Lil Tjay – Biography, Shooting & Music Career

Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt on April 30, 2001, in the South Bronx, New York, rose from a troubled youth to become one of hip-hop’s most streamed artists. Known for a melodic blend of hip-hop and trap soul, he survived a near-fatal shooting in 2022 and continues to release music.

Merritt adopted his stage name from the first letter of his first name and the first three letters of his middle name. After spending time in a youth detention center at age 15, he turned to music and began releasing tracks on SoundCloud in late 2017. His viral single “Resume” caught early attention and led to a deal with Columbia Records.

By 2019 he had released his debut album True 2 Myself, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. A guest appearance on Polo G’s “Pop Out” pushed him into the mainstream. Today Lil Tjay’s catalog includes multiple hit songs and collaborations with artists such as 6lack, Offset, and Polo G.

Lil Tjay Shooting: What Happened and Is He Alive?

On June 22, 2022, Lil Tjay was shot multiple times during an attempted robbery in Edgewater, New Jersey. Reports indicate he was hit seven times and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He underwent emergency surgery and survived the attack. The assailant was later arrested and charged with attempted murder.

Since the incident, Lil Tjay has made a full recovery and continues to release music and perform. The shooting briefly paused his career, but he returned with renewed momentum and has spoken publicly about his gratitude for surviving.

• Lil Tjay’s 2022 shooting briefly paused his career but he returned with renewed momentum.
• His biggest streaming hit remains “Calling My Phone” with 6lack, surpassing 1 billion streams.
• Collaborations with Offset, Pop Smoke, and Polo G have broadened his audience.
• Fans frequently search for his personal details (height, net worth) due to his young age and rapid rise.
• His debut album True 2 Myself debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 in 2019.
• He survived being shot seven times during an attempted robbery in June 2022.

Sources: Wikipedia, Rolling Stone, Complex.

What Are Lil Tjay’s Most Popular Songs?

What is “Calling My Phone” about?

Released on February 12, 2021, “Calling My Phone” featuring 6lack is Lil Tjay’s highest-charting song as a lead artist, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is the standout track on his second album Destined 2 Win. The song deals with relationship turmoil and longing, delivered over a melodic beat that showcases his blend of singing and rapping. For a deeper look, see Calling My Phone (feat. 6lack) by Lil Tjay.

What are Lil Tjay’s biggest hits?

Beyond “Calling My Phone,” his catalog includes “F.N” from True 2 Myself, “Resume,” “Long Time,” “Goat,” “Brothers,” “Ride for You,” and “New Flex.” His guest appearance on Polo G’s “Pop Out” was a breakthrough moment that introduced him to a wide audience. The song Polo G – Pop Out (with Lil Tjay) helped solidify his place in mainstream hip-hop.

What is Lil Tjay’s latest album or single?

In 2023 he returned with the album 222 and followed it with a tour. As of 2025 he has released singles such as “Wrongs” and “Letter To My Block,” and remains active with new music and live performances. His discography is available on his Spotify Artist Page.

Did Lil Tjay Collaborate with Offset?

What song did Lil Tjay and Offset make together?

Yes, Lil Tjay and Offset collaborated on the track “Move,” which appears on Offset’s album. Offset also contributed to Lil Tjay’s Destined 2 Win album, appearing on several tracks. The collaboration brought together two generations of Atlanta and New York hip-hop.

Who else has Lil Tjay collaborated with?

Lil Tjay has worked with a number of major artists. His early breakout came from the Polo G collaboration “Pop Out.” He has also recorded with 6lack on “Calling My Phone,” and with Tyga and Pop Smoke on various projects. His Billboard Chart History reflects the commercial impact of these partnerships.

Lil Tjay’s Personal Life: Net Worth, Height, and Birthday

What is Lil Tjay’s net worth in 2025?

Exact net worth figures for Lil Tjay are not publicly verified by official financial sources. Estimates range from $500,000 to $2 million, with a commonly cited figure of around $600,000. His income comes from music streaming, album sales, concert performances, and merchandise. The absence of a confirmed net worth means these figures should be treated as rough estimates.

How tall is Lil Tjay?

Lil Tjay stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, based on statements made in interviews. His height has been a common search query among fans, though no official measurement has been published.

When is Lil Tjay’s birthday and how old is he?

Lil Tjay was born on April 30, 2001, in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. As of 2025 he is 24 years old. He was born six months before the September 11 attacks and grew up in a environment that shaped both his music and his personal story.

Does Lil Tjay Have Any Upcoming Concerts?

Where can I find Lil Tjay’s tour dates?

Current tour dates and concert schedules are best found on his Official Website and verified social media accounts. No centralized schedule was available in the research materials used for this article.

How can I buy tickets for Lil Tjay concerts?

Tickets are typically sold through major ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and AXS. Fans are advised to check official links rather than secondary markets to avoid inflated prices or fraudulent sales.

Will Lil Tjay tour in 2025?

As of the time of writing, a formal 2025 tour schedule has not been announced through official channels. Given his active release schedule and continued popularity, a tour remains likely. Fans should monitor his website and social media for updates.

When Did Lil Tjay Rise to Fame? A Timeline of Key Events

1. 2017 – Released debut single “Resume” on SoundCloud, marking the start of his professional music career.
2. 2019 – Signed with Columbia Records and released debut album True 2 Myself, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
3. 2021 – Hit single “Calling My Phone” featuring 6lack peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his highest-charting song.
4. June 22, 2022 – Shot multiple times during a robbery attempt in Edgewater, New Jersey; survived after emergency surgery.
5. 2023 – Returned with the album 222 and embarked on a subsequent tour, marking his comeback.
6. 2025 – Released singles “Wrongs” and “Letter To My Block”; remained active with performances and new material.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Lil Tjay?

How Did Lil Tjay’s Background Shape His Career?

Lil Tjay emerged as a teen melodist from the Bronx, blending hip-hop and R&B in a style often described as trap soul. During his early teenage years he engaged in fights and petty robberies, which led to his incarceration in a youth detention center in 2016 at age 15. After returning home in late 2017 he channeled his energy into music, releasing tracks on SoundCloud that reflected his environment and personal struggles.

His 2022 shooting was a major news event that raised concerns about violence in the rap community. The incident, however, did not derail his career. Instead it boosted his profile and strengthened his resilience narrative. His survival and return deepened fan loyalty, and the shooting is now a key part of his biography, often searched alongside his music. The event also fueled broader discussions about artist safety and street violence in the industry.

Where Can Fans Find Reliable Information About Lil Tjay?

Reliable biographical data and discography details are available through Wikipedia. For official statements, recovery updates, and real-time announcements, his Instagram account (@liltjay) serves as the primary channel. Industry reporting from Billboard and Rolling Stone provides verified chart data and news coverage.

“I’m grateful to be here.” – Lil Tjay, post-shooting Instagram post, 2022.

“I just want to make music that helps people.” – Lil Tjay, interview with Complex, 2023.

Additional context on live performances and tour information is available through his official website. YouTube interviews provide personal background details, including statements about his height and upbringing.

What Is the Full Picture of Lil Tjay’s Life and Career?

Lil Tjay’s story is one of resilience and artistic growth. From his early days releasing music on SoundCloud after a stint in juvenile detention, to surviving a near-fatal shooting and returning to the stage, he has maintained a steady trajectory in hip-hop. His biggest hit Calling My Phone (feat. 6lack) by Lil Tjay remains a defining track, while collaborations with Offset, Polo G, and others have expanded his reach. Continued album rollouts, potential headlining tours, and further collaborations with mainstream artists are expected through 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lil Tjay