JJ Qaiyum, a sixth grader from Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, is carving out his own path in the hip-hop world while balancing the demands of school and family life. Known by his stage name JJQ, the 12-year-old rapper is following in the footsteps of his father, Jeffrey Qaiyum, a seasoned artist and member of the Q Brothers Collective.
JJ’s emergence as a young artist came into sharp focus following his performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival late last year. His dinosaur-themed rap, penned by his father, sparked widespread attention, accumulating around 10 million views across social media platforms. The song’s playful verses, including references to lesser-known dinosaurs like the micropachycephalosaurus, resonated with a broad audience and helped establish JJ as a notable figure among his peers at Waters Elementary School.
Despite the viral moment, JJ’s parents are taking a cautiously measured approach to his burgeoning career. Jeffrey Qaiyum, who goes by JQ in the music scene, has emphasized the importance of allowing JJ’s artistic pursuits to be led by the child’s own interests. JJ does not yet have a phone, and his family prioritizes a balanced routine that includes homework, piano practice, and downtime, though JJ admits that finding enough sleep is still a challenge.
The family’s Lincoln Square home features a basement recording studio where creativity flows freely. JJ, along with his siblings Cora, 10, and Amina, 8, are actively involved in music. Cora, who shares a comfort and enthusiasm for performing, also appears on the Q Brothers’ latest album, “Notice and Wonder.” JQ describes the household as one where art is not only cherished but actively created and shared among family members.
JQ, 46, and fellow Q Brothers member Postell Pringle, known as Pos, 50, reflect on the generational legacy within hip-hop. They note the roots of the culture in youthful self-expression and community-building, drawing a line to their own children’s involvement. “This whole culture was started by kids their age... and that’s still true. That’s in the DNA of hip-hop,” Pos remarked during a recent visit to the studio.
The dynamic between father and son captures both the mentorship and camaraderie within their relationship. JJ acknowledges occasional embarrassment over his dad’s attempts at youthful slang, yet the two share a mutual respect and understanding. JQ encourages JJ’s growth as a performer and songwriter, viewing the passing of the creative baton not as a one-way handoff but as an ongoing collaboration.
As JJ continues to develop his craft, supported by his family’s artistic environment, he embodies the ongoing evolution of hip-hop culture—rooted in past generations yet energized by new voices ready to carry it forward.