The music industry is mourning the loss of Talay Riley, the British singer-songwriter and hitmaker whose credits stretched across pop, R&B, EDM, and hip-hop. Riley, born Mark Orabiyi, died on June 5 after a stabbing in east London. He was 35 years old. Though some fans knew him as the artist behind the 2010 single “Make You Mine,” Riley’s biggest impact came behind the scenes, where he helped shape songs for some of the biggest names in contemporary music.
According to the BBC, Orabiyi was found with stab wounds in a garden on Rayleigh Road in Silvertown shortly after 9 a.m. local time. He was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Police said a second victim, a man in his 20s, sustained multiple stab wounds but is expected to survive. Three people were arrested in connection with the investigation. A 27-year-old man was later released on bail pending further inquiries, while a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released without further action.
Riley’s songwriting résumé reads like a playlist of the last decade’s biggest hits. His credits included Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance” and “Hotter Than Hell,” Khalid’s breakthrough anthem “Young Dumb & Broke,” Britney Spears’s “Clumsy,” and “Who Do You Love” by The Chainsmokers and 5 Seconds of Summer.
He also contributed to songs for artists including Chris Brown, Nick Jonas, Kehlani, H.E.R., Zendaya, and Jason Derulo.
Before becoming a sought-after songwriter, Riley emerged from the UK music scene as a teenager. He signed a major publishing deal at 18 and first gained national attention through his work with Chipmunk, contributing to tracks including the chart-topping “Oopsy Daisy.”
He later signed with Jive/Sony Records and toured alongside artists such as Usher and Trey Songz.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Metropolitan Police said the investigation remains active and urged anyone with CCTV or footage from the area to come forward.
“Our investigation continues at pace,” Yorke said, adding that police are particularly interested in evidence from the morning of the incident.
