Lil Tjay
Biography
Tione Jayden Merritt, known professionally as Lil Tjay, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on April 30, 2001, in the Bronx, New York. Raised by a single mother in a neighborhood with prevalent gang culture, he faced a challenging upbringing. At 15, Merritt was arrested for robbery and spent a year in a youth detention center, an experience he credits with focusing him on writing raps. One of the songs he wrote during this time was "Resume."
Early Career and Rise to Fame
In 2017, at the age of 16, Lil Tjay began releasing music on SoundCloud. His song "Resume" quickly gained viral attention online. In 2018, his single "Brothers" became a huge hit, leading to a record deal with Columbia Records. Within ten months of starting his music career, he had five tracks with over a million plays each on SoundCloud. His debut EP, "No Comparison," was released at the end of 2018. In January 2019, his feature on Polo G's "Pop Out" peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first entry on the chart. His own single, "F.N.," later became his first solo charting song.
Musical Style
Lil Tjay is known for his melodic rap style, often incorporating Auto-Tuned vocals and blending elements of hip-hop, trap, and R&B. His lyrics are often autobiographical, reflecting on his past struggles, street life, and ambition. He has cited artists like Drake, Meek Mill, and Usher as his biggest musical influences.
Major Works
Lil Tjay's debut studio album, "True 2 Myself," was released in October 2019 and peaked at number five on the US Billboard 200. The album featured several platinum-certified singles, including "F.N." and "Brothers." In May 2020, he released the EP "State of Emergency," which had a strong drill sound. His second studio album, "Destined 2 Win," was released in 2021 and featured the hit single "Calling My Phone" with 6LACK, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Following a near-fatal shooting incident in June 2022, he released his third album, "222," in July 2023. The album title holds personal significance, referencing the time he was airlifted to the hospital.
Notable Collaborations
Throughout his career, Lil Tjay has collaborated with numerous prominent artists. Some of his most significant collaborations include:
- "Pop Out" with Polo G
- "Calling My Phone" with 6LACK
- "Mood Swings" with Pop Smoke
- A remix of his song "F.N" with DaBaby
- "Headshot" with Polo G and Fivio Foreign
Recent Activities
In 2024, Lil Tjay embarked on "The Good Life Tour." He also released a surprise mixtape titled "Farewell," marking his departure from Columbia Records, which featured artists like NLE Choppa, Polo G, and G Herbo. He continues to be a significant figure in the new wave of New York rap, known for his emotional lyrics and versatility.