MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2026. Memphis Public Libraries will dedicate its music production room at Cloud901 as the Tay Keith Music Lab following a generous donation from the Tay Keith Legacy Foundation. The dedication will take place at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 21, at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
Keith, a Grammy-nominated artist and producer, worked with some of music’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé and Drake. His career included four No. 1 records on the Billboard Hot 100, including Travis Scott’s 2018 single “Sicko Mode” and Drake’s 2023 hit “First Person Shooter.” The 29-year-old passed away earlier this year in Nashville.
The dedication will recognize Tay Keith’s contributions to Memphis music and his influence as a Music Producer while creating a space where young people can learn about music production and develop their own skills.
“The funding of this music lab is an investment in the next generation of Memphis talent and a fitting tribute to Tay Keith. His legacy will live on by giving young people the tools and space to create, learn, and build their own future in Music,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
The Tay Keith Legacy Initiative at Memphis Public Libraries will include four components:
Tay Keith Music Lab: The music production room at Cloud901 will be named in his honor and will provide young people with opportunities to learn, experiment, and create music.
Tay Keith Beat Making 101: The library will develop a music production curriculum within Cloud901’s existing music education program. The curriculum will introduce young people to beat making and music production, including the fundamentals of creating beats and developing their own sound.
Tay Keith Collection: Memphis Public Libraries will work with Tay Keith’s family and others connected to his life and career to establish a permanent archival collection. Materials may include photographs, handwritten notes, studio materials, awards or replicas, correspondence, memorabilia, and other items documenting his life and career.
Tay Keith in 901Voices: Family members and others who knew Tay Keith will be invited to share their memories through Memphis Public Libraries’ 901Voices oral history initiative. The recordings will become part of the library’s digital archive and preserve his story through the voices of those who knew him.
“We are honored to dedicate our Cloud901 music production lab for Tay Keith. What better way to honor the legacy of a beloved Memphian and his timeless work than with a space that gives teens the freedom to find their own voices,” said Dr. Eric D. Harris, Memphis Public Libraries Director.
Keith attended White Station High School in Memphis and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018. He was known for giving back to underserved communities through Arts and Education. His commitment to motivating and uplifting youth is what inspired his family to create the Tay Keith Legacy Initiative. This partnership aims to preserve Keith’s contributions to Memphis music while giving young people opportunities to explore music production.
Statement from the Tay Keith Family: Today we keep our beloved Tay Keith’s memory and profound work alive by unveiling the Tay Keith Music Lab in partnership with Memphis Public Libraries. This space will connect his legacy to creation and focus on future generations of young DJ, producers and music moguls to come. Through an archival collection preserved as part of the historical record of Memphis and Shelby County along with 901Voices oral history initiative, all of these elements will serve as a living legacy where future creators can work, where history can be preserved, and a permanent record where Tay’s story can continue to be heard. We feel he would be so proud of this community effort and being able to continue impacting the young creatives in Memphis, which was always a big part of who he was as a person in both his life and music.
Event Details
What: Dedication of the Tay Keith Music Lab
When: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21
Where: Cloud901, Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave.
About Cloud901: Cloud901 is a free, state-of-the-art creativity, production, research, and performance technology lab within the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library where kids ages 13-18 can thrive in an innovative and collaborative space. Teens have access to top-of-the-line technology and training on skills like music production, photography, videography, robotics, and more.
Media Contact:
Arlenia Cole, Media Affairs Manager
City of Memphis
Arlenia.Cole@memphistn.gov