Rapper Sexyy Red has publicly addressed the royalty dispute involving late producer Tay Keith, revealing that she personally wrote to a judge after being named in a lawsuit over alleged unpaid royalties.
The emotional letter, obtained by TMZ, was reportedly submitted just days before the acclaimed producer’s death and offers the rapper’s side of the legal battle that has drawn attention within the music industry.
The dispute began in March, when Tay Keith filed a lawsuit against Rebel Music, Sexyy Red’s record label, alleging he was not properly compensated for producing 13 songs for the rapper in 2024.
Among the tracks listed in the lawsuit was the breakout hit “Pound Town,” one of the songs that helped propel Sexyy Red to mainstream success.
Keith’s legal action named both the label and the rapper, a move that Sexyy Red said came as a complete surprise.
In her letter to the court, the rapper expressed disappointment over being included in the case, insisting she had no role in handling royalty payments.
“I was appalled and furthermore hurt by the allegations made.”
Sexyy Red explained that financial negotiations involving producers are managed by record labels rather than artists, adding that she has also experienced delays in receiving payments for some of her own work.
She maintained that she had always enjoyed a close personal and professional relationship with Tay Keith.
“Tay Keith and I are great working partners and even greater friends. If the label owes him money, I’m sure they have started the process to get him paid.”
Representatives for Tay Keith and lawyers for Rebel Music reportedly agreed that naming Sexyy Red in the lawsuit was largely a procedural legal step rather than an accusation of personal wrongdoing.
The label’s attorney, Dameka Davis, reiterated that artists are not responsible for negotiating producer royalties.
“Royalty negotiations are handled by labels, not artists, and I’ve worked closely with the legal counsel and team for Tay Keith to finalize the royalty agreement to fully compensate him for his valuable contributions.”
According to the legal team, discussions to resolve the dispute were already nearing completion.
Those close to Tay Keith also emphasized that the producer never blamed Sexyy Red personally for the disagreement.
According to his representatives, Keith regarded the rapper as “a sister,” underscoring the close bond they shared despite the legal dispute.
The revelation adds an emotional dimension to the case, suggesting that the disagreement centred on contractual and royalty issues between the producer and the label rather than a personal falling-out between the two collaborators.
With the matter reportedly close to resolution before Tay Keith’s passing, Sexyy Red’s letter offers a glimpse into a friendship that endured despite the legal proceedings surrounding one of their biggest musical successes.
