Tay Keith Launches “My Memphis Poetry Problem” For Youth
This previous weekend, the Memphis’ music scene was buzzing with pleasure as Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith teamed up with the Metropolis of Memphis Workplace of Youth Providers for the launch of the “My Memphis Poetry Problem.” This city-wide competitors aimed to showcase the voices of younger individuals in Memphis, offering them with a platform for inventive expression and recognition. The occasion, held on the iconic Metropolis Corridor, was a celebration of native expertise, providing money prizes, unique designer sneakers, and even Beats by Dre headphones to the highest 5 youth poets.
This initiative is a part of a broader effort by Tay Keith and his report label, DRUMATIZED, to put money into the following technology of inventive minds, supporting youth throughout Memphis by way of numerous inventive endeavors. On this article, we’ll discover how this distinctive occasion is making waves within the metropolis, the highly effective impression of creativity on the youth, and the way Tay Keith is shaping Memphis’ cultural future.
Tay Keith’s Imaginative and prescient: Giving Again to Memphis
Tay Keith’s success within the music business is well-known, from producing chart-topping hits for artists like Drake, Travis Scott, and Quavo, to being named “Producer of the 12 months” on the 2024 BMI Awards. Nonetheless, Keith’s connection to Memphis runs deeper than simply his musical roots. The town performed a serious function in shaping his profession, and now he’s paying it ahead.
“With out poetry, we wouldn’t have lyricism. With out lyricism, we wouldn’t have the music you’re keen on,” says Tay Keith. His dedication to supporting inventive expression, significantly amongst younger individuals in his hometown, is obvious by way of initiatives just like the “My Memphis Poetry Problem.” The competitors gave younger poets as much as the age of 18 an opportunity to be acknowledged for his or her writing and efficiency expertise, in the end showcasing the variety of expertise current in Memphis.
Furthermore, the occasion additionally marked the start of a bigger ongoing challenge known as “Memphis Sole Decision: Kicks for Our Future.” This initiative goals to empower Memphis youth by donating sneakers at numerous occasions, partnerships, and inventive initiatives designed to encourage confidence and self-expression.
Highlighting Memphis’ Artistic Youth
The “My Memphis Poetry Problem” was greater than only a competitors; it was a chance for younger poets to be seen and heard. Memphis has lengthy been recognized for its wealthy musical historical past and vibrant cultural scene, however this occasion highlighted the town’s rising group of poets, writers, and different creatives.
The occasion came about within the prestigious Corridor of Mayors at Memphis Metropolis Corridor, the place the highest 5 poets have been honored and celebrated for his or her expertise. Along with money prizes, the winners obtained Beats by Dre headphones, reward playing cards, and an unique pair of designer sneakers from Tay Keith himself.
The publicity that these younger poets obtained on the occasion is invaluable, because it gives them the prospect to construct a portfolio, acquire recognition, and really feel validated of their inventive pursuits. This chance will undoubtedly open doorways for a lot of of them, encouraging them to proceed honing their craft and discovering their distinctive voices.
“Memphis Sole Decision”: Kicks for the Future
Some of the thrilling components of Tay Keith’s partnership with the Metropolis of Memphis is the launch of the “Memphis Sole Decision.” This initiative is designed to supply youth throughout the town with a tangible, uplifting reward—new sneakers—whereas additionally fostering a way of group and assist. Keith understands that materials items like sneakers could appear small, however they maintain vital which means in offering youth with confidence and motivation.
By means of this ongoing initiative, Tay Keith plans to distribute sneakers to younger individuals all through Memphis, with the aim of inspiring them to step ahead with delight, goal, and a way of belonging. This donation of sneakers goes past easy charity—it represents an funding in Memphis’ future and a reminder that each younger particular person deserves the chance to shine.
The Affect of Creativity on Youth Growth
Tay Keith’s dedication to supporting Memphis’ youth is rooted in his perception within the energy of inventive expression. Whether or not by way of poetry, music, or different types of artwork, creativity has the power to empower younger individuals, serving to them construct confidence, problem-solving expertise, and a way of identification. For Tay Keith, poetry and lyricism are deeply intertwined, with one artwork kind feeding into the opposite.
Along with the poetry problem and sneaker donations, Tay Keith’s report label, DRUMATIZED, has been concerned in a number of mentorship initiatives aimed toward serving to younger individuals break into the music business. Keith’s modern month-to-month music-mentorship camps have featured nation music icons reminiscent of Walker Hayes and Lalo Guzman, alongside hip-hop artists, fostering a cross-genre inventive setting.
In consequence, these camps present rising expertise with hands-on studying alternatives, connecting them with seasoned business professionals and educating them precious expertise they’ll apply of their careers. The mix of mentorship, sensible expertise, and community-building is vital to growing the following technology of artists and leaders.
Tay Keith’s Continued Affect in Memphis and Past
Moreover, Tay Keith’s success within the music business has not solely earned him accolades like a spot on Forbes’ 2025 30 Below 30 checklist however has additionally positioned him as a frontrunner in shaping the way forward for Memphis’ cultural panorama. Because the founding father of the second Black-owned studio and label in Nashville, Keith has created a platform for rising stars and up-and-coming expertise to develop their expertise and break into the business.
With artists like BossMan Dlow and Sexyy Crimson signed to his label, Tay Keith’s affect extends far past his personal productions. He’s actively nurturing and selling the following technology of expertise, each within the music business and within the wider inventive arts. His work is redefining what it means to be an artist, producer, and mentor in right this moment’s ever-evolving leisure panorama.
Along with his musical contributions, Tay Keith can also be deeply concerned in schooling. He’s an honorary professor at his alma mater, Center Tennessee State College (MTSU), and has established an internship program with DRUMATIZED. This program supplies college students with precious business expertise, permitting them to study from a few of the high names in music manufacturing and enterprise.
The Energy of Mentorship and Group
What makes Tay Keith’s initiatives so impactful is his give attention to mentorship and group. Whether or not it’s by way of music-mentorship camps, poetry challenges, or sneaker giveaways, his efforts spotlight the significance of group assist and constructive reinforcement for younger individuals.
Mentorship is among the strongest instruments in serving to younger individuals unlock their potential. By surrounding them with skilled professionals and offering them with real-world expertise, Keith and his workforce are serving to to arrange the following technology for fulfillment, not simply in music however in all areas of life.
Furthermore, initiatives just like the “My Memphis Poetry Problem” and “Memphis Sole Decision” present how small actions can have a huge impact. Giving younger individuals a voice, an viewers, and the sources to succeed will help increase their confidence and creativity, laying the muse for a brighter future.
A Vibrant Future for Memphis’ Youth
Tay Keith’s efforts to present again to Memphis are an inspiring instance of how artists can use their platform to make a distinction of their communities. By means of occasions just like the “My Memphis Poetry Problem” and initiatives like “Memphis Sole Decision,” Tay Keith is offering younger individuals with the instruments and alternatives they should thrive creatively, professionally, and personally.
By persevering with to assist Memphis’ youth by way of mentorship, sources, and inventive platforms, Tay Keith helps to form a brand new technology of artists, thinkers, and leaders. His work not solely empowers younger individuals in Memphis however serves as a mannequin for the way different artists can provide again to their communities, creating lasting impression that extends far past the music business.
As Memphis continues to develop as a hub for creativity and tradition, initiatives like these will play a vital function in nurturing the following wave of expertise and making certain that Memphis stays a vibrant, dynamic metropolis for years to come back.
