DJ Kay Slay dies at age 55 on Easter Sunday – just months after he was hospitalised with Covid-19

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.

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, 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

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.’ 

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!!!!’ 

Passing: Celebrities were quick to pay tribute to the music star as reports of his death began to circulate on social media

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.’ 

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.’