TayK, whose real name is Taymor Travon McIntyre, emerged as a brief but unforgettable presence. Born in Arlington, Texas in 2000, Tay-K’s journey in the music industry has been marked by a mixtape, an extended play (EP), and a handful of singles, with “The Race” being the song that catapulted them into the spotlight, peaking at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum and gold certification.
However, what sets Tay-K’s story apart is the significant overlap between his musical success and serious legal troubles, including his involvement in criminal activities that ultimately led to his multiple arrests. In this article, we’ll examine Tay-K’s short but influential music career, his chart-topping hits, and the controversies and legal challenges that made him a notable figure in the rap world.
TayK’s Early Life and Career:
TayK, whose real name is Taymor Travon McIntyre, was born on June 16, 2000, in Arlington, Texas. His childhood was tough. Her father, Kevin Beverly, had his legal troubles, and Tay-K’s family moved around a bit. He first moved to Las Vegas when he was eight years old and later settled in Arlington, Texas in search of a better life.
Tay-K started attending Martin High School but dropped out during his freshman year. He was into music and was inspired by rappers like Chief Keef, XXXTentacion, Eazy-E, Young Pappy, and his favorite, Soulja Boy.
Rise in the Music World:
Tay-K began his music career in 2014 by joining a rap group called the Daytona Boys. He presented his first song on a platform called SoundCloud. However, even after performing at local parties, he struggled to gain attention.
In August 2015, TayK released his first solo song on SoundCloud called “BIFF XANNEN”. He followed it up in September 2015 with “Sally Cooper”, which gained some attention in the local rap scene. His song “Mega Man”, released in March 2016, also gained popularity, even more so after his run-ins with the law.
The Race to Stardom and Legal Troubles:
Tay-K’s biggest hit “The Race” was released while he was on the run from the police. He recorded it in New Jersey and when he was caught, the music video was released on YouTube. Fans rallied behind him with the hashtag “#FREETAYK” and the song made it to the Billboard Hot 100.
Tay-K’s song “The Race” was even remixed by famous artists like Tyga, Lil Yachty, and others. While in prison, he released a mixtape called “Santana World” and his first mixtape was re-released with a remix of “The Race”.
Legal Troubles and Reflection:
TayK faced serious legal problems, which eventually led to his imprisonment. When he was just 16 years old, he was convicted for his role in the crime and sentenced to 55 years in prison. He lamented and spoke about the injustice he felt he faced in the legal system. He has also tried to encourage and support young artists from behind bars. Tay-K’s story is a complex one, with early aspirations in the music world and involvement in criminal activities leading to a tragic turn in his life. It serves as a lesson about the consequences of our choices.
Tay-K’s Legal Troubles:
January 2016: Bystander for a fatal shooting:
In early 2016, TayK was in a car with his friend Santana Sage, who shot and killed a student during an argument after a New Year’s Eve party. TayK was in the car but was not charged in the case.
July 2016–2019: Mansfield burglary and capital murder
In July 2016, Tay-K and a group of friends were arrested for a home invasion that resulted in one death. They had planned to rob someone, but it went wrong, resulting in a fatal encounter. Tay-K was initially held in a juvenile facility, but it was later decided that he should be tried as an adult. He faced several charges related to the incident.
January-June 2017: House Arrest, Manhunt, and “The Race”
In early 2017, TayK was placed under house arrest awaiting trial. However, he and another man escaped to San Antonio, Texas by cutting off their ankle monitors. He wrote on Twitter that he does not want to be under house arrest. While on the run, he recorded a song called “The Race” in New Jersey, describing his escape from the police. He was finally caught in June 2017.
April-May 2017: San Antonio shooting and Arlington mugging
While he was on the run, TayK was reportedly involved in a shooting in San Antonio, where someone was killed during a robbery. He was also accused of assaulting and robbing a man in Arlington, Texas.
Other Criminal Activities and Legal Issues:
While in prison, TayK faced charges for possessing a secret phone. He also had behavioral problems in prison, which led to him being placed in solitary confinement. He was accused of trying to form a prison gang.
Industry responses and litigation:
Tay-K’s music faced controversy when it was removed from Spotify playlists due to its “hateful content and hateful behavior” policy. Several lawsuits were filed against her record labels by TayK, her former manager, and victims and their families, seeking damages for profits from her music. The results of these cases are uncertain until 2023.
Tayk release date:
Tay-K’s discography includes one mixtape, one extended play (EP), and several singles that reflect his short but influential career in the music industry. In 2017, TayK released his first mixtape titled “#3Tay-K47” on July 4th. The mixtape was self-released and distributed primarily through digital download and streaming platforms. Although it did not achieve any specific chart position, it started Tay-K’s musical journey.
Shortly after, in July 2017, TayK dropped his second mixtape, “Santana World”, this time through the 88 Classic and RCA labels. “Santana World” peaked at number 128 on the US charts, marking some early career success. Additionally, Tay-K released an extended play (EP) titled “#LivingLikeLarry” on May 4, 2017. It was also self-released and made available through digital download and streaming platforms.
As a lead artist, TayK is best known for his 2017 hit single “The Race”, which charted at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The success of the song was reflected by its RIAA certification of Platinum and MC certification of Gold. “The Race” was featured on his “Santana World” mixtape.
Tay-K also collaborated with Rich the Kid on “I Love My Choppa (Remix)” and released the single “After You” in 2018. As a featured artist, TayK contributed to No Jumper’s single “Hard” featuring BlocBoy JB. The song received RIAA Gold certification, which also shows his influence on the tracks featured.
TayK’s music career was marked by a brief but influential presence in the rap scene, and his music reflects his journey, including not only his musical successes but also his legal troubles. are also included.
Conclusion:
TayK’s musical journey featured a brief but influential presence in the rap industry. His discography included a mixtape, an extended play (EP), and several singles, with the standout hit “The Race” peaking at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and receiving platinum and gold certification. This success has come against a backdrop of legal troubles, including his involvement in criminal activities and numerous arrests. TayK’s music not only showcased his talent but also intertwined with his legal struggles, reflecting a complex and controversial chapter in the world of hip-hop. His short but intense career serves as a testament to the often tumultuous intersection of talent and legal issues in the music industry.
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