DJ Kay Slay Loses Battle With COVID-19

The coronavirus has taken a well-respected and long-time member of the Hip-Hop community.

New York City former graffiti artist, DJ, and recording artist DJ Kay Slay has been battling the dread coronavirus for four months and finally succumbed to it on Easter Sunday. According to the New York Post, the 55-year-old died after being inflicted with the deadly COVID-19 over the weekend.

The death was confirmed by Kay Slay’s family in a statement to the New York Post

“Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the family wrote. “A dominant figure in Hip Hop culture with millions of fans worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations.”

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

Kay Slay, also known as “The Drama King” was a popular DJ at New York’s Hot 97 where he has powered his “Drama Hour” for over 20 years. According to The Fader, the Hip-Hop station also released a statement about his passing. “Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. We cherish the many memories created through the twenty-plus years he dedicated to the Drama Hour. A cultural icon, Kay Slay 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 hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans worldwide and we will always and forever celebrate The Drama King’s legacy.”

A Word From The HOT 97 Family: 🕊️

RIP DJ Kay Slay pic.twitter.com/TawxjRSSRh

— HOT 97 (@HOT97) April 18, 2022

Kay Slay also owned and operated “Straight Stuntin’ Magazine.”

His presence was felt worldwide and many showed their gratitude towards “The Drama King” on Twitter.

We lost one of the most SOLID MFs in HipHop.. I’ve been checking in on him his whole struggle in the Hospital. I honestly thought he was gonna pull through. This truly Hurts… F Covid. RIP to the Drama King 👑 #Kay Slay pic.twitter.com/5MyanPPPWo

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) April 18, 2022

Salute Dj Kay Slay Forever. #PoPDuKe

— Freddie Foxxx (@BumpyKnuckles) April 18, 2022

Rest In Peace K slay God bless you . 🕊#bransoncognac #lecheminduroi pic.twitter.com/PGAclHnYHc

— 50cent (@50cent) April 18, 2022

RIP to DJ Kay Slay 🙏🏽🧡

— TRINA (@TRINArockstarr) April 18, 2022

Drama King.

— Crime Rhyme Houdini (@JustBlaze) April 18, 2022

Rest easy Legend! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/rdXxY3uBkc

— DJ P👀H (@DJPooh) April 18, 2022

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓, #DJKaySlay 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/WUATLWatJI

— PUBLIC ENEMY (@PublicEnemyFTP) April 18, 2022

Rest in Power big bro. I can’t even believe I’m writing this. Travel well my old friend. My condolences to his family and other friends hurting right now. #DjKaySlay #Harlem pic.twitter.com/M7BFnG62iH

— Immortal Technique (@ImmortalTech) April 18, 2022

💔🥲 Rest In Peace Dj Kay Slay the first Dj to play my music on the radio Slay was the definition of doing it for The Culture truly gone be missed Thank You for everything #HipHopLegend 🕊 https://t.co/0gkVLrvDmd

— Uncle Murda LG (@unclemurda) April 18, 2022