Friends and family are mourning the loss the Griselda Records producer and manager, DJ Shay. He was only 48 years old. Westside Gunn took to Instagram to share a touching tribute and says that he is “heartbroken.”

“U was there EVERY step of the way,” Gunn wrote. “It was an honor to help your dream come true for Buffalo Hip Hop…u wanted this shit more than ALL of US, it wouldn’t be a Benny, WSG, Armani, Conway, BSF if it wasn’t for you.”

He then went on to explain how Shay beat COVID-19 earlier this year. “To watch u DJ was special it was like u were a kid behind those boards, your last thing u said to me was when u beat Corona u wanted a Buffalo Kids Chain. I pray to GOD he got u Icey bc u are the biggest BUFFALO KID of them All. I pray for your family and this is the longest I’ve probably ever cried besides Bacon and ChineGun. I’m heart broken, I’m a miss fuckin wit u, wats a GXFR show without the LEGENDARY DJ SHAY. Pray for Benny as well he was with him 15 STRONG, now I’m a have to play Bubba Chuck Allday. RIH.”

After receiving a turntable for Christmas, Shay began DJing events in Buffalo at the age of 10. He began making beats and worked with the ‘90s hip hop group Brother/hood Nation, according to Pitchfork.

In addition to DJing for the Griselda crew, Shay was also a producer for Black Soprano Family Records. He also started his own label called Buff City Records.

Benny The Butcher also took to Instagram to express his sorrow with Shay’s passing. “This hurt right here. This was my mentor, coach, father figure, all that. I feel like somebody stole something from me,” he wrote.

Shay’s cause of death has not been revealed. The REVOLT team would like to send our condolences to his family and friends. Check out Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher’s posts below.