The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 10, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Rapper›Tay-K
Entertainment • Rapper

Tay-K

Tay-K is the stage name of Taymor Travon McIntyre, an American rapper from Texas.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tay-K is the stage name of Taymor Travon McIntyre, an American rapper from Texas. He is best known for the 2017 song "The Race," which became a breakout hit while he was a fugitive. Born in Long Beach, California, he is commonly associated with Arlington, Texas.

Early life

Tay-K was born Taymor Travon McIntyre on June 16, 2000, in Long Beach, California. Later biographical accounts describe him as being associated with Arlington, Texas.

Music career

He began releasing music as a teenager and gained national attention in 2017 with "The Race." The song's commercial success made him one of the most widely discussed rap artists of that year.

McIntyre's public profile is closely tied to serious criminal allegations and convictions. His case drew unusual media attention because his breakout song became popular during a nationwide manhunt.

Public reception

Coverage of Tay-K has often focused on the tension between his music career and his criminal convictions. This has shaped how he is discussed in music journalism and general-reference sources.

Key facts

  • Tay-K became widely known for the 2017 single "The Race," which reached No. 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
  • The song was recorded and released during a period when McIntyre was wanted by authorities, which contributed to its notoriety.
  • Multiple sources identify him as an American rapper from the Arlington, Texas area.
  • He has been described in reliable reference sources as a convicted murderer.
  • His legal cases and criminal history have been central to public discussion of his music career.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tay-K?
Tay-K is the stage name of Taymor Travon McIntyre, an American rapper best known for "The Race."
What is Tay-K's real name?
His real name is Taymor Travon McIntyre.
What is Tay-K known for?
He is best known for the 2017 song "The Race," which became a major hit and drew attention to his criminal case.
Where is Tay-K from?
He was born in Long Beach, California, and is commonly associated with Arlington, Texas.
What genre does Tay-K perform?
He is a hip hop rapper and songwriter.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tay-K
    Supports: Birth name, stage name, birth date, origin, and the chart position/platinum certification of "The Race".
  2. iHeart — https://www.iheart.com/artist/tay-k-31697875/
    Supports: Background as an Arlington, Texas-based rapper and early music activity.
  3. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tay-k/1256531673
    Supports: Birth date, origin, genre, and description of "The Race" as a breakout release.
  4. The Fader — https://www.thefader.com/2019/07/24/tay-k-the-race-explainer-history
    Supports: Context for "The Race" and its relationship to his legal situation.