Jelly Roll: from rap to country — his path to success and recognition
21 november 2024 в 05:13
Jelly Roll leaves a lasting impression as a country rapper. He has made a significant transition from rap to mainstream country, blending genres. A talented artist, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has been releasing his music since 2011 and has also worked on high-profile collaborative projects with other talented rappers.
Now a recording artist, Jelly Roll has been recognized by the Recording Academy for his music! Jelly Roll received his first Grammy nomination for the 2024 awards. He is also nominated for several awards at the November 2024 CMA Awards.
Learn more about Jelly Roll and how he broke into the country-rap scene below.
Originally from Nashville, Jelly Roll teamed up with rapper Lil Wyte for the song «Pop Another Pill» in 2010. It was released on YouTube and garnered over 6.3 million views. The success led to the release of the album Year Round in 2011, from the hip-hop group SNO, which featured Jelly Roll, Lil Wyte, and BPZ.
After the release of Year Round, Jelly Roll released various other projects, including the Gamblin' on a Whiteboy mixtape series and the Therapeutic Music mixtape series, released in 2012 and 2015 respectively. His debut studio album The Big Sal Story was released in 2012, and he has worked on many other collaborative projects, including two with Haystak, two with Lil Wyte, and four with Struggle Jennings.
Jelly Roll broke a Billboard record in February 2023, spending 25 weeks at number one on the Emerging Artists chart. He is set to release the highly anticipated country album titled WHITSITT CHAPEL in June 2023.
He has tattoos on his face and hands, including crosses, tears, and a patterned heart. The tattoos are prominently featured on many of his music releases and have become his signature style.
Jelly Roll married Bunny DeFord, whose stage name is Bunny XO, in August 2016, according to Music Mayhem. They reportedly first met at one of his concerts in Las Vegas, Nevada, and «hit it off right away». «We hit it off right away», - Jelly Roll told Taste of Country Nights. «She said she fell in love with the saddest eyes in the room».
«She was with some abusive jerk, and they came to the show, and we were backstage», - he also commented during an interview with King and the Sting and Wing Clips. «They broke up, and I’m not gonna front like I tried to start a conversation. She started it. We had mutual friends. She said, 'Hey. Just connect me with Jelly.' And I hit her up on some other topic. I said, 'Hey. I’m coming to shoot some content and videos.' She said, 'Yeah! Come over!' I said, 'Alright, I live in my van, so I’ll leave right now.'»
Before his romance with Bunny, Jelly Roll was in other relationships, which led to the birth of his daughter Bailey Ann DeFord in May 2008. She was born after he went to prison, and on her 13th birthday, he shared how her life impacted his perspective when he got out of prison in 2009.
«You changed my life. You are the reason I am who I am. The day you were born was the day I decided to change my life and chase my dream», - he wrote in a tribute to her on Instagram on her birthday. «I didn’t get custody of you, you got custody of me. You are so smart, so talented, so funny, so sweet. You speak well, polite and respectful. You are my best friend and the best daughter a father could dream of. I love you, beauty». Bailey even participated in one of her father’s songs called «Tears Could Talk», - so she is following in his musical footsteps!
Jelly Roll is also the father of his son Noah Buddy DeFord, who was born in 2016. He has not spoken about him publicly as much as Bailey, who is now in the spotlight as a singer. Noah’s mother’s name has never been disclosed, and Jelly Roll has previously said that he doesn’t talk much about Noah out of respect
Now a recording artist, Jelly Roll has been recognized by the Recording Academy for his music! Jelly Roll received his first Grammy nomination for the 2024 awards. He is also nominated for several awards at the November 2024 CMA Awards.
Learn more about Jelly Roll and how he broke into the country-rap scene below.
Originally from Nashville, Jelly Roll teamed up with rapper Lil Wyte for the song «Pop Another Pill» in 2010. It was released on YouTube and garnered over 6.3 million views. The success led to the release of the album Year Round in 2011, from the hip-hop group SNO, which featured Jelly Roll, Lil Wyte, and BPZ.
After the release of Year Round, Jelly Roll released various other projects, including the Gamblin' on a Whiteboy mixtape series and the Therapeutic Music mixtape series, released in 2012 and 2015 respectively. His debut studio album The Big Sal Story was released in 2012, and he has worked on many other collaborative projects, including two with Haystak, two with Lil Wyte, and four with Struggle Jennings.
Jelly Roll broke a Billboard record in February 2023, spending 25 weeks at number one on the Emerging Artists chart. He is set to release the highly anticipated country album titled WHITSITT CHAPEL in June 2023.
He has tattoos on his face and hands, including crosses, tears, and a patterned heart. The tattoos are prominently featured on many of his music releases and have become his signature style.
Jelly Roll married Bunny DeFord, whose stage name is Bunny XO, in August 2016, according to Music Mayhem. They reportedly first met at one of his concerts in Las Vegas, Nevada, and «hit it off right away». «We hit it off right away», - Jelly Roll told Taste of Country Nights. «She said she fell in love with the saddest eyes in the room».
«She was with some abusive jerk, and they came to the show, and we were backstage», - he also commented during an interview with King and the Sting and Wing Clips. «They broke up, and I’m not gonna front like I tried to start a conversation. She started it. We had mutual friends. She said, 'Hey. Just connect me with Jelly.' And I hit her up on some other topic. I said, 'Hey. I’m coming to shoot some content and videos.' She said, 'Yeah! Come over!' I said, 'Alright, I live in my van, so I’ll leave right now.'»
Before his romance with Bunny, Jelly Roll was in other relationships, which led to the birth of his daughter Bailey Ann DeFord in May 2008. She was born after he went to prison, and on her 13th birthday, he shared how her life impacted his perspective when he got out of prison in 2009.
«You changed my life. You are the reason I am who I am. The day you were born was the day I decided to change my life and chase my dream», - he wrote in a tribute to her on Instagram on her birthday. «I didn’t get custody of you, you got custody of me. You are so smart, so talented, so funny, so sweet. You speak well, polite and respectful. You are my best friend and the best daughter a father could dream of. I love you, beauty». Bailey even participated in one of her father’s songs called «Tears Could Talk», - so she is following in his musical footsteps!
Jelly Roll is also the father of his son Noah Buddy DeFord, who was born in 2016. He has not spoken about him publicly as much as Bailey, who is now in the spotlight as a singer. Noah’s mother’s name has never been disclosed, and Jelly Roll has previously said that he doesn’t talk much about Noah out of respect
© Artemenko Olga
