"1488" is a song by JPEGMAFIA, an American rapper and producer known for his experimental and confrontational style. The track title references a white supremacist slogan that combines the number 14, representing the "14 Words" slogan promoting white power, and 88, which stands for "Heil Hitler" (H is the 8th letter of the alphabet). The lyrics of the song contain violent and provocative language, with JPEGMAFIA addressing themes of police brutality, racial tension, and his personal experiences as a black man in America. He criticizes individuals who act tough and use racial slurs, asserting his own strength and defiance. The line "Keep it on the hush, I heard that yo momma, sister, auntie, getting touched" suggests the artist's knowledge of an inappropriate act occurring but choosing to keep it secret or hidden. This could represent a larger societal issue of abuse or misconduct being ignored or not properly addressed. JPEGMAFIA also references Kalief Browder, a young man who was falsely accused of theft and held in pretrial detention at Rikers Island for more than two years, ultimately leading to his suicide. This reference could signify the artist's anger and frustration with the justice system and the mistreatment of marginalized individuals. Overall, the song uses aggressive language and imagery to make sharp criticisms of racism, police brutality, and societal injustices, highlighting JPEGMAFIA's confrontational and unapologetic style.
