DJ Kay Slay has died at the age of 55, months after being hospitalised with Covid-19.
The record executive, from New York, passed away on Easter Sunday and his death was confirmed by hip-hop promoter Van Silk.
It comes after the graffiti writer, whose real name is Keith Grayson, was admitted to hospital in December with Covid.
Tragic: DJ Kay Slay has died at the age of 55, just months after being hospitalised with Covid-19
Van Silk, who has known the late DJ since he was 16 years old, paid tribute DJ Slay in a statement to DX, describing him as ‘my dear brother’.
Hip Hop lost a real gem,’ he told the publication. ‘I’ve known him since he was 16 years old. He was my little brother.’
DJ Slay, who knew DJ Khaled, was well-known for his albums The Soul Controller, The Streetsweeper and Accolades, while he was described as ‘Hip Hop’s One-Man Ministry of Insults’ by the New York Times.
Musician: DJ Slay, who knew DJ Khaled, was well-known for his albums The Soul Controller, The Streetsweeper and Accolades
News: The record executive, from New York, passed away on Easter Sunday and his death was confirmed by hip-hop promoter Van Silk
Friends: DJ Slay is pictured with DJ Kay Slay, DJ Camilo, DJ Whoo Kid, and Snoop Dogg at the Tycoon Pool Party hosted by 50 Cent at Bar Code on August 18, 2019
Celebrities were quick to pay tribute to the music star, also known as Dez, as reports of his death began to circulate on social media.
Wack 100 said: ‘RIP DJ Kay Slay.’
Record producer Statik Selektah tweeted: ‘I have so much to say. So many stories. This weeks ShowOff Radio will be special. RIP Kay Slay.’
In an earlier post, he said: ‘Can’t believe I’m typing this. Rest in power DJ Kay Slay. Legend. F**k!’
Rapper Termanology wrote: R.I.P. DJ Kay Slay!!!! Words cannot describe how much of a legend he was and what he meant to our culture!!!!’
Illness: It comes after the graffiti writer, whose real name is Keith Grayson, was admitted to hospital in December with Covid
Passing: Celebrities were quick to pay tribute to the music star as reports of his death began to circulate on social media
‘You were a true trailblazer’: Model Jenna Shea shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram page, as she gushed that she was ‘grateful for the many years I’ve known you’
Music executive Dante Ross penned: ‘Rest Easy King Dez aka Spade TDS aka DJ Kay Slay a legend in two games: graffiti and DJaying. F Covid. Rest In Power.’
Model Jenna Shea shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram page, as she gushed that she was ‘grateful for the many years I’ve known you’ alongside a gallery of pictures of DJ Slay.
She said: ‘Rest In Peace @djkayslay you put me in straight stunt in in 2007 my first magazine ever. Then in 2020 you gave me a cover. I am grateful for the many years I’ve known you.
‘You were a true trailblazer in the music industry and magazine game. They don’t make ’em like you anymore. I’m blessed for our last conversations. The man above gonna count you in cuz you never counted nobody out.’
Covid: In December, DJ Slay’s brother Kwame Grayson spoke about his condition as he admitted that the record executive was unwell but was on the mend
Confirmed: Van Silk, who has known the late DJ since he was 16 years old, paid tribute DJ Slay in a statement to DX, describing him as ‘my dear brother’
Just one week ago, Wack 100 claimed that DJ Slay was ‘still fighting’ months after his Covid battle last year.
In December, DJ Slay’s brother Kwame Grayson spoke about his condition as he admitted that the record executive was unwell but was on the mend.
‘He was slowly fading away, but God didn’t let that happen, he told DX at the time. ‘So he’s up and going. He’s like in a recovery state, but he’s definitely not going to die.’
Pals: Stephanie Santiago, DJ Kay Slay, and Jazzie Belle attend the 4th Annual Global Spin Awards at PlayStation Theater on November 17, 2015
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