In late June, Lil Tjay managed to survive a failed robbery attempt after sustaining serious injuries from seven gunshot wounds. After a months-long battle in the hospital transitioning from critical condition to stable to “significant progress” to good condition — announced by frequent collaborator Fivio Foreign at July’s Rolling Loud — Tjay has ultimately proven to be victorious.
At midnight ET on Friday (Aug. 26), Tjay made his musical return with new single “Beat the Odds,” which details his mindset as he embarked on the road to recovery.
People wanna kill me always keep my gun round 🙏🏾 I squeeze first .
— TJAYYYY 🖤 (@liltjay) August 25, 2022
I could hear my grandma saying don’t my me down 😴🙏🏾
— TJAYYYY 🖤 (@liltjay) August 25, 2022
The accompanying visuals for “Beat the Odds” show Tjay in the hospital recording the track, as well as including clips of friends visiting him and him receiving treatment.
Lil Tjay addressed his fans on social media for the first time since the incident on Wednesday (Aug. 24) — one day after billboards surfaced in his hometown of NYC claiming he’s “back.” Along with confirming that he was shot a disturbing seven times, he seemed to be in great spirits while thanking his followers for their continued support.
At the end of the announcement where he is seen wearing the same neck brace he dons in the “Beat Da Odds” cover art, Tjay promised that he’s going to “come back stronger than ever.”
Before this long battle began, the beloved crooner who had racked up hundreds of millions of streams for hits like “Calling My Phone” with 6lack, “In My Head” and “F.N.” was starting to roll out a project. Dubbed the STRICTLY4MYFANS EP, Tjay had put out a YouTube exclusive freestyle titled “Lavish” in April to help build momentum beforehand.
While we are unsure if Tjay plans to follow through with the EP after this release of his long-awaited new single, it’s both relieving and exciting that he is back on his feet, in good shape and back to doing what he loves.
Check out how Lil Tjay “Beat the Odds” below!