Tione Jayden Merritt, better known by his stage name Lil Tjay, is a prominent American rapper and singer who burst onto the music scene in 2017 with his track “Resume”. His breakthrough song “Brothers” catapulted him to fame, leading to a record deal with Columbia Records the same year. Since then, Lil Tjay has released a string of hit songs, including “Sex Sounds”, “Calling My Name”, “Pop Out”, “Run It Up”, “F.N”, and “Gangsta Boo”. Let’s delve into his fascinating journey, personal life, and career achievements.
Lil Tjay Early Life and Education
Lil Tjay was born and raised in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. As of August 2023, he is 22 years old. Raised by a single mother, Lil Tjay shares his roomy apartment on 183rd Street with his two younger siblings. Unfortunately, details about his educational background remain limited.
Lil Tjay Career Beginnings
Lil Tjay initially gained traction by sharing his music on SoundCloud in 2017. His track “Resume” garnered significant attention when he was just 16 years old. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he cited Drake, Meek Mill, and Usher as his biggest influences. Known for his melodic style, Lil Tjay’s music often reflects his past struggles.
Shortly after, he released five tracks on SoundCloud, including “Brothers”, “Resume”, “Goat”, and “Leaked”, each amassing millions of streams. In July 2018, Lil Tjay collaborated with French record producer Cash Money AP to create the song “None of Your Love”, which also gained widespread popularity. He followed up with his debut EP, “No Comparison”.
Noteworthy Achievements
In January 2019, Lil Tjay joined forces with rapper Polo G for the single “Pop Out”, which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, his first full-length album, “True 2 Myself”, debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard 200.
Lil Tjay Net Worth and Assets
As of August 2023, Lil Tjay’s estimated net worth stands at $1.5 million, primarily stemming from his flourishing music career. The rapper is known to own an impressive collection of vehicles, including a Rolls Royce, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Dodge Challenger. Additionally, he is reported to own a home in New York City, although specific details about his real estate holdings remain undisclosed.
Lil Tjay Personal Life
In August 2023, Lil Tjay is believed to be in a relationship with American model and influencer Lala Baptiste. The couple reportedly began dating in 2020 after Lala appeared in the music video for the late rapper Pop Smoke’s song “Mood Swings”. While further details about their relationship are scarce, Lil Tjay has been previously linked to American rappers Rubi Rose, Ice Spice, and Chinese Kitty.
Legal Matters
On January 16, 2023, Lil Tjay was arrested in the Bronx, New York, during a traffic stop while en route to a video shoot with fellow Bronx rapper Ice Spice. A handgun was discovered in the vehicle, resulting in his arrest on weapon possession charges. A court date was scheduled for February 14, 2023, although the outcome of the trial remains unknown. In June 2023, Lil Tjay and American director Fakedell’s film crew were arrested for using a firearm during the shooting of a music video. Reports suggest the incident was captured on video, with bystanders pleading with the police not to make the arrest, as the gun was merely a prop for the shoot.
FAQ
- What is Lil Tjay’s real name?
- Lil Tjay’s real name is Tione Jayden Merritt.
- What are some of Lil Tjay’s hit songs?
- Some of Lil Tjay’s popular songs include “Sex Sounds”, “Calling My Name”, “Pop Out”, “Run It Up”, “F.N”, and “Gangsta Boo”.
- How old is Lil Tjay as of August 2023?
- Lil Tjay is 22 years old as of August 2023.
Conclusion
Lil Tjay’s journey from sharing his music on SoundCloud to becoming a prominent figure in the music industry is nothing short of remarkable. With a net worth of $1.5 million, a string of hit songs, and a dedicated fan base, he continues to make waves in the music world. Despite legal challenges, Lil Tjay’s talent and determination have solidified his status as a rising star. Keep an eye out for this young artist as he continues to leave his mark on the music industry.
