TKTAY isn’t trying to be everywhere at once — and that’s exactly what makes his movement feel real. There’s no rush in how he approaches music, no forced image, no obvious attempt to chase what’s trending. Instead, what you get is something more grounded: honesty, reflection, and a mindset that’s still evolving in real time.
On records like “Thanksgiving on a Friday,” that balance shows up clearly. There’s emotion, but it’s controlled. There’s vulnerability, but it doesn’t feel performative. It feels like someone is figuring things out while still pushing forward.
We caught up with TKTAY to talk about identity, discipline, creative pressure, and what he’s really building behind the scenes.
Q: You don’t come off like you’re chasing trends. Was that always intentional, or did you learn that the hard way?
A: No, it wasn’t intentional. I was just making music because it felt easy for me, and it was fun. No distractions — just me and the music.
Q: A lot of artists perform a version of themselves. How close is the artist TKTAY to who you are off the mic?
A: I think I’m more secluded and quiet in real life, but TKTAY — he wants to be in the spotlight. He wants people to know who he is. I think that’s something we both share, though.
Q: What’s something people assume about you based on your music that’s actually wrong?
A: I don’t think I’ve gotten enough feedback yet to have a strong answer, but maybe I haven’t improved over the years. I just don’t believe that’s true.
Q: When you’re in the studio, are you more focused on making something honest or something that connects?
A: Both. I try to be as truthful as I can, but I also want to enjoy the process. I just speak from the heart. There’s probably no such thing as a completely original experience, so if I say something and someone relates to it, I know there are others who feel the same.
Q: You’ve got a reflective side, but there’s also restraint in how you say things. Is that discipline or just how you process emotions?
A: It’s discipline. When I talk about something that matters to me, I really want to explain how it made me feel. But when I process emotions, I also think about what led me to that point.
Q: What’s a conversation you’ve had in real life that later turned into a song without people realizing it?
A: The title of this song actually came from a real conversation I had. A lot of the lyrics came from conversations with myself or things happening around me. The song is just the outcome of all that.
Q: Everyone talks about leveling up — what’s something you had to leave behind that people don’t see?
A: Inconsistency. I’m trying to put out more music, but without rushing. I’m focused on staying dedicated. Dedication can be annoying, but it shows results.
Q: Do you feel like your environment shaped your sound, or did you always feel a bit outside of it?
A: It definitely shaped my sound. Any place you spend a lot of time in — especially somewhere you call home — is going to influence you in some way, whether it’s big or small.
Q: How do you protect your creative space when there’s pressure to drop more, do more, be more visible?
A: I just stay myself. Cool, calm, collected. I know these things take time. If I could speed it up, I would — but I’d rather put something out when it’s finished, not when it’s just “almost ready.”
Q: If someone listened to your catalog in reverse, what would they learn about your evolution?
A: They’d probably hear me going deeper into my emotional side, but also see that I can still rap about lighter things or things that aren’t emotional at all.
Q: What’s a moment where you almost second-guessed your direction but kept going anyway?
A: On my song “Lovers Gaze,” the beat is really soft, and I didn’t think my voice matched it well. I almost didn’t finish it, but I decided to just go for it — and I’m glad I did. I do second-guess myself sometimes, but it’s rarely about the music itself.
Q: Do you think people really listen to music anymore, or just consume it?
A: I think people still really listen to music, but those same people might also just consume it sometimes. It depends on the genre and the person. Everyone has different tastes, but yeah — I believe people still truly listen.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently that changed how you create?
A: I’ve realized I’m more dedicated than ever to changing my life. It’s not always easy to stay motivated, but until I get a sign telling me to stop, I’m not going to.
Q: If you had to describe your current mindset in one word, what would it be — and why?
A: Contemplation. I’m dealing with normal things as a 20-year-old — school, relationships, just life — but at the same time, I’m trying to build something bigger for myself.
Q: What kind of legacy are you building right now, even if people don’t see it yet?
A: I want to build a legacy where people can say, “I love his music just as much as he does.” I want people to know me, but I also want everything that comes with that — the opportunities, the growth, all of it.