On May 21, 2025, the Lifers Group—a pioneering hip-hop collective formed by incarcerated men at East Jersey State Prison—made a powerful return with their new single and video, “State N#mber.” This marks their first release in over three decades, continuing their mission to expose the harsh realities of prison life through raw and honest lyricism.
“State N#mber” is a gritty and emotionally charged track that explores the dehumanization of incarcerated individuals.The title references the inmate identification system, symbolizing how the prison complex strips people of their names, identities, and individuality. Delivered over a heavy, minimalist beat produced by Vanderslice, the lyrics are direct and unfiltered—painting vivid images of confinement, lost time, and institutional neglect.
The accompanying video, shot near the prison, captures a bleak vision of Rahway Prison. It brings the track to life with haunting visuals: barbed wire fences, flickering lights, and slow-motion scenes depicting daily prison life, creating an atmosphere of tension, introspection, and suppressed emotion.
What sets the Lifers Group apart is the authenticity behind every word. These artists aren’t imagining prison life—they’re living it. That lived experience gives their music a gravity and purpose rarely found in mainstream hip-hop. “State N#mber” is not just a song; it’s a protest, a memoir, and a form of resistance.
This new release arrives at a crucial time. As conversations around mass incarceration, sentencing reform, and prison conditions continue to grow, the Lifers Group offers a firsthand perspective that demands to be heard. Their work stands as both a cultural document and a call to action.
For longtime fans and new listeners alike, “State N#mber” is a reminder of hip-hop’s roots in truth-telling and social commentary. The Lifers Group continues to use their voices—despite the walls around them—to challenge injustice and demand recognition.
Stream State N#mber on all platforms here : Lifers Group – State N#mber
Watch State N#mber here : Lifers Group – State N#mber (Official Video)