Tay-K told Complex that he still loves his breakthrough 2017 song, “The Race.” He said so even after authorities used the track against him in court.
The exclusive interview with Complex News was published Wednesday (Nov. 11) and is the 26-year-old’s first in nearly a decade. It arrives roughly a year after he was moved to state prison, following eight years in county jail.
Tay-K did not hedge when the song came up.
“I love that song, bro. I ain’t going to lie," Tay-K said. "That’s just a song for real. I won’t let the fact that people try to wield it like a weapon at me in these courtrooms make me not like my art. That’s art and that should be viewed as art and nothing more, nothing less.”
Why “The Race” Still Defines Tay-K’s Story
Tay-K released “The Race” while on the run from authorities, and he was apprehended the same month. The song still took off. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 70 and drew remixes from XXXTentacion, Lil Bibby, and Lil Yachty.
Its legacy turned darker in the courtroom. Prosecutors showed jurors the video, along with screenshots of Tay-K holding guns and throwing gang signs, during his murder trial. He was found guilty of murder and received a 55-year prison sentence.
His comments draw a line between creative work and criminal evidence. That debate has followed rap lyrics and videos into courtrooms for years.
The interview covered more than one song. Tay-K thanked Comethazine and called him the only rapper who has ever put money on his prison account. He also discussed what prison life has been like and why he feels “free” making music.
Music has become a bigger part of his days behind bars. He said he has been introduced to a wide variety of music in prison. That includes a newfound love for Olivia Rodrigo, plus Nirvana and Linkin Park.
Tay-K has also kept releasing new material from prison. He recently shared “SPOTLIGHT / INNER CHILD” which was a feature for Dominic Fike. For now, though, “The Race” remains the song most closely tied to his name, and he is making clear he will not disown it.
