followers worldwide and we are going to at all times and without end have fun The Drama King’s legacy.”
“Relaxation Simple King Dez aka Spade TDS aka DJ Kay Slay a legend in two video games: graffiti and DJaying,” wrote rapper Dante Ross on Twitter. “F Covid. Relaxation In Energy.”
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