Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee, has carved a unique path in the music world, blending hip-hop, country, and rock into a powerful fusion that resonates with a broad audience. Growing up in the Antioch neighborhood, he faced numerous challenges that deeply influenced his music and lyrical themes. His journey began in the underground rap scene in 2003, where his raw and honest storytelling quickly garnered a dedicated following. Collaborations with artists like Lil Wyte and Struggle Jennings further cemented his reputation in the hip-hop community.
Fun Fact: Jelly Roll’s first song was “Pop Another Pill” in 2010. This collaboration with Lil Wyte marked his initial foray into the hip-hop scene and set the stage for his subsequent career. “Pop Another Pill” garnered significant attention and paved the way for his debut album and collaborations​
Over the years, Jelly Roll’s music has evolved, incorporating more country and rock elements. Albums like “A Beautiful Disaster” and “Self Medicated,” both released in 2020, showcased his versatility and ability to cross genres. His 2021 album “Ballads of the Broken,” featuring the hit single “Son of a Sinner,” marked a significant breakthrough in the country music scene, topping the Billboard US Country Airplay chart.
Jelly Roll’s music is deeply personal, drawing from his struggles with addiction and incarceration. His openness about his journey to recovery has made him a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and support for those facing similar challenges. This authenticity and depth have endeared him to fans across different music genres, making him a beloved figure in both hip-hop and country music circles.
Family plays a central role in Jelly Roll’s life. He is married to Bunnie XO, a model and influencer, and has two children from previous relationships. His personal experiences and dedication to his craft continue to drive his success, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the music industry.
Jelly Roll’s career has reached new heights in 2024 with several notable accomplishments:
- CMT Music Awards Sweep: Jelly Roll had a standout night at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, winning Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year for his song “Need a Favor.” His performance of “Halfway to Heaven” closed the show with a spectacular display of pyrotechnics.
- ACM Awards: At the 2024 ACM Awards, Jelly Roll won Best Music Event for his collaboration with Lainey Wilson on “Save Me.” He was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.
- iHeartRadio Music Awards: Jelly Roll won Best New Artist in both the Country and Pop categories at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. His performance of “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson was a highlight of the event.
Jelly Roll’s latest album, “Whitsitt Chapel” (2023), marks his first full-length country record, featuring tracks like “Halfway to Hell,” “Save Me” (featuring Lainey Wilson), “Behind Bars” (featuring Brantley Gilbert and Struggle Jennings), “Unlive” (featuring Yelawolf), and “Need a Favor.” His ability to blend different genres and his authentic storytelling continue to resonate with fans, making his latest releases highly anticipated and celebrated in the music industry.
Jelly Roll is set to embark on his “Beautifully Broken” tour in 2024, with dates spanning from August to October. Click here to see Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken Tour Dates
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