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Who is Tay-K?
Tay-K, real name Taymor Travon McIntyre, is a rapper whose rise and fall are as wild as the lyrics of his breakout song, “The Race.”
He went from dropping bangers on SoundCloud to topping charts, all while being on the run from the law. Yeah, you heard that right… he made Billboard moves while dodging the cops.
Known for his dark, gritty tracks, Tay-K became famous for all the wrong reasons, and his story is one for the books. Now? We tell you all we found out about him.
Early Life
Tay-K was born on June 16, 2000, in Long Beach, California. His dad was behind bars for most of his childhood, so his mom moved the family around. First stop? Vegas, baby. Then Arlington, Texas, once his dad got out.
By the time he was a teen, Tay was already soaking in rap influences like Soulja Boy and Chief Keef, but his school career was short-lived… he dipped out during his freshman year. Guess the rap game looked more exciting than math homework.
Tay-Family Dynamics
Tay-K’s family life was complicated. His dad’s early absence meant his mom was the one steering the ship, moving the family to new places for better opportunities.
But life in Arlington didn’t exactly keep him out of trouble. It’s clear his environment played a big role in the choices he made later.
Tay-K Dating History
Tay has kept his love life pretty low-key. With most of his time spent dealing with legal issues, there’s not much to report here. If he had a bae during his rise to fame, they stayed out of the spotlight… or maybe they just knew better than to get involved in the drama.
Education
School wasn’t Tay-K’s vibe. He attended Martin High School in Arlington, Texas, but left during his freshman year. Instead of worrying about GPA, he started working on his rap skills, and by 15, he was already uploading tracks to SoundCloud.
Career Timeline
Tay-K started out as part of a rap group called Daytona Boyz in 2014. They dropped tracks on SoundCloud, but it wasn’t until he went solo that people started noticing.
In 2015, he released songs like “BIFF XANNEN” and “Sly Cooper,” which earned him some buzz. His big moment came with “The Race” in 2017, a track he wrote and filmed while literally running from the law. The song blew up, hitting #44 on the Billboard Hot 100, and got certified platinum. Talk about multitasking.
Career Highlights
- “The Race”: His breakout hit, recorded during a manhunt, turned him into a viral sensation.
- Mixtape: He dropped Santana World in 2017 while behind bars, and it even charted on Billboard.
- Certified Platinum: “The Race” wasn’t just a song; it was a movement.
Tay-K Body Measurements
Tay-K stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs around 60 kilograms (132 pounds). With a slim build and a youthful look, he carried himself with the swagger of a rising rapper before his legal troubles overshadowed his career. While fitness wasn’t exactly his claim to fame, his lean frame complemented his rebellious persona.
He’s of Black (Afro-American) descent. He’s an American citizen by birth and is originally from California. His real name or birth name is Taymor Travon McIntyre.
Tay-K Net Worth
Before his legal troubles, Tay-K reportedly earned around $600,000 to $700,000 from his music deals and streaming revenue. While a chunk of that likely went to legal fees, it’s safe to say he made some serious cash during his short career.
How He Makes His Money
Tay-K’s main money-maker was his music. Streaming platforms, YouTube views, and his record deal with RCA Records brought in the big bucks. Even now, his music continues to generate revenue for his estate.
Why He Stands Out
Tay-K’s story is a mix of talent, bad decisions, and timing. He turned a life on the run into a Billboard success, and his song “The Race” became a cultural phenomenon. He’s proof that fame can come from the most unexpected… and sometimes unfortunate… places.
Fun Facts
- “The Race” has over 246 million views on YouTube.
- His debut mixtape, Santana World, was re-released with features from 21 Savage and Young Nudy.
- Tay-K’s legal situation inspired the hashtag #FREETAYK, which trended during his trial.
How Old Will Tay-K Be When He’s Out of Jail?
Tay-K was sentenced to 55 years in prison in 2019. With parole eligibility after serving 27.5 years, he could be out in 2046. That would make him 46 years old… definitely not the retirement age, but far from the 16-year-old who started it all.
Arrest and Initial Charges
In July 2016, Tay-K, then 16 years old, was involved in a home invasion in Mansfield, Texas, which resulted in the death of 21-year-old Ethan Walker. He was charged with capital murder and placed under house arrest.
In March 2017, Tay removed his ankle monitor and fled, prompting a nationwide manhunt. During his time as a fugitive, he allegedly committed additional crimes, including the robbery and fatal shooting of 23-year-old Mark Anthony Saldivar in San Antonio, Texas.
Capture and Legal Proceedings
Tay-K was apprehended in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in June 2017. He faced multiple charges, including capital murder for Walker’s death and additional charges related to Saldivar’s killing.
In July 2019, he was convicted of murder and three counts of aggravated robbery in connection with the 2016 home invasion.
The jury sentenced him to 55 years in prison for the murder charge, 30 years for one count of aggravated robbery, and two 13-year sentences for the remaining aggravated robbery counts, all to be served concurrently.
Upcoming Trial
Despite his current incarceration, Tay faces further legal challenges. He is scheduled to stand trial on February 10, 2025, for the capital murder charge related to the 2017 robbery and fatal shooting of Mark Anthony Saldivar. If convicted, he could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Parole Eligibility
Tay-K’s 55-year sentence includes the possibility of parole after serving half of the term. This makes him eligible for parole on January 23, 2047, when he will be 46 years old.
Tay’s legal journey underscores the severe consequences of criminal activities and serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of such actions on one’s life and career.
