Lil Tjay has dropped off a new single, dubbed “Beat The Odds,” after surviving a near-fatal shooting in New Jersey in late June. Alongside cover art featuring the 21-year-old artist in a medical neck brace, the track arrives with a self-directed music video, which features footage from his recovery and shots of him performing the single in a hospital room.
The Bronx-born rapper and his 22-year-old friend Antoine Boyd were shot at a local New Jersey shopping center called 14 the Promenade on June 22. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that a man named Mohamed Konate has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of first-degree armed robbery and a number of weapons-related charges in connection to the shooting. Boyd and Jeffrey Valdez were also arrested and charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Earlier this week, Tjay took to Instagram to provide an update on his health since his hospitalization in June, stating, “I’m just checking in with y’all. I just wanna say thanks for the love, thanks for the support. I been looking at the DMs, the comments and everything else and I feel love. Seven shots — it was tough, you know? Most people don’t survive it, but I’m here. Here for a reason, and new music coming soon. We’re gonna come back stronger than ever. Love y’all.”
“Beat the Odds” marks the rapper’s first release since the shooting and his first single since April’s “Goin Up.” Lil Tjay put out his most recent full-length effort, Destined 2 Win, in 2021.
“I’m thankful for the love and support I’ve received from my fans, family and friends,” Tjay said in a statement. “This has been a long road to recovery but I’m happy to have a second chance. Stay tuned… I’m back.”
Watch Lil Tjay’s “Beat The Odds” video above.
Elsewhere in music, Lil Wayne has pushed his annual New Orleans music festival to October.
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