Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt, is a young and talented American rapper and singer. With a career that ignited in 2017, he’s become a notable name in the music industry. Known for hits like “Resume” and “Brothers,” he swiftly gained recognition and inked a deal with Columbia Records in the same year.
In 2019, Lil Tjay dropped his debut studio album, “True 2 Myself,” which skyrocketed to the 5th spot on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant milestone in his career. The following year, he treated fans to the mixtape “State of Emergency,” featuring collaborations with prominent drill artists from New York City.
Fast forward to 2021, Lil Tjay released his second studio album, “Destined 2 Win,” which included the mega-hit “Calling My Phone” featuring 6lack. This track became his highest-charting song to date, further establishing his presence in the music scene.
In 2023, Lil Tjay unveiled the song “Gangsta Boo,” a collaboration with fellow New York artist Ice Spice. Not stopping there, he dropped his third studio album, “222,” in July of the same year.
Early Life: From Troubled Youth to Rising Star
Tione Jayden Merritt hails from the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. Raised by a single mother in what could be described as a modest apartment, Merritt was the self-proclaimed “problematic child” among his two younger siblings. His youth was marked by petty robberies and school fights, which eventually led to his arrest at the age of 15.
During his one-year sentence in a youth detention center, Merritt discovered his love for rap. This period of reflection and creativity gave birth to some of his now-famous songs, including the breakout track “Resume,” initially released on SoundCloud.
A Painful Loss and a Lasting Tribute
In August 2016, tragedy struck when Merritt lost his childhood friend, Smelly, who was fatally stabbed. Merritt keeps the memory of his friend alive through various songs, often referencing “Smelly.”
The Journey to Stardom: 2016–2019
Merritt’s journey into the music world began on SoundCloud in 2016. At the age of 16, he released “Resume,” one of his earliest tracks, which gained quick online recognition.
His big break came in March 2018 when he competed and emerged as the winner at the NYC All Ages Edition of Coast 2 Coast LIVE. This impressive performance caught the attention of an A&R representative from a record label, ultimately leading to his signing with Columbia Records.
In 2018, Merritt gained recognition on YouTube for sampling Justin Bieber’s “Baby” in his single “None of Your Love.”
Within just ten months of starting his music career, Merritt’s tracks had garnered over one million plays on SoundCloud. Hits like “Brothers,” “Resume,” “Goat,” and “Leaked” raked in tens of millions of streams. In collaboration with producer CashMoneyAP, Merritt released “None of Your Love” in July 2018, which also amassed tens of millions of plays.
By the end of 2018, Merritt introduced his debut EP, “No Comparison.”
Milestone Collaborations and Album Debut
In 2019, Merritt made waves with his feature on rapper Polo G’s single “Pop Out,” reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also appeared on boy band PrettyMuch’s “Lying” that year. Furthering his solo career, he released an EP titled “F.N,” with the lead single “F.N” peaking at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.
October 11, 2019, marked the release of Merritt’s debut album, “True 2 Myself,” which not only debuted but also peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard 200. In December, he collaborated on a remix of 24kGoldn’s track “Valentino.”
Lil Tjay’s journey from a troubled youth to a rising music star is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. His music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, making him a prominent figure in the industry.
