Official Trailer for Songs from the Hole on Netflix

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Dive into Songs from the Hole, an innovative documentary‑visual album featuring musician JJ’88, who penned soul‑bearing songs behind bars after receiving a life sentence at age 15. Told through first‑person narration and lyrical journal entries, the film explores his journey of repentance, identity, and healing—including the heart‑wrenching loss of his brother. Premieres August 13, 2025, on Netflix.

Transcript

00:00I've been thinking about freedom since the day I got locked up when I was 15.

00:08In here, death always feels feminine.

00:12I'd lay on the floor, make beats on my chest.

00:16The way I manufacture hope is by writing music.

00:23Telling the story is like reliving the trauma.

00:27But, at some point, you have to choose your own healing.

00:47It's hard to acknowledge the worst thing you've ever done in your life.

00:52April 16th, the day I took a life.

00:57Three days later, my brother was burned.

01:03Wait a minute, look at this one.

01:05Aww.

01:06More than anything in my life.

01:08I just wanted to be forgiven.

01:10Prison does not have space for forgiveness.

01:13It is seen as a weakness.

01:15They want to mount you on the wall.

01:17I promise you I'm going to make it to you.

01:19I know, son.

01:20I promise you.

01:20Every time you see James and you act to leave, it's like the casket is closing.

01:35Healing can never be found in someone else's punishment.

01:38I'm constantly thinking about the son that I lost.

01:40I'm constantly thinking about the son that I lost in the system.

01:43It's love, cause I'm dead to the world.

01:45Dead to my homies and my girl.

01:47I ain't got a letter in a minute.

01:48I was only 15.

01:49When the dick fell up in and I've been in it for a minute.

01:51I was nigga trying to finish out strong.

01:52I am doing some good in this world.

01:55I can see clearly how my heart is impacting people.

01:58But when I have clarity, I see it.

02:05Being in a box by yourself, that isolation can be crushing sometimes.

02:10But when God steps in, it becomes something different.

02:15That's what was happening in the hole.

02:22The.

02:23You.

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