Jelly Roll traveled to San Quentin in Northern California to film the video for his new song “Hands Up,” according to Rolling Stone. The prison is now known as the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center outside San Francisco.
The visit places Jelly Roll among a long list of major artists who have performed at the facility over the years, including Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and Metallica. Rolling Stone notes that Cash performed there six decades ago.
Jelly Roll, who has been open about spending time behind bars himself, said the video shoot was “truly one of the most special things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do.” He also said, “These are not actors. This is not a movie set.”
On social media, the singer said the project felt personal because the song reflects a turning point in his own life. He thanked the people involved in the production and the staff at the facility, saying the finished video may be the best of his career.
