J.I the Prince Honors Big Pun and Opens Up About Fame, Trauma in “Cherry Red 150”

Brooklyn-born rap prodigy J.I the Prince returns with what might be his most personal track yet: “Cherry Red 150.” More than just a single, it’s a lyrical letter to the late, great Big Pun — and a testament to J.I’s growth, grief, and grit. The record, years in the making, earns its weight. J.I didn’t just throw Pun’s name into a bar for nostalgia points — he went straight to the source. With the blessing of Big Pun’s wife and son, the song’s clearance feels like a torch being passed, a moment of generational alignment. That kind of endorsement isn’t just symbolic — it’s a reminder that respect and reverence still matter in New York hip hop. Sonically, “Cherry Red 150” fits snugly into the contemporary NYC sound — moody, melodic, with a slick edge of drill-influenced production but grounded in storytelling. J.I’s voice, smooth yet urgent, weaves in and out of the beat with precision. It’s not maximalist, it doesn’t need to be. The power is in the restraint — in how much he says without yelling, in how the pain simmers just under the surface.

Rooted in deep respect and years of intention, “Cherry Red 150” serves as both homage and heartbreak. Long an admirer of Big Pun’s vivid storytelling and raw lyricism, J.I crafted this record with the goal of honoring a legend while revealing the inner turmoil he’s often kept hidden. That mission came full circle when Pun’s wife and son personally cleared the track and gave it their blessing — a rare and powerful co-sign that underscores the song’s emotional weight.

From the jump, “Cherry Red 150” feels like a confessional. Set over a dark, melodic beat, J.I peels back the layers of fame, betrayal, and survival with a level of vulnerability rarely seen in mainstream rap today. His flow shifts between melody and hard bars, embodying the duality of strength and pain — of public stature and private scars.

“R-I-P I did this shit for P-U-N / Guide me to your heart, give me the keys and let me in.”

With these opening lines, J.I places himself not just in the shadow of a legend, but in the lineage. His delivery is not just homage — it’s a cry for guidance, a request to be seen and understood by those who paved the way.

The title — “Cherry Red 150” — references a flashy Ford pickup, but in J.I’s hands, the truck becomes a metaphor for weight and momentum, for danger and defense. It’s not just about moving fast; it’s about who and what you carry with you when the world won’t stop watching.

“You not gon catch me in this cherry red 150 / If I’m on the freeway pushing 150 / Don’t run up on me, I got my gun with me.”

As much as the track is about legacy, it’s also deeply rooted in J.I’s present reality. He reflects on his upbringing in Crown Heights, his rise through the New York rap scene, and the toll that fame has taken — not just on his psyche, but on the relationships around him.

“I gotta fix my doors cause everybody knocking me / I gotta watch everything, everybody clocking me.”

It’s a powerful reminder of the claustrophobia of fame, especially for a young artist still navigating manhood, brotherhood, and betrayal. And while the lyrics are sharp and introspective, the production elevates the emotion with a moody backdrop that feels both cinematic and intimate.

“Cherry Red 150” also showcases J.I’s evolution as an artist. Known for his melodic hooks and street-wise bars, he takes it a step further here — pushing into storytelling that echoes the legends of East Coast rap while staying grounded in his own truth. The song is peppered with shout-outs to his team, his family, and his brothers, closing with a plea for forgiveness and a subtle, aching hope for redemption.

In a landscape that often rewards hype over heart, J.I stands out as a voice of both the streets and the soul. “Cherry Red 150” isn’t just a track — it’s a moment. A moment for Big Pun. A moment for J.I. And a moment for New York. Its acceptance is still to be seen as the song was just released, but there is confidence that the release will connect with a wide range of listeners and most importantly, for the right reasons.