Lil Tjay – Biography, Net Worth, and the 2022 Shooting
Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt on April 30, 2001, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter from the South Bronx, New York. He first gained attention in 2017 with the SoundCloud track “Resume” and later signed to Columbia Records after the success of “Brothers.” His music blends melodic singing with trap beats, addressing street life, struggle, and relationships.
Over the past few years, Lil Tjay has released three studio albums, survived a near‑fatal shooting in 2022, and built a loyal fan base drawn to his emotional storytelling. This article compiles verified facts about his biography, career, net worth, and the 2022 incident that reshaped his public profile.
Who is Lil Tjay? Biography and Background
Lil Tjay at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Tione Jayden Merritt |
| Born | April 30, 2001 (age 24) |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) – unconfirmed officially |
| Genres | Hip hop, trap, R&B |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| Labels | Columbia, Sony Music |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $3–6 million |
Key Insights About His Rise
- Lil Tjay rose to fame via SoundCloud in 2017 with his track “Resume.”
- He survived a near‑fatal shooting in June 2022, which increased public attention.
- His most streamed song is “Calling My Phone” with 6LACK, exceeding 500 million streams on Spotify.
- He has released three studio albums as of 2025.
- Estimated net worth is derived from album sales, streaming royalties, touring, and merchandise.
Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Real name | Tione Jayden Merritt |
| Age | 24 (born April 30, 2001) |
| Hometown | Bronx, New York |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) – not officially confirmed |
| Shooting | June 22, 2022 in Edgewater, NJ |
| Studio Albums | 3 (True 2 Myself, Destined 2 Win, 222) |
| Top single | “Calling My Phone” (2021) |
| Estimated net worth | $3–6 million (2025) |
What Happened to Lil Tjay? The 2022 Shooting Incident
When did the shooting occur?
On June 22, 2022, Lil Tjay was shot seven times during an attempted robbery in Edgewater, New Jersey. The incident was confirmed by news reports and police records.
What were his injuries and recovery?
He was critically wounded and air‑lifted for emergency surgery. He was placed in a medically induced coma and later fully recovered, being discharged from hospital in July 2022. The rapper documented his recovery in the single “Beat the Odds,” released on August 26, 2022. The album 222, released in July 2023, reflects on the experience, especially in the track “June 22nd.”
Lil Tjay has explained that the album title refers to the helicopter arrival time at the hospital, his age, and the recurring number 22 in his life and career. The album does not revolve entirely around the shooting but is thematically shaped by it.
Lil Tjay Net Worth and Earnings in 2025
Estimated net worth
No official financial disclosure exists. A 2025‑era entertainment article cited by Blavity (source) reports his net worth as over $6 million, derived from streaming income, merchandise sales, and live performances. Other estimates place the figure between $3 million and $5 million. The wide range reflects the absence of audited financial records.
Celebrity net worth estimates are often based on indirect sources and should be treated as approximations, not confirmed facts.
Lil Tjay’s Music Career: Songs, Albums, and Hits
What are Lil Tjay’s most popular songs?
His biggest hit is “Calling My Phone” (feat. 6LACK), which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other popular tracks include “F.N.,” “Brothers,” “Resume,” “Leaked,” and “No Go.” The 2023 single “Gangsta Boo” with Ice Spice also gained widespread attention.
What albums has Lil Tjay released?
He has released three studio albums: True 2 Myself (2019), Destined 2 Win (2021), and 222 (2023). A fourth album, They Just Ain’t You, appears in some discography listings for 2026.
What is the song “Offset” about?
“Offset” is a track from the album Destined 2 Win. It is not a collaboration with the rapper Offset; the title refers to the song’s subject matter, not the artist.
“Calling My Phone” with 6LACK became Lil Tjay’s highest‑charting single, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021.
Timeline of Key Events
- April 30, 2001 – Born in the Bronx, New York.
- 2017 – Releases debut single “Resume” on SoundCloud.
- 2018 – Gains wider attention with “Brothers” and “F.N.”
- October 15, 2019 – Debut album True 2 Myself released.
- February 12, 2021 – Single “Calling My Phone” (feat. 6LACK) peaks at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100.
- April 2, 2021 – Second album Destined 2 Win released.
- June 22, 2022 – Shot seven times in Edgewater, NJ; placed in a coma.
- July 2022 – Recovers and is discharged from hospital.
- July 14, 2023 – Third album 222 released.
- 2025 (present) – Active performing and releasing singles; no tour announced as of early 2025.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Uncertain or Unconfirmed |
|---|---|
| Birth date and place (April 30, 2001, Bronx) | Net worth – no official disclosure; estimates vary from $3 M to $6 M |
| 2022 shooting details – date, location, injuries | Height – not officially confirmed; media reports around 5’7″ |
| Discography (three albums released) | Upcoming concerts – no schedule as of early 2025 |
Context: Lil Tjay’s Place in Hip‑Hop
Lil Tjay represents a new wave of melodic trap from New York, blending singing with rapping. His music often addresses street life, struggle, and relationships, resonating with a young audience. The 2022 shooting temporarily paused his momentum but ultimately raised his profile and deepened fan sympathy. While he has not yet reached the commercial heights of peers like Polo G or Pop Smoke, he maintains a loyal following and continues to develop his sound. For fans of the New York rap scene, the Reading and Leeds 2026 – Lineup Dates and Tickets Guide offers a broader view of live music events.
Sources and Quotes
“I’m just trying to make it out the hood and show people there’s a better way.”
— Lil Tjay, interview with Billboard (2021)
“He’s a survivor – the shooting only made his story more compelling.”
— Rolling Stone article on Lil Tjay’s recovery (2022)
Detailed biographical information is also available on Lil Tjay’s Wikipedia page, his official website, Spotify artist profile, Instagram profile, and Facebook page.
Summary: Lil Tjay at a Glance
Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt in 2001, rose from the Bronx to become a notable figure in melodic trap. He survived a severe shooting in 2022, released three studio albums, and continues to record and perform. For those interested in major festival lineups, the Participation Lineup for 2025 Download Festival – Full Guide covers additional live music events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lil Tjay
Is Lil Tjay in a relationship?
His relationship status is not publicly confirmed; he keeps his personal life private.
What does “Lil Tjay” stand for?
The “Tjay” comes from his real name Tione Jayden – T.J. – and “Lil” is a typical moniker in hip‑hop.
How many Grammy nominations does Lil Tjay have?
He has not received any Grammy nominations as of 2025.
Did Lil Tjay and Offset collaborate?
No – Lil Tjay has a song titled “Offset” but it does not feature the rapper Offset.
What record label is Lil Tjay signed to?
He is signed to Columbia Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.
How can I buy Lil Tjay merchandise?
Merchandise is available on his official website liltjaymusic.com.
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