Talay Riley, the British singer-songwriter whose credits connected him to Dua Lipa, Khalid, H.E.R., Craig David, Chip, and Britney Spears, has died at 35.
Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was found after a stabbing in Silvertown, east London, on Friday, June 5. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at around 9 a.m. to reports of a stabbing in Pankhurst Avenue, E16, and found a 35-year-old man with stab wounds in the garden of a nearby property on Rayleigh Road.
Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. A second man in his 20s was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds, though police said his condition was not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Riley’s family remembered him as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend,” saying he brought “love, light, and joy” to the people who knew him.
His Family Remembered His ‘Beautiful Spirit’
In a tribute released through the Met Police, Riley’s family said they would cherish his kindness, spirit, and talent.
“We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent,” the family said. “His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever.”
His brother, producer and songwriter Scribz Riley, also shared a tribute on Instagram. He wrote that his “heart is shattered” and said the two had spoken shortly before Talay’s death about the future and what they still wanted to do.
Scribz described his brother as “a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives.”
Stormzy, Craig David, Khalid and Kehlani Paid Tribute
Tributes spread through the music industry after Riley’s death was confirmed.
ITV News reported that Stormzy, Wretch 32, Oritse Williams, Kehlani, Khalid, Keisha Buchanan, and others responded to Scribz Riley’s tribute. Stormzy wrote, “I’m sorry bro,” while Khalid sent love to the family and Kehlani offered condolences.
Craig David, who worked with Riley on his 2018 album The Time Is Now, also shared support for the family, according to multiple reports.
Chip, formerly known as Chipmunk, posted one of the most direct tributes. Riley co-wrote Chip’s 2009 U.K. No. 1 single “Oopsy Daisy” and also appeared on “Look for Me.” In his tribute, Chip wrote that Riley’s “pen will live forever.”
His Songwriting Credits Reached Far Beyond the U.K.
Riley’s career stretched well beyond his own releases.
The Standard reported that he signed his first major publishing deal at 18 and later wrote for artists including Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, and Craig David.
His credits also included Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance,” Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke,” The Chainsmokers’ “Who Do You Love,” FLO’s “Walk Like This,” Kehlani’s “Out the Window,” and H.E.R.’s “Lights On,” according to multiple reports.
“Lights On” appeared on H.E.R.’s self-titled project, which won Best R&B Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Riley’s credits put him in the background of records that traveled across pop, R&B, grime, and dance music, even when casual listeners did not know his name.
Police Are Still Appealing for Information
The Met said homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.
Three people were arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder. Police said a 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke said the investigation was continuing and appealed for anyone who was in the area that morning to speak to police.
Police said they are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident. Information can be provided by calling 101 and quoting CAD 1868/5JUN, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
