Lil Tjay’s incredible journey—from the streets of the Bronx to chart-topping success—is being brought to the screen in an upcoming documentary. According to Variety, the untitled film will be introduced at the Cannes Film Festival later this month, shedding light on Tjay’s raw and resilient rise in the music industry.
The project is a collaboration between Hangtime and Standard Projects, with an impressive production team that includes Hangtime co-CEOs Frank Murray and Frida Torresblanco, along with Clayton Barmore, Deon Douglas, and Heather L. Boucher.
Tjay’s story is one of trauma, talent, and triumph. Growing up in the tough Fordham section of the Bronx, his life was permanently impacted by the tragic loss of his childhood friend Smelly, who was fatally stabbed. Shortly after, Tjay found himself behind bars as a teenager, spending a year in a detention center following a robbery arrest.
But rather than let the streets consume him, Tjay—real name Tione Jayden Merritt—channeled his pain into purpose. In 2018, he exploded onto the scene with his multiplatinum single “Brothers”, which landed him a major deal with Columbia Records.
Just a year later, he earned his first major Billboard milestone when his collaboration with Polo G on “Pop Out” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album True 2 Myself, released in 2019, solidified him as one of NYC’s leading new voices, with fan-favorite tracks like “F.N.” setting him apart.
“Witnessing a young man transform pain into purpose is what moved me to begin the journey to tell Lil Tjay’s story,” Torresblanco said.
“He is a wounded poet whose resilience speaks to an entire generation”
She added, “This documentary is about more than music; it’s about strength, growth, and the quiet wisdom that can only come from living through what most of us will never have to experience. His voice shows young people that beauty can arise from hardship, and his legacy reminds us that even the most difficult struggles can inspire hope.”
That resilience was tested again in 2022, when Lil Tjay was shot seven times in a near-fatal armed robbery attempt in New Jersey. The rapper made a powerful recovery and returned to music, dropping his 222 album in 2023 and Farewell in 2024, which featured guest appearances from NLE Choppa, Polo G, and G Herbo.
In May 2024, Tjay collaborated with 42 Dugg on the single “Different”, continuing to evolve as an artist while staying true to his story.
While the documentary’s title and director have yet to be announced, it’s already clear this will be more than a music film—it’s a powerful testament to survival, purpose, and voice.
