Rapper Lil Tjay Shot By Attempted Robber In New Jersey

Bronx rapper Lil Tjay, known for his 2018 single “Resume” and collaborations with rappers like Tyga and 6lack, was shot at an Edgewater, New Jersey shopping center and residential complex in what police said was an attempted armed robbery on him and two friends.

Tjay, whose full name is Tione Jayden Merrit, was shot around midnight on Wednesday and went through emergency surgery for his wounds.

His suspected shooter, Mohamed Konate, was arrested yesterday on three charges including three counts of attempted murder. Merrit’s friends, Jeffrey Valdez and Antoine Boyd, were arrested at the scene on weapons possessions charges after the incident, and police indicated that Boyd was injured as well.

Merrit had just dropped a new single, “In My Head,” in April and had some summer performances lined up as well. It remains to be seen whether he’ll delay any appearances for his recovery.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office tweeted Wednesday that the shooting “does not appear to be random,” and that one victim who had formerly been in critical condition had improved.