Lil Tay, now known as Tay Tian, is an American-Canadian internet personality and rapper who rose to prominence at a very young age. She began her online career in 2018, gaining fame for her viral YouTube and Instagram videos, where she showcased her rap skills and boasted about wealth.
Born on July 29, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Lil Tay later moved to Vancouver, Canada, and eventually to Los Angeles, where she pursued dance and singing lessons. Her parents are Angela Tian and Christopher Hope.
Early Career and Social Media Rise
Lil Tay started posting videos as a 9- or 10-year-old, depending on reports, creating content that quickly went viral. Her early posts focused on rap and lifestyle, often using bold language that attracted both attention and controversy.
However, after achieving fame, she disappeared from social media for five years, reportedly due to a custody battle between her parents, which limited her ability to produce online content.
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False Death Rumors in 2023
After her long absence, Lil Tay and her fans were shocked by a rumor claiming she and her brother Jason had died in August 2023. The news was shared via her official Instagram account but was later deleted. Tay later confirmed to TMZ that the reports were false, attributing the misinformation to third-party interference.
She shared her distress, stating: “I want to make it clear that my brother and I are safe and alive, but I’m completely heartbroken… it’s been a very traumatising 24 hours.”
Health Challenges and Open-Heart Surgery
In September 2024, Lil Tay publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with a life-threatening heart tumour and was admitted to the ICU. To remove the tumour, she underwent open-heart surgery and later shared her recovery with fans: “Heart tumour removed. I’m back. I love you all so much, and this time nothing will stop me from achieving my dreams.”
Breakthrough on OnlyFans
After turning 18 on July 29, 2025, Lil Tay launched her OnlyFans account, immediately drawing widespread attention. Within just three hours, she reportedly earned over USD 1 million, breaking platform records.
She promoted the launch on social media, highlighting the exclusivity of her content: “$1M in 3 hours. We broke the fuck out of that OnlyFans record. Come see content I took of myself at 12:01 AM on my 18th BDAY. Only available for 24 hours.”
Personal Life and Relationships
In 2025, speculation emerged linking Lil Tay romantically to Twitch streamer Rakai, though no official confirmation has been made. Currently, reports indicate that she is focused on her career and building her OnlyFans presence.
Legacy and Public Perception
Lil Tay, now Tay Tian, is recognized for her early viral success, controversial content, and ability to monetize social media influence. Her journey from child internet sensation to a record-breaking adult content creator highlights the evolving dynamics of digital fame, online entrepreneurship, and media attention.
