Sexyy Red Petitions Court to Dismiss Tay Keith Lawsuit

Sexyy Red is officially asking a court to remove her from the late producer Tay Keith‘s unpaid royalties lawsuit. The St. Louis rapper argues that artists do not maintain control over producer payments and should not be held personally responsible for the business decisions made by record labels.

According to a letter obtained by TMZ, the request was submitted on June 6, just days before the tragic passing of the Grammy-winning producer. The lawsuit, which named the rapper as a defendant, alleged that the label failed to pay royalties for work produced by Keith.

In an emotional letter to the judge, Sexyy Red expressed her shock at being named in the litigation. “I recently learned that I was named as a defendant,” she wrote. “I am appalled and furthermore hurt by the allegations made.”

The rapper emphasized that she lacks the authority to manage royalty distributions, noting, “I am an artist who is not allowed to pay producers. All of this is handled by the record label.” She also took the opportunity to highlight her close professional and personal bond with the late producer, describing him as a trusted collaborator and a dear friend.

“Tay Keith and I are great working partners and even greater friends,” she stated. “If the label owes him money, I’m sure they have started the process to get him paid.” She further clarified that payment delays are a common industry hurdle that affects artists as well, adding that she herself is still awaiting payments for several collaborative projects.

The legal dispute centers on 13 songs produced by Keith in 2024. Label attorney Dameka Davis reinforced the rapper’s stance, stating, “Royalty negotiations are handled by labels — not artists.” A representative for the late producer also acknowledged that the lawsuit was largely a legal formality, confirming that the dispute is strictly between the respective labels rather than the artist herself.

As the legal process continues, Sexyy Red remains focused on her request to be dismissed from the case, maintaining that she is not the party responsible for the financial grievances raised.