One question changed Soulful Smallz's life forever.

Long before he became an R&B artist, Soulful Smallz was a little boy from East Long Beach who lost both of his parents at just six years old. Searching for belonging, he found himself caught in a cycle that led to juvenile hall, prison, and ultimately 14 years behind bars.

But it was inside prison where everything began to change.

In this deeply personal conversation, Soulful shares how music became his therapy, how one inmate's simple question—"Do you want to live life... or do you want a life?"—transformed the way he saw himself, and how Homeboy Industries helped him discover purpose beyond his past.

Today, Soulful uses his music and his story to inspire others who are searching for hope, healing, and a second chance.

This is a conversation about loss, redemption, and choosing the life you want to live.

Today’s Music Soundtrack Includes Music Artists: Soulful Smallz, Beno, and MM.

Soulful Smallz Instagram

Photographer's credit - CATHRYN FARNSWORTH

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
01:39 The value of time and early life challenges
03:09 Losing both parents at age six and its impact
04:34 Childhood personality and early trauma
05:31 Memorializing parents and their influence
07:29 Imagining how to spend more time with parents
08:34 Dreams of starting a winery and creative pursuits
12:32 Life after loss and turning to the streets
14:06 Juvenile hall and rediscovery of music
15:14 Music in juvenile hall and early influences
19:10 Musical inspirations and developing a style
22:43 Moment of self-reflection and overcoming depression
23:42 Suicide attempt and divine intervention
27:29 First encouragement and stepping into music
30:41 Performing on stage after prison
32:10 Playing 'Do the Time' and its meaning
37:46 The significance of community and mentorship
43:25 The influence of Coop and life-changing questions
50:04 Discovering Homeboy Industries and its impact
54:25 The mission of Homeboy Industries
56:47 Evolving through community and faith
01:05:07 Future goals and legacy building
01:08:27 Message of hope for struggling listeners
01:09:00 What Soulful Smallz wants his life to stand for