<\/p>\n
The singer-songwriter Talay Riley, who wrote for artists like Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, and H.E.R., died in a stabbing in East London last week. He was 35.<\/p>\n
According to a statement<\/a> from the Metropolitan Police, Riley (real name Mark \u201cYinka\u201d Orabiyi), was found in a garden with stab wounds around 9 a.m. local time last Friday, June 5. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim in the stabbing attack, a man in his 20s, sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.<\/p>\n More from Rolling Stone<\/strong><\/p>\n Police arrested three people on suspicion of killing Orabiyi, with one released on bail pending further inquiries. The other two were released with no additional action taken. A detective for London\u2019s Metropolitan Police said the investigation \u201ccontinues at pace,\u201d and called on anyone who was in the area, or might have security footage, to come forward with information.<\/p>\n In a statement shared on Instagram<\/a>, Riley\u2019s family and manager, Cleo Amedume, confirmed his death. \u201cTalay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter & artist. For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humor, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.\u201d<\/p>\n Riley\u2019s biggest credits as a songwriter include Dua Lipa\u2019s 2016 single \u201cLast Dance,\u201d Khalid\u2019s \u201cYoung Dumb & Broke,\u201d and H.E.R.\u2019s \u201cLights On.\u201d His work on the latter earned Riley his Grammy when the LP appeared on H.E.R.\u2019s 2017 self-titled effort, which took home Best R&B Album at the 61st Grammys. Riley also contributed to Jessie J\u2019s \u201cWho\u2019s Laughing Now,\u201d Britney Spears\u2019 \u201cClumsy,\u201d Jason Derulo\u2019s \u201cIf It Ain\u2019t Love,\u201d and Nick Jonas\u2019 \u201cLevels.\u201d<\/p>\n Riley broke through as both a songwriter and performer in 2009, thanks to his collaborations with the grime MC Chip. Riley co-wrote and featured on several songs on Chip\u2019s debut, I Am Chipmunk, including \u201cLook for Me,\u201d which peaked at Number Seven on the U.K. singles charts. A few years later, Riley notched a minor hit of his own with \u201cMake You Mine,\u201d which appeared on his own 2011 mixtape, Going to California.<\/p>\n Riley continued to release his own music even after his songwriting career took off. He frequently dropped<\/a> tracks online and, based on recent social media posts<\/a>, appeared to be gearing up for the release of a new album.<\/p>\n His songwriting didn\u2019t stop either. He contributed to Paloma Faith\u2019s 2024 album, The Glorification of Sadness; Kelela\u2019s 2025 effort, In the Blue Light; and Kehlani\u2019s recent self-titled LP. He also worked closely with the up-and-coming British girl group Flo, receiving a Grammy nomination for his contributions to their debut album, Access All Areas.<\/p>\n Riley\u2019s brother, Michael Orabiyi \u2014 also a well-known songwriter under the moniker Scribz Riley \u2014 shared a tribute on Instagram<\/a>, writing, \u201cHe had one of the purest hearts I\u2019ve ever known. He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit. The outpouring of love already shows how many lives he impacted. You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue to live on through your music, your family, your friends, and everyone blessed enough to have known you.\u201d<\/p>\n In the comments to Michael\u2019s posts were further tributes and condolences from many of Riley\u2019s peers and collaborators, including Stormzy, Kehlani, Khalid, and Ella Mai.<\/p>\n Best of Rolling Stone<\/strong><\/p>\n Sign up for RollingStone’s Newsletter<\/a>. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n