Tkay

The concept for the album began in 2014, around the time Maidza was working on her debut extended play, entitled Switch Tape. The EP was released in October 2014, through Dew Process Records. In December 2014, Maidza announced that she was working on her debut studio album.

In 2016, Maidza gained greater international notice when she collaborated with DJ and record producer Martin Solveig on his single "Do It Right". "Do It Right" sparked Maidza's lead single from the album, "Carry On", which features vocals from rapper Killer Mike,

In the beginning of October 2016, the album's first promotional single was released, entitled "Tennies". Two weeks after, the album's second official single, entitled "Simulation", was released on 16 October 2016. The song was revealed to have been co-written with rising electronic musician George Maple, who previously co-wrote and co-produced Maidza's song "Ghost".

In a 3 ½ star rating, music journalist Bernard Zuel said "It's no surprise Tkay Maidza's debut album arrives fully sprung: performing live, the Adelaide-based rapper/singer is a ball of energy with a rapid flow to match the tempo... Maidza's energy is channelled and modified so tempos are varied without losing drive. R&B feels like her home turf instead of a token effort, and there's a natural link between songs incorporating the perspective of a young woman facing the world straight on. Her vocals are more adaptable than expected: clarity is allowed more of a show at times so her strong lyrical core comes through; and her singing, not her strength but clearly a long-term plan, reveals welcome imperfection rather than weakness."

Daniel Patrin from Renowned for Sound said "TKAY serves as a soulful party dream. Executed and displayed with a fiery pressure and physical organisation, it's humbled in an artistic rawness that demands sharp attention."

Chelsey Deeley from Music Feeds said "Containing pure dance-movers, hip-hop tinged electronics and fiery rapping delivery, you'll spend more time moving your feet than you will analysing the subject matter". Adding "Take this album for what it is, a punchy, eclectic mix of dance floor bangers, and the sassy, yet playful rhetoric of a home-grown star on the rise."