Santa Ana honors hometown rapper Jay Taj: 'My neighborhood knew my name'

The City of Santa Ana presented hometown rapper Jay Taj with a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding contributions to the community, Juice Unlocked reported on June 4, 2025.

The honor was presented in the City Council chamber, where an official read the recognition at the podium before handing Jay Taj the mic. The post's cover photo shows him holding the certificate, which reads "City of Santa Ana, Certificate of Recognition, awarded to Jay Taj," alongside a group of people on the chamber floor.

'Pride, honesty, and soul'

The official presenting the award said the recognition was about more than his music. "I am so honored to recognize Jay Taj, not just for his achievements on stage, but for how he continues to represent Santa Ana with pride, honesty, and soul," she said.

Jay Taj introduced himself as "sometimes known as little Jerry," and said he had only learned that day that his neighborhood is called Ward 1. Growing up, he said, they called it the west side of the riverbed.

“My neighborhood knew my name and celebrated my name and uplifted my name long before the world knew my name.”

Pointing the spotlight back

In his remarks, Jay Taj said the city and its people have celebrated and supported him "since the MySpace days." He said that no matter where he goes or where he spends his time, it all comes back to Santa Ana.

He also praised Santa Ana as a place that celebrates the people it was built on, naming Chicano, Black, Samoan and Vietnamese residents among the cultures that make up the city.

“If Santa Ana gains a spotlight, it's the type of city to point it at people like me, and if I gain a spotlight, I'm the type of person to point it back to my city.”

Your take

Juice Unlocked asked followers whether the honor cements Jay Taj's legacy as one of the greatest rappers to come out of Orange County. The post drew more than 1,100 likes and 87 comments.

“I am so honored to recognize Jay Taj, not just for his achievements on stage, but for how he continues to represent Santa Ana with pride, honesty, and soul.”