Tay-K

Taymor Travon McIntyre (born June 16, 2000), better known professionally as Tay-K is an American rapper and convicted murderer.

McIntyre was born in Long Beach, California on June 16, 2000.

His father was imprisoned during McIntyre's youth.

McIntyre's mother moved him and his sister to Las Vegas, Nevada, when he was eight years old.

When McIntyre's father was released from prison, he moved the family to Arlington, Texas, in search of a better environment.

McIntyre attended Martin High School, but dropped out during his freshman year.

He was influenced by Chief Keef, XXXTentacion, Eazy-E, Young Pappy, and his favorite rapper SoulJa Boy.

McIntyre started his rap career as part of the rap group Daytona Boyz alongside rappers Pimpyz and Santana Sage in 2014.

The group released their first track "Drift" on audio distribution platform SoundCloud on December 25, 2014.

The group released a series of songs, barely getting attention as they performed at various parties attempting to create a presence in the local rap scene.

McIntyre released his first solo song in August 2015 titled "BIFF XANNEN" on his SoundCloud account.

This and his September 2015 song "Sly Cooper" garnered local attention within the Arlington rap scene.

McIntyre's song "Megaman" was released on his SoundCloud on March 16, 2016, and, along with several other songs McIntyre released, became popular after he was arrested on capital murder charges.

McIntyre released several songs while on the run from the police, including "The Race" which was recorded during McIntyre's stay in New Jersey and the music video was released on YouTube the same day as his capture.

The song debuted at number 70 on the US Billboard Hot 100 after a large hashtag campaign pursuing the release of McIntyre using the hashtag "#FREETAYK".

It peaked at 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has over 226 million views on YouTube.

"The Race" has been remixed by numerous artists including Tyga, Lil Yachty, YBN Nahmir, Fetty Wap, and Rico Nasty among others.

While incarcerated, McIntyre released the mixtape Santana World.

He is best known for his 2017 hit song "The Race", which peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA in January 2018.

The lyrics detail criminal activity carried out by McIntyre, and became popular following a nationwide manhunt for his eventual arrest in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

McIntyre was captured by U.S. marshals on June 30, 2017, the same day "The Race" was released, after a total of three months running and hiding from authorities.

The song would later reach platinum.

After being brought back to Texas for his crimes, McIntyre would receive support from his fans on social media.

While being held at Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth, Texas, Tay-K's management team released his debut mixtape, Santana World, on July 29, 2017, and it received a generally positive response from critics and fans.

WorldStarHipHop released "Coolin" on September 14, 2017.

McIntyre's official Twitter account tweeted that the version released by WorldStarHipHop was a leak and not official saying "we have something major in store."

On December 14, 2017, McIntyre's debut mixtape Santana World was re-released by 88 Classic and RCA Records, which was updated with a remix of his single "The Race" featuring vocals from rappers 21 Savage and Young Nudy.

"The Race" was certified platinum by the RIAA on January 19, 2018.

On February 2, 2018, McIntyre's official Twitter account tweeted two pictures of McIntyre, the first time he had been seen since May 2017.

The following day, the song "After You" was released on McIntyre's SoundCloud account.

It was revealed in March 2018 that McIntyre had earned around $600,000 to $700,000 with his record deal with 88 Classic and RCA Records.

Following the creation of the No Jumper music label, Tay-K was featured alongside BlocBoy JB on No Jumper's song "Hard" which entered the Bubbling Under Hot 100 charts at number 14.

Tay-K was featured on the shortlist for the 2018 XXL Freshman list.

In July 2019, McIntyre was found guilty of murder for his involvement in a 2016 home invasion and robbery that left 21-year-old Ethan Walker dead, and was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

In November 2019, McIntyre was indicted on a second murder charge for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Mark Anthony Saldivar, an offense for which he is awaiting trial.

On November 23, 2019, McIntyre's Twitter account was maintained by a family member against his manager, Ezra Averill's wishes.

The relative tweeted numerous claims on the rapper's behalf, citing disaffection with his contract with 88 Classic and RCA, as well as his strained communication from Averill, promising to help McIntyre "make sure the truth about my life and my character gets out with or without management or a label".

The tweets read:

Averill later retweeted the topic with an additional reply, "Change the narrative. It begins now #FreeTayK".

In 2023, McIntyre tweeted about "one chance at adulthood" on X. He tweeted: