Chicago’s rising voice TKTAY cuts straight to the truth with his new single “Thanksgiving On A Friday“—a raw, reflective release that turns missed timing, young love, and quiet regret into something unforgettable. Out now, the record positions the Chicago artist as one to watch, blending honest storytelling with emotional clarity and intent.
The title “Thanksgiving On A Friday” feels very specific and symbolic. What does that phrase mean to you personally?
To me, it means something odd, but something with a purpose—like things didn’t flow correctly, so it had to happen the way it did.
Was this song written all at once, or did it come together over time as your perspective changed?
This song was written over a week, so my inspiration was already there. The inspiration came from my senior year of high school. I just didn’t make the song until now.
What was the hardest line to write on this record, and why?
Hardest to record emotionally was probably when I said, “Too stuck in my head now I’m thinking ‘bout could’ve been two years later you still looking good and I want a little bit, maybe a lot of it.” I say it’s that line because it lets me know I’m not as over it as I think I am and would like to be, but there’s just something not letting me.
This song reflects on a relationship that never fully happened. At what point did you realize this story needed to be told in a record?
Honestly, I needed to put out another song, but the feelings I had toward this title were just like alright let’s go hard like I’m really telling this person how I really feel.
You started making music after missing a graduation milestone in eighth grade. How did that moment change your direction creatively?
So I did graduate eighth grade. I just didn’t have a proper graduation because I graduated during covid times. I guess that moment just opened up the creativity of “oh I can really make music” and I just kept doing it and haven’t stopped since.
Growing up in Chicago, how has the city shaped the way you see the world and your music?
Chicago has shaped everything for me. You get a lot of experience growing up in a city like Chicago which is also fueled by the music that comes from here, and when you go through those hardships or even that happiness it stays within you somewhere.
You’ve cited J. Cole, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar as inspirations. What specific lessons have you taken from each?
From J. Cole, I’ll say the lesson I’ve learned is to stay humble and not let what you do change who you are. Drake—have fun; you know what you’ve done, and it’s okay to enjoy. Kendrick Lamar—to me, I’ve learned that you should rap how you want, and the people that get it get it.
You’ve said music is a vehicle for change. What kind of change do you hope your music creates?
I hope that I find people who love my music just as much as me and who love music just as much as me, but I also want to benefit from it so it can keep me going because it’s hard when people don’t really hear you and you want them to.
How does your family motivate you when things feel uncertain or slow?
My family and friends, I know they got my back in what I choose to do so that always keeps me going. It never felt like I had to do this to get support. It’s more like I do this and they support me.
What separates your music from other artists in your lane right now?
I’d say it’s my time now. I don’t even want to sound cocky but I feel like since I’ve dropped this song people are about to start hearing me. I feel ready to be the next person people are talking about with music in a good way.
