Ty Dolla $ign has been committed to bringing attention to his brother's story since Big TC's 2004 imprisonment at California's Calipatria State Prison.
Image: Brandon Artis Photography
In a powerful and emotional moment at this year's Coachella festival, Ty Dolla $ign (real name Tyrone William Griffin Jr) took the stage not only as a celebrated musician but as a devoted brother, sharing a touching tribute to his incarcerated sibling, Big TC (Jabreal Muhammad).
As he captivated the audience, Dolla $ign introduced a virtual appearance from TC, who is currently serving a staggering 67 years to life for murder, a sentence he has been striving to overturn.
For Dolla $ign, whose musical career has brought him acclaim as one of the industry's finest, his life has been a dual journey of artistic success intertwined with fierce advocacy for justice.
Since TC's incarceration in 2004 at California's Calipatria State Prison, he has dedicated himself to highlighting his brother's story.
He has poured his heart into his art, launching projects like the debut album "Free TC" in November 2015, aimed at raising awareness of his brother's plight and seeking to correct what he considers a wrong judicial ruling.
During his electrifying performance at Coachella 2025, Dolla $ign created a stirring atmosphere that matched the emotional weight of his message.
The stage was set to visually replicate a prison yard, complete with chain-link fences and barbed wire, reinforcing the reality of his brother’s situation.
A powerful video featuring TC was projected above the stage, displaying the brotherly bond that remains unyielding despite the physical barriers of incarceration.
Accompanied by the harmonious sounds of a live choir, TC's voice echoed through the festival grounds, resonating with the vast audience.
However, there were technical hitches - where the visuals appeared to loop, causing discrepancies between TC's lips and the lyrics. Yet, the profound message of love and solidarity transcended any technical flaws, capturing the struggles and the unbreakable bond that $ign shares with his brother.
Apart from this powerful homage, Dolla $ign’s performance was brimming with star power, featuring renowned guests such as Wiz Khalifa, YG, Tyga, and Leon Thomas.
The line-up celebrated a blend of fan-favourite hits and new material, including tracks from his collaboration with Kanye West, “Vultures 1”.
While the reality of incarceration for his brother is heartbreaking, his commitment to portraying their relationship and fighting for justice continues to resonate through his music and advocacy.
The performance at Coachella not only showcased his artistic talents but also his unwavering brotherly love, reminding all in attendance that even behind bars, family ties remain unbroken.
