After a major-label run under Columbia Records, Lil Tjay returns as an independent artist with his latest album, They Just Ain’t You, his first solo project, which was released on May 1 under his own TrenchKid Records imprint. The 12-track album features raw street narratives and catchy rhythmic melodies of Bronx rhymes.
Ahead of its release, Tjay released three trailers showcasing his tumultuous upbringing in the Bronx. He talked about his difficult childhood and his mother, who he said was steadfast in her street principles. “One thing is, my mom, she insisted on being a gangster,” he admits.
Tjay feels like his new project has something to prove more than ever. “But I wasn’t too worried about it because I felt like I made good music,” he told XXL. “So, I thought, OK, I have something to prove, but it can’t be weird. I don’t feel like I have to throw away. If I have something to prove that’s real and true, I can make the whole clip disappear.”
One of his favorite songs on the album is “Free the Bros,” Tjay’s tribute to those incarcerated in prison. Tjay maintains a close friendship with YNW Melly, providing the South Florida rapper with moral support while he remained in prison fighting an ongoing murder case for the past seven years.
“I [speak] Spending a lot of time with Melly,” Tjay shared. “You know our birthdays are one day apart. Out of all the rappers, this is the closest [friends] I once went to a rapper. That’s my other twin. “
While Tjay supports Melly, he recently had some run-ins with fellow rapper Offset. In April of this year, Tjay was arrested on disorderly conduct charges in connection with the shooting of Offset outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In interviews, Tjay remained tight-lipped about the incident and insisted he had no dispute with anyone. He’s focused on the next step: releasing another new album, which wouldn’t be possible without his fans.
“I actually have to tell you all, I know I’m nothing without your support,” he added. “All I have [confidence] From all of you. So I thank you most. “
Check out Lil Tjay’s interview with XXL, where he discussed his new project, opened up about his childhood, addressed being misunderstood, cleared up questions about streamers Adin Ross, 6ix9ine and Plaqueboymax (who may one day collaborate with Drake), and more.
