Raised on the Westside of Santa Ana, Jay Taj built his name through storytelling-driven hip hop rooted in real life and cultural pride. His music is personal, sharp, and grounded, blending vivid writing with emotional clarity and lived experience. That approach earned him national recognition in 2024 as runner-up on Season 2 of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, where he stood out for turning personal history into powerful performance.

Taj’s career began in the early 2010s with a run of self-released tracks and videos that gained traction in local scenes. In 2016, his project TENFOUR marked a breakthrough moment, solidifying his voice as both technically skilled and emotionally transparent. Eight years later, LITTLE JERRY DEMOS (2024) captured his evolution. Partly recorded during the Rhythm + Flow competition, the EP was raw, stripped-down, and reflective; clear step forward. The finale singles “Believe Me” and “Make Me” became fan favorites for their honesty, clarity, and vulnerability.

His writing reflects his Pasifika and Black heritage and the complexity of being raised by his grandparents in a multicultural home after both parents were incarcerated. That experience shaped both his voice and his purpose: to figure it out.

In 2025, he was formally recognized by the city of Santa Ana for his work uplifting youth and contributing to local creative culture. Two weeks later, he returned the award in solidarity with community members protesting the city government’s lack of action toward immigrant sanctity during the start of the ICE controversy. The decision drew widespread attention and reinforced his stance that recognition is meaningless without values to back it.

Through his company ETC.ERA, Taj continues to build projects that connect music, storytelling, and community. From workshops to content to live performance, he’s building infrastructure around his identity and ideas.

For him, hip hop isn’t just music, it’s a tool, a responsibility, and a way forward.