More than five decades after Johnny Cash performed for inmates at California’s San Quentin State Prison, Jelly Roll has returned to the same facility to film the official music video for his song “Hands Up.” Starting today, Spotify is offering Premium subscribers in certain beta markets a 48-hour exclusive window to watch the black-and-white clip before it becomes available elsewhere.
The early access is part of a broader initiative by the streaming service to give users first looks at music videos from artists. During the 48-hour period, eligible subscribers can open Spotify on TV, desktop, iOS, or Android devices, select “Hands Up,” and tap “Switch to video.” The video begins playing from the point where the audio left off. Tapping “Switch to audio” returns the listener to background playback, and rotating a mobile device to landscape mode enables a full-screen view.
Directed by Anthony Mandler, the video follows Jelly Roll through San Quentin, the state’s oldest prison, which now provides college courses, career training, restorative justice, and reentry programs. The singer leads a group of inmates in a prayer centered on the word “freedom” before delivering an intimate, rollicking performance with his band.
Spotify indicated that additional music video debuts will follow on the platform soon.
