JJ'88

JJ’88 is a singer, rapper, and songwriter raised in North Long Beach, and shaped by the streets, the church, and 18 years of incarceration he began as a child. His passion for music ignited in prison, where freestyle sessions became a lifeline. Encouraged by peers and mentors like Tray Deee of Tha Eastsidaz, he sharpened his craft, using music as a path to redemption and healing.

Released from his life sentence in 2022, JJ'88 is sharing his story with the world. His journey is at the heart of Songs From The Hole, a Netflix Original documentary visual album, he began in prison based on music he wrote in solitary confinement. The film premiered at SXSW, winning the Visions Audience Award and earning praise from Variety as “a deeply affecting experience.”

Now free, JJ’88 sees music as both testimony and tool. “In prison, all we have is our voice. Now I just want the chance to share mine.” Represented by artist-owned co-op, Question Culture, ‘88’s film and EP is set to release worldwide on Netflix, August 2025.