Lil Tay — born Claire Eileen Qi Hope — is a Canadian-American social media personality and rapper whose wild internet journey has been a rollercoaster of viral fame, controversy, disappearance, and unexpected comebacks. She first captured the world’s attention as a bold, unapologetic child flaunting designer clothes, stacks of cash, and luxury cars. Years later, she shocked fans again with her return to the spotlight and a dramatic shift in her public image.
From the explosive early days of her online career to the highly publicized events of recent years, here’s the full story of Lil Tay — her life, her rise, and the scandals that keep her name trending.
We’ll answer all the questions in this article: How did Lil Tay suddenly become so famous? How does she make a living? How did she sign up for OnlyFans as soon as she turned 18? How much money did she make, and what is she up to now?
Born July 29, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised for much of her childhood in Vancouver, Lil Tay grew up with an early exposure to both American and Canadian cultures. Her birth name is Claire Eileen Qi Hope, but she rebranded herself online as Lil Tay, cultivating a larger-than-life persona.
By 2017–2018, she became known as the “World’s Youngest Flexer”, regularly posting short videos on Instagram and YouTube that featured her bragging about her lifestyle, showing off expensive cars, and dismissing her “haters” with over-the-top insults.
Lil Tay’s viral breakthrough came in early 2018. The combination of her age, confidence, and extravagant displays of wealth made her videos instantly shareable — and polarizing. People either saw her as a comedy act, a marketing genius, or a troubling example of a child being exploited for internet clout.
She collaborated with other social media personalities and even got noticed by big-name rappers, cementing her status as more than just a one-hit viral wonder. Within months, she had amassed millions of followers, proving she knew how to play the internet game better than most adults.
In mid-2018, just as her popularity reached its peak, Lil Tay’s accounts went silent. Reports emerged that her parents were locked in a high-profile custody dispute. Questions swirled about who controlled her career, who benefited from her earnings, and whether she was being pressured into her online persona.
For several years, she largely vanished from the public eye. Fans speculated whether she would ever return — or if the Lil Tay persona had been retired for good. Lil Tay continues her glamorous lifestyle where she left off.
In August 2023, Lil Tay’s official Instagram account posted a shocking announcement claiming she and her brother had died unexpectedly. The news made headlines around the globe — but within 24 hours, she confirmed she was alive, saying her account had been hacked.
The bizarre episode reignited interest in her story, with many questioning how such a serious false announcement could happen. Shortly after, she began hinting at new music and a renewed presence on social media.
Reports in late 2023 and early 2024 suggested that Lil Tay had faced a serious medical emergency and undergone surgery. While details remained private, her reappearance months later showed a visibly older, more polished young woman who seemed ready to steer her career in a new direction.
While Lil Tay’s fame was built on her “flex” videos, she has also tried to carve out a legitimate music career. Her tracks blend rap with pop-influenced beats, often echoing the brash, confident style that made her famous. Fans see her as both a rapper and an influencer — someone who understands the power of performance.
In July 2025, Lil Tay turned 18 and made headlines again — this time for launching an OnlyFans account. According to her own claims on Instagram, she earned over $1 million in just a few hours after going live on the platform.
While the figure has not been independently verified, she posted screenshots showing subscription numbers, messages, and tips. The move was met with mixed reactions — some praised her for monetizing her brand on her own terms, while others criticized the adult pivot so soon after turning 18.
Lil Tay’s career has been defined as much by controversy as by creativity:
As of 2025, Lil Tay is back in control of her online presence. She remains active on Instagram, teases new music, and engages with fans regularly. Whether she’ll shift focus entirely to her rap career or continue building a multimedia empire is yet to be seen — but one thing is certain: Lil Tay knows how to keep the internet talking.
Lil Tay’s real name is Claire Eileen Qi Hope.
Through viral videos flaunting luxury cars, cash, and designer clothes at a very young age.
No, she didn’t. It was fake news. Her account was hacked, and a fake death notice was issued.
She claims over $1 million in hours after launching at age 18, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Yes, she’s still making music, and he’s been dropping hints about new songs and performances since his return.
