April 14 2025 Update
Tay-K, born Taymor Travon McIntyre on June 16, 2000, is an American rapper whose rise to fame was marked by both musical success and legal controversies.
Early Life and Music Career
Raised in Arlington, Texas, Tay-K began his music career as a member of the rap group Daytona Boyz in 2014. He gained significant attention with his 2017 single “The Race,” which was released while he was a fugitive. The song’s lyrics detailed his life on the run and became a viral sensation, peaking at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum certification from the RIAA .
Legal Issues and Convictions
Tay-K’s legal troubles began in 2016 when he was involved in a home invasion that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Ethan Walker in Mansfield, Texas. He was arrested after cutting off his ankle monitor and fleeing, leading to a nationwide manhunt. In 2019, he was convicted of murder and aggravated robbery, receiving a 55-year prison sentence with the possibility of parole after 28 years .
In 2025, Tay-K faced another capital murder trial for the 2017 shooting of 23-year-old Mark Anthony Saldivar outside a San Antonio Chick-fil-A. The prosecution alleged that Tay-K demanded Saldivar’s photography equipment and then shot him during an altercation. The defense argued that the investigation was flawed and that the shooting could have been in self-defense. Tay-K was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison .
Legacy and Impact
Despite his incarceration, Tay-K’s music continues to influence the rap scene, particularly within the subgenres of trap and cloud rap. His story highlights the complex intersection of fame, youth, and the criminal justice system in the modern era.
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