DJ Kay Slay, Hip-Hop Pioneer and Radio Host, Dies at 55 After COVID Battle

ID and Discovery+ have unveiled their true crime slate for the 2022-23 upfront season, with four new TV series, including reboots of the classic podcasts Disappeared and Who The (Bleep) Did I Marry, six new specials, including the Armie Hammer-focused House of Hammer (wt),  nine returning series, two new podcasts, Hot and Deadly and Deadliest Decade, and a new season of Mind of a Monster podcast which launches in July.

Fresh with an injection of $170 million in Castle Rock financing with a lead investment from Derrick Rossi — the stem cell biologist who is co-founder of the Moderna vaccine — Rob Reiner is here at the Cannes Market for a myriad of reasons. One of them is to shoot Sharon Stone in Cannes this week, as part of the documentary film Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.

Welcome to International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, as the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has just kicked off, we’re talking to Enrique Costa and María Zamora, co-founders of Spanish distribution and production banner Elastica Films. At just a year old, the company is already making waves in the independent sector. They tell us about the company’s first year, their love of cinema and how they build films that connect with audiences. 

Rod Stewart claims his big nose was the reason he bedded so many women across his career.

Thania Garcia Backline and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund have teamed up to provide no-cost therapy to professional musical artists, road crew and anyone who makes the majority of their income in the music business. Even as the music world gradually emerges from the pandemic, the strain of the past two years will continue to manifest.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorJo Ann Ross has long recognized when to go for the hard- sell and when to soften things up.The Paramount Global U.S. ad sales chief is, like other executives in her position, is seizing this week to pitch big advertisers as part of the media industry’s annual “upfront,” when U.S.

Zack Sharf “Squid Game” is coming back to Netflix for a second season, but fans of the smash hit drama series are going to have to wait well over a year for  new episodes. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Vanity Fair that he predicts the next batch of episodes won’t be ready for release until the end of 2023 at the earliest.

Selome Hailu ID and Discovery+ announced an extensive slate of true crime specials, original series and reboots, including a special about the alleged crimes of Armie Hammer and his family.“House of Hammer” (working title) will examine different scandals over the course of five generations of Hammer’s family. The special uses “a trove of archive and interviews from survivors and family members” to investigate “a dysfunctional dynasty with its male characters exhibiting all the devastating consequences of privilege gone wild.”In August, ID and Discovery will debut the specials “Menendez Brothers: Misjudged?,” which considers whether the 1996 conviction of Joseph and Erik Menendez for the murders of their parents may actually be the story of two abuse victims; “Who Killed Biggie and Tupac?” (working title) with new interviews and insight about the shootings of both rappers; “Mary Kay Letourneau: Notes on a Scandal,” which revisits the story of the 34-year-old teacher who was convicted for raping her 12-year-old student Vili Fualauu, who she later married; and “The Killer Nanny,” which reexamines evidence from the murder trial of British au pair Louise Woodward.

Lorraine Kelly reckons Strictly bosses would be "silly" if they don't book Anton Du Beke to fill Bruno Tonioli's shoes on the show.

A Russian soldier standing trial for committing war crimes by murdering a civilian in Ukraine has pleaded guilty.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorA bright-red, child-size magical morphing creature is heading to Disney platforms.Disney Branded Television inked a deal with Moonbug Entertainment for 52 episodes of 7-minute CG series, “Morphle,” based on the YouTube short-form hit My Magic Pet Morphle. It’s the first partnership between Disney and Moonbug, whose properties include the CoComelon kids’ content juggernaut.The comedy adventure series is slated to debut in 2024 exclusively on Disney+ and Disney Junior globally, excluding China.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaRob Reiner is shooting a documentary about Albert Brooks and he’s lined up some major heavyweights to wax poetic about the filmmaker, actor and all-around comic genius.The director tells Variety that he’s already talked to or is planning to interview fellow comedians such as Larry David, Conan O’Brien, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill, as well as Sharon Stone, who worked with Brooks on 1999’s “The Muse.”“Albert is my really, really close friend,” says Reiner.

This is the moment a life-long Rangers fan broke down in tears as his brother handed him a surprise ticket to the Europa League Final.

A Ryanair passenger who declined to change seats for a new mum with an infant- after paying for his seat - has split opinion.

Sam Faiers is yet to share the name of her new baby boy after announcing his arrival earlier this week. But some fans are convinced that they may have worked out the newborn’s moniker after believing that former The Only Way Is Essex star Sam, 31, dropped a big hint on social media.

Khloe Kardashian put on a gorgeous display as she showed off her curves in a turquoise body hugging, mini dress.The reality TV star, 37, was snapped attending the Disney Hulu Upfront in New York City, where her mum Kris Jenner was also in attendance. Wearing black sunglasses, a pink manicure and open-toed heels, Khloe looked stunning as her platinum blonde hair blew in the wind. Disney Hulu Upfront showcases Disney's network, cable and streaming content and many celebrities, including Dwayne 'The Rock' and Hilary Duff were spotted at the event.

Deborah James has shared how her doting husband Sebastian whisked her away after spending a full 10 days inside her house amid her bowel cancer. The 40 year old, who has been courageously battling bowel cancer for five years, announced last week that her body is "just not playing ball" and she's been moved to end-of-life care.

Prince Edward stunned commuters as he boarded a busy tube service in central London this week. However royal sources say it is "not uncommon" for the Earl of Wessex to use the London underground to travel around the capital.

Who doesn't love having a new Netflix show to get your teeth stuck into? And this week, The Lincoln Lawyer has shot straight to the top of the streaming giant's charts and got us all staying up way beyond our bedtimes as we binge.The ten part legal drama has brought the character of Michael Connelly back to our screens for the first time since the 2011 film. Starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell and Jazz Raycole, it is based on the 2008 novel The Brass Verdict and is so named because the main character, defence attorney Mickey Haller (Garcia-Rulfo), works out of a chauffeur driven Lincoln town car rather than in an office.The show is the brainchild of David E Kelly who is behind some of the biggest shows in recent years including Big Little Lies, Big Sky and Nine Perfect Strangers.

S Club star Jo O’Meara showed off her huge sleeve tattoo as she posed on a red carpet with her old bandmate Rachel Stevens on Tuesday night. The pair stepped out at the Opening Night of 'Grease' The Musical at The Dominion Theatre in London, which stars Peter Andre as Vince Fontaine. Jo, 43, looked fantastic in a long green and black polka dot dress which she teamed with cream lace-up heels.

Peter Andre couldn't wipe the smile from his face as his children Junior and Princess came to support him as he made his Grease debut.The Mysterious Girl singer is taking on the role of Vince Fontaine in the hit musical on the West End and made his big debut at the Dominion Theatre London on Tuesday evening. And the 49 year old was seen with his proud children Junior, 16, and 14 year old Princess, as he exited the theatre and signed autographs for eager fans.The brother and sister duo were casually clad for the outing, and they were spotted patiently waiting as their famous father, who recently opened up about Rebekah Vardy's "chipolata" jibes, to fulfil his duties for fans. Peter opted for a printed black and white shirt and skinny black jeans for the successful evening.

Claudia Winkleman ditched her signature style as she attended an event in London on Tuesday evening. Stepping out at Sky's Up Next event at the Theatre Royal, the 50 year old Strictly Come Dancing host wowed in a chic, structured blazer that she wore atop a black and white lace top with a satin bow tie. But the television presenter, who was joined by her husband Kris Thykier at a recent event, seemed to opt for a sweeping side fringe rather than her usual block bangs, showing off her smokey, sultry eyeshadow.

MORE: The real reason Johnny Depp REFUSES to look at Amber Heard during trialJohnny Depp and Amber Heard's defamation case began on 11 April in Fairfax County, Virginia, and proceedings have been livestreamed throughout, further feeding public interest. WATCH: Amber Heard says she did not want divorce details to go publicBut when will the case come to a close?READ: What Johnny Depp's lawyer REALLY said as he celebrated Amber Heard's Kate Moss commentMORE: Johnny Depp: Everything Kate Moss has said following surprise celebration at trialAfter a ten-day hiatus, the trial resumed on Monday 16 May with Amber completing her testimony before facing cross-examination from Johnny's legal team.

Stephen Colbert has called in sick to work. On Thursday, it was announced that the upcoming episode of  would be canceled because the late-night host tested positive for COVID-19.«As previously planned, the show will be airing repeats tomorrow through next week.

In an industry that overwhelmingly prizes youth and novelty over experience, Keith Grayson, best known as DJ Kay Slay, was a rare beacon of continuity across hip-hop’s many eras. Though his early beginnings as a graffiti artist, his run as a mixtape innovator, and his position as kingmaker during some of New York hip-hop’s most competitive years may seem like wildly disparate epochs at a glance, the self-proclaimed Drama King embodied hip-hop’s competitive spirit and no-holds-barred attitude in every role he took on.

Pioneering hip hop artist Keith Grayson, who performed as DJ Kay Slay and worked with top stars, has died of complications from COVID-19. Grayson's death at age 55 on Sunday was confirmed by his family in a statement released through New York radio station HOT 97, where he hosted "The Drama Hour" for more than two decades.

World-famous hip-hop DJ and radio personality DJ Kay Slay has passed.

DJ Kay Slay, famed for his run of early 2000s mixtapes, has died following a four-month battle with Covid-19, his family have confirmed. He was 55. In a statement the family of Slay, real name Keith Grayson, said: "Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay.

A.D. Amorosi Hip-hop star Keith Grayson — the East Harlem graffiti tagger, radio disc jockey, mixtape master, MC battle referee and recording artist better known as DJ Kay Slay — died Sunday, due to complications from a four-month battle with COVID-19.

New York radio station Hot 97, where he once worked. “Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay,” the statement read. “A dominant figure in hip-hop culture with millions of fans worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations. In memory of DJ Kay Slay, our family wishes to thank all of his friends, fans, and supporters for their prayers and well wishes during this difficult time.

Keith Grayson, the influential hip hop mixtape artist, graffiti icon and New York radio host known professionally as DJ Kay Slay, died on Sunday. He was 55. Grayson’s family confirmed the news Monday after he had been battling Covid-19.

DJ Kay Slay has sadly passed away.

The Sun reported.New York hip-hop radio station Hot 97, also honored the rapper in a statement to The Post, writing: “Hot 97 is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved DJ Kay Slay. We cherish the many memories created through the twenty-plus years he dedicated to the ‘Drama Hour.’ “A week prior to the his death, Wack 100 had revealed on Instagram that the musician was “still fighting” and needed all the prayers he could get.“He’s been off the #ECMO machine for a couple weeks now,” they wrote, “Let’s continue our prayers as our brother continues to fight.”Born in August 14, 1966 in New York City, Grayson began his career as a graffiti artist, and performed hip hop in his spare time.

Kay Slay has died four months after being hospitalised with COVID.The news of the DJ’s death was revealed to HipHopDX by hip-hop promoter Van Silk, who confirmed that Kay Slay passed away yesterday (April 17). He was 55 years old.“Hip Hop lost a real gem,” Silk told the outlet. “My dear brother is gone.

LEGENDARY hip-hop star DJ Kay Slay has died – months after being hospitalized with Covid-19. The 55-year-old DJ, of New York City, passed away on April 17.