TRUE 2 MYSELF
LIL TJAY STAYS TRUE 2 HIMSELF ON DEBUT ALBUM
In the Bronx, a young artist found his voice through the melodic blend of hip-hop, drill, and trap. This artist was Tione Jayden Merritt, known by his stage name Lil Tjay. An embodiment of New York City's youth energy, Lil Tjay swiftly carved a lane for himself amongst the city's music scene. His debut album, True 2 Myself, reflected his ascendance, marking a milestone in his journey from the streets of the Bronx to becoming one of New York City's breakout rap stars. The first single, "F.N.," became the album's centerpiece, attracting attention due to its controversial backstory. During the video shoot, Tjay was “arrested” while filming, which inadvertently amplified the single's popularity.
Credits: Directed & Edited by Sam Balaban. Produced by John Vincent Salcedo. Cinematography by Cam Robert & Sam Balaban. Additional Cinematography by Brittney Briggs & Jeff Soffer. Title Design by Deron Millay. Sound by Jeff Soffer.
The origin of "F.N." can be traced back to a snippet previewed in his highly acclaimed documentary Prince Of New York. The documentary was more than just an exploration of Tjay's life and music; it was a window into his talent and thought process, showcasing his journey from a troubled teenager to a rap sensation. The documentary was pivotal in defining Tjay's brand and image. His vulnerability and candidness in the documentary offered a fresh perspective on his music and lyrics. It added depth to his narrative and served as a stepping stone toward the album's success. A second documentary were released during the rollout to amplify the album's story and give fans a more intimate perspective into Tjay's journey.
Credits: Executive Produced by Lil Tjay. Directed by Sam Balaban & Pedro Vasquez. Edited by Sam Balaban. Produced by Clay Barmore, Deon Douglas, Shahendra Ohneswere, John Vincent Salcedo, Touré Ali Shiver & Manos Xanthogeorgis. Cinematography by Joshua “Sicology” McClinton ,Franklin Ricart, Tyrone Hunter & Pedro Vasquez.
Visual storytelling played a significant role in bringing True 2 Myself to life. Tjay's music videos provided a visual complement to some of the album's biggest tracks. The documentaries provided more context to his story, and the album's artwork and out-of-home positioned Tjay as the most prominent artist in the city. Each piece served as a way to further amplify the album's impact.
The release of True 2 Myself was a commercial success for the team and Tjay. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, earning gold certification shortly after its release. The album is now certified two times platinum.
Credits: Artwork & Album Creative Design by Touré Ali Shiver. Photography by Sam Balaban.
As he continues to shape his way in the music, Lil Tjay symbolizes the heart of New York City - ever pulsating, resilient, and boundless in its pursuit of dreams. His journey and the success of True 2 Myself prove that one's circumstances should never define one's potential. As he writes the next chapters in his career, one thing remains certain - Lil Tjay remains 'true to himself.'