Jatavia Shakara Johnson, widely known as JT, one half of the dynamic hip-hop duo City Girls and a burgeoning solo artist, has captivated audiences not only with her sharp lyrics and confident persona but also with her highly publicized romantic journey. While her early dating life largely remained private, her relationship with fellow rapper Lil Uzi Vert has been a focal point of public interest, marked by grand gestures, public spats, and declarations of unwavering commitment.
JT's public romantic history truly began to unfold with her connection to Lil Uzi Vert (Symere Bysil Woods). Their relationship reportedly started in October 2019, though they kept it relatively low-key for some time. JT later revealed that their initial contact was quite professional, with Uzi sliding into her DMs suggesting a song collaboration. She admitted to feeling Uzi was "out of her league" at the time.
Their first date, according to JT, occurred while she was still in a halfway house after her prison sentence. Lil Uzi Vert reportedly arrived with a bag full of money, telling her to take as much as she could fit into her Chanel bag. This extravagant gesture set the tone for a relationship that would often be characterized by lavish displays of affection and public declarations.
By early 2021, their romance became undeniably public. Lil Uzi Vert openly declared his feelings, famously tweeting, "JT is the one." This public confirmation solidified their status as a power couple in the hip-hop world. They began appearing together at events, including the BET Awards in June 2021, showcasing their bond to fans and media alike. Uzi was also known for showering JT with expensive gifts, such as a $350,000 McLaren for her 29th birthday.
Despite their evident affection, their relationship has been notably on-again-off-again, experiencing several public ups and downs. In April 2022, Uzi publicly tweeted that JT had broken up with him over "dumb ass s***." This followed a resurfaced tweet from Uzi to another artist, Distortedd, dating back to 2015. JT confirmed the split, stating Uzi had initially lied about the tweet's authenticity. However, the couple quickly reconciled, demonstrating the resilient nature of their connection.
Throughout 2023 and into 2024, JT and Lil Uzi Vert continued to navigate their high-profile romance. They were often seen together, and despite occasional rumors or minor public disagreements, their commitment to each other seemed to deepen. In August 2023, Lil Uzi Vert made headlines when he firmly rejected a fan's advances, declaring, "I am dating JT forever," a statement that quickly went viral and was praised by fans for his loyalty.
JT herself has frequently spoken about her deep affection and commitment to Uzi. In a July 2023 interview with Cosmopolitan, she expressed her desire to marry Lil Uzi Vert, stating, "We're definitely getting married one day." She described him as her "best friend" and "dog," highlighting the profound bond they share beyond romantic love. She also expressed a preference for a private proposal, away from the immediate glare of social media.
Their relationship has been a subject of constant media attention, with fans invested in their journey. JT has often defended their five-year relationship against online criticism, emphasizing that she remains firm in her love for the Philadelphia rapper. She has also shared insights into their dynamic, noting that Uzi constantly wants her by his side, even though they live together, which she attributes to his genuine desire to spend time with her.
As of late 2024, JT and Lil Uzi Vert remain a couple, continuing to appear together and express their love publicly. Their journey, marked by grand gestures, public reconciliations, and unwavering declarations of love, reflects a modern celebrity romance lived largely in the public eye. Despite the challenges that come with fame, JT and Lil Uzi Vert have consistently affirmed their enduring connection, signaling a future that many fans hope will lead to marriage.