Tione Jayden Merritt, known professionally as Lil Tjay, has become one of the most recognizable voices in modern hip-hop. The Bronx native and African-American rapper rose to fame with his melodic approach to trap and drill music, capturing hearts worldwide with hits like Calling My Phone and Resume song.
Born and raised in New York City, this Columbia Records artist has transformed personal struggles into chart-topping success. From his early days at Bronx Dance Academy to becoming a streaming sensation, Lil Tjay’s journey reflects resilience, talent, and dedication to his craft as an American rapper.
Profile Summary
Lil Tjay, whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, represents the new generation of New York rappers. His unique blend of hip-hop, trap, drill, and R&B has positioned him as a leading voice in contemporary music. The young artist has achieved remarkable success through albums like True 2 Myself, Destined 2 Win, and 222.
His Lil Tjay Instagram showcases his lifestyle, music video shoots, and interactions with fans. With millions of followers across social media platforms, he maintains strong connections with his fan following on social media. His celebrity collaborations and consistent releases keep him relevant in the competitive music industry.
| Full Name | Stage Name | Profession | Record Label |
| Tione Jayden Merritt | Lil Tjay | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter | Columbia Records |
How old is Lil Tjay?
As of 2025, Lil Tjay age is 23 years old. Born on April 30, 2001, the young rapper has accomplished more than many artists twice his age, establishing himself as a force in the music industry.
How tall is Lil Tjay?
Lil Tjay height is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His height complements his stage presence, allowing him to command attention during performances and Lil Tjay concert appearances across the country.
Lil Tjay height
Standing at 5’10”, Lil Tjay height places him at an average height for male performers. His Lil Tjay weight is around 154 pounds (70 kg), maintaining a lean and fit physique that suits his energetic performance style.
Lil Tjay net worth
Lil Tjay net worth is estimated between $600,000 and $1 million as of 2025. His income streams include music sales, streaming royalties, concerts, and brand partnerships, reflecting his success as a Columbia Records artist.
Read More:Henry Ruggs net worth, age, family 2025&26 after his prison sentence?
Early Life and Education
Tione Jayden Merritt was born on April 30, 2001, in the Bronx, New York. His Lil Tjay birthday falls under the Lil Tjay zodiac sign of Taurus. Growing up in a New York City upbringing, he faced numerous challenges including financial hardships and exposure to street life. These experiences shaped his music and lyrical content.
During his youth, Tjay spent time at Bronx Dance Academy, where he received performing arts training. However, his teenage years were marked by high school troubles that led to time in a youth detention center. It was during this difficult period that he began seriously pursuing music, using it as an outlet for expression and hope.
Key Early Life Facts:
- Born in the South Bronx, New York
- Raised in a single-parent household
- Christian religion background
- Discovered music during detention
- Started recording at age 15
Did Lil Tjay attend high school?
Lil Tjay had high school troubles that interrupted his formal education. He spent time in a youth detention center during his teenage years, which prevented him from completing traditional schooling but ultimately redirected his focus toward his music career beginnings.
Music Career
Lil Tjay’s breakthrough came in 2017 when he started releasing music on SoundCloud. His melodic style, combining hip-hop, trap, drill, and R&B, quickly gained attention. The Bronx native signed with Columbia Records, launching his professional career. His debut album True 2 Myself debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200.
His subsequent albums, Destined 2 Win and 222, solidified his position in the industry. Known for emotional vulnerability and catchy hooks, Tjay has worked on numerous collaborations with Sleepy Hallow, collaborations with Rich The Kid, and collaborations with Kaash Paige. His consistent output and streaming numbers demonstrate his staying power in modern rap.
Career Highlights:
- Over 5 billion streams worldwide
- Multiple platinum-certified singles
- Tours across North America and Europe
- Features with major artists
- Growing influence in drill music
Career
As a Columbia Records artist, Lil Tjay has released three studio albums and numerous hit singles. His music career beginnings were humble, recording tracks on his phone and uploading them to SoundCloud before achieving mainstream success.
Lil Tjay songs
Popular Lil Tjay songs include “Resume,” “Beat the Odds,” “Love Hurts,” “Brothers,” “F.N,” and “Leaked.” His melodic approach to hip-hop, trap, drill, and R&B distinguishes him from traditional drill rappers, creating a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
Lil Tjay – Calling My Phone
“Calling My Phone” featuring 6LACK became Lil Tjay’s biggest hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The heartbreak anthem showcased his ability to blend melody with emotional depth, accumulating billions of streams worldwide.
Lil Tjay 2 grown
“2 Grown” represents Lil Tjay’s versatility as an artist. The track displays his growth and maturity, addressing personal experiences and relationships with introspective lyrics that connect deeply with listeners navigating similar life situations.
Lil Tjay concert
A Lil Tjay concert offers high-energy performances filled with crowd interaction. His shows feature hits from True 2 Myself album, Destined 2 Win album, and 222 album, creating memorable experiences for fans across venues nationwide and internationally.
Personal Life and Relationships
Lil Tjay’s personal life has attracted significant media attention, particularly regarding his romantic relationships. The American rapper has been linked to several women in the entertainment industry. His Lil Tjay dating rumors have included connections with Chinese Kitty, Rubi Rose, and Lala Baptiste, though he’s maintained privacy about his current relationship status.
Recently, speculation arose about a connection with Ice Spice, another rising New York rapper, though neither has confirmed a romantic relationship. As of 2025, Lil Tjay appears to be focused on his career and recovery from past incidents. The single rapper maintains an active social media presence, sharing glimpses of his lifestyle without extensive personal details.
Relationship Timeline:
- Linked to Lala Baptiste (2019-2020)
- Rumored relationship with Rubi Rose
- Dated Chinese Kitty briefly
- Speculation with Ice Spice (unconfirmed)
- Currently maintains private personal life
Is Lil Tjay in a relationship?
As of 2025, Lil Tjay appears to be single. The rapper keeps his romantic life private, focusing on music and recovery. While Lil Tjay dating rumors circulate regularly, he hasn’t publicly confirmed any current relationship.
Lil Tjay f n
“F.N” is one of Lil Tjay’s most popular tracks, discussing street life and carrying weapons for protection. The song’s raw honesty and catchy melody made it a fan favorite, accumulating millions of streams and showcasing his storytelling ability.
Incidents and News
Lil Tjay’s life took a dramatic turn in June 2022 during a shooting incident in Edgewater, NJ. The rapper was shot multiple times during an attempted robbery at a shopping complex. He underwent emergency surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, where doctors saved his life. The incident shocked fans worldwide and temporarily halted his rising career.
Following his recovery, Lil Tjay made a remarkable comeback to music. However, in January 2023, he faced legal issues with an arrest in Bronx, NY on charges including gun possession. These incidents have added complexity to his public image, highlighting both the dangers he faces and the challenges of his lifestyle as a prominent New York rapper.
Incident Timeline:
- June 2022: Shot multiple times in New Jersey
- Emergency surgery saves his life
- Months of recovery and rehabilitation
- January 2023: Arrested in the Bronx
- Ongoing legal matters
What happened to Lil Tjay?
In June 2022, Lil Tjay was shot multiple times during an attempted robbery in Edgewater, New Jersey. The shooting incident left him in critical condition, requiring emergency surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, where he underwent life-saving procedures.
Lil Tjay shot
The Lil Tjay shot incident occurred on June 22, 2022. He was hit seven times but miraculously survived. His recovery process was challenging, involving extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation before returning to music and performing for his dedicated fans.
| Incident | Date | Location | Outcome |
| Shooting | June 22, 2022 | Edgewater, NJ | Survived, full recovery |
| Arrest | January 2023 | Bronx, NY | Legal proceedings |
Conclusion
Lil Tjay continues to be a prominent figure in hip-hop, demonstrating remarkable resilience through personal and professional challenges. From his New York City upbringing to becoming a Columbia Records artist, his journey inspires many young artists. His Lil Tjay age of 23 shows he’s just beginning his career trajectory.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, Tione Jayden Merritt is positioned for continued growth and success. His survival of the shooting incident, combined with his musical talent and dedicated fan following on social media, suggests a bright future. The African-American rapper remains committed to his craft, promising more impactful music for years to come.
Jon, the founder of Puningway, creates creative, catchy, and relatable captions that make every post stand out.
