The Bronx rapper taps into his roots with a raw, melancholic record aimed at recapturing momentum.

Do you know what scares me? When artists start talking about a “comeback.” More often than not, that word is a quiet admission that momentum has slowed, a subtle confirmation that the wave isn’t crashing the same way it used to. That’s why I wish Lil Tjay had never framed things that way when he recently spoke on his new music. Nonetheless, he said it, and here we are living with the consequences.

That comeback trail officially starts with “Used 2 Love,” an emotional record that leans heavily into Tjay’s bread and butter. He delivers raw, relentless melodic raps packed with passion, detailing the trials and tribulations of a relationship on the brink. The production is soaked in melancholy, layered with moody textures and bass heavy enough to knock out Percy Harvin (Apparently, he’s strong as s**t).

Tjay sounds locked in here, tapping into the vulnerability and melodic instincts that helped build his fanbase in the first place. If you’re a fan of his older work, this one should feel familiar in the best way, like a reminder of why people connected with him so strongly to begin with.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.