DJ Shay, the producer and manager of the Buffalo-based hip hop label Griselda Records, passed away at the age of 48 in August 2020. He was known for his long-time collaboration with artists such as Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, and Armani Caesar. He was also the founder of Buff City Records and the executive producer of Black Soprano Family Records. His death was a huge loss for the hip hop community, especially in his hometown of Buffalo, New York.
DJ Shay’s Battle with COVID-19
The exact cause of DJ Shay’s death has not been officially confirmed, but according to some sources, he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier that summer and had recovered from the virus. However, he may have suffered from some complications or after-effects of the infection, which could have contributed to his demise.
According to Okayplayer, Westside Gunn, one of DJ Shay’s closest friends and collaborators, revealed that DJ Shay had beaten COVID-19 and wanted a Buffalo Kids chain as a reward. He also expressed his grief and gratitude for DJ Shay’s role in the success of Griselda Records and Buffalo hip hop. He wrote on Instagram: “U was there EVERY step of the way, It was an honor to help your dream come true for Buffalo Hip Hop, u looked at me and said ‘thx to you it’s no more Unsigned city… it’s signed city now’… u wanted this shit more than ALL of US, it wouldn’t be a Benny, WSG, Armani, Conway, BSF if it wasn’t for You.”
DJ Shay’s Legacy and Impact
DJ Shay started his career as a DJ at the age of 10, after receiving a turntable for Christmas. He soon became a prominent figure in the Buffalo music scene, spinning at various events and clubs. He also began making beats and working with local artists, such as the ’90s hip hop group Brother/hood Nation. He later met Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher, who were cousins and aspiring rappers. He took them under his wing and helped them develop their skills and style. He also introduced them to Conway The Machine, another cousin and rapper, who had survived a shooting that left half of his face paralyzed. Together, they formed the core of Griselda Records, a label that would eventually sign a distribution deal with Eminem’s Shady Records and Roc Nation.
DJ Shay was not only a producer and a DJ, but also a mentor and a manager for the Griselda artists. He guided them through the ups and downs of the music industry, and helped them achieve their goals and dreams. He was also a visionary and a pioneer, who created a distinctive sound and aesthetic for the label, blending gritty street stories with soulful samples and hard-hitting drums. He was also responsible for the production of Black Soprano Family Records, a sub-label of Griselda that featured artists such as Rick Hyde, Heem, and Boldy James.
DJ Shay’s influence and impact can be heard and felt in the music of Griselda and beyond. He was respected and admired by many in the hip hop world, including legends such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Alchemist, and Statik Selektah. He was also loved and cherished by his family, friends, and fans, who paid tribute to him on social media and in their songs. He will be remembered as one of the greatest producers and managers in hip hop history, and as a legend of Buffalo culture. Rest in peace, DJ Shay.
