Eminem’s goal for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) was to symbolically close the book on his Slim Shady alter ego. However, the conclusion is not the happy ending listeners may expect. On “Somebody Save Me” featuring Jelly Roll, Eminem raps from the perspective of him succumbing to his addictions and passing away. The Detroit, Michigan native is loosely making a callback to his 2007 overdose that nearly ended his life. Throughout the song, Eminem apologizes profusely for putting his vices (Slim Shady) above his now three kids, Hailie, Alaina, and Stevie, instead of being there for their biggest accomplishments. His children make a lot of appearances in his lyrics as his Stans know and when they do, he tears himself down a lot for not being the best caretaker for them.
The acclaimed MC has also stated this belief numerous times in interviews as well, like the one with Rolling Stone in 2004 via People. “Bein’ a dad is definitely living a double life. Even before Hailie was born, I was a firm believer in freedom of speech… But once I hit them gates where I live, that’s when I’m Dad… I’m not sayin’ I’m the perfect father, but the most important thing is to be there for my kids and raise them the right way”. It is part of the reason why “Somebody Save Me” is such an emotional ride for longtime fans of Eminem and even Jelly Roll. Both have had their respective grizzly bouts with drugs, and hearing the pain in their deliveries makes for a scary and sad what-could-have-been ending in the context of the album, but also in general.
Right now, I’m just weak As I fall further down in this deep hole And farther in the ground that I sink As they lower me in my coffin, I feel the tears all fallin’ down on my cheek
The career of rapper turned country star Jelly Roll has been the definition of a “glow up.” The Tennessee native saw his public fame increase dramatically just a few years ago after he released the song “Son Of A Sinner” in 2021. Since then, he’s been hotly demanded in the country music space, performing at this year’s Stagecoach Festival and winning a bunch of trophies at the 2024 CMT Awards. But for all those achievements, there’s still one thing he hasn’t been able to do: perform overseas.
With his Beautifully Broken Tour launching late this summer, Jelly Roll explained his international touring dilemma to an astonished Jon Bon Jovi in Interview magazine. When Bon Jovi asked, “Have you taken it overseas yet?” Jelly Roll confessed, “Not yet. I’m so excited. We’re figuring out the final pieces of some legal puzzles for me to get overseas.”
He expressed optimism that it’d work out, explaining, “America has finally agreed to let me leave and give me a passport, but some countries won’t let me come because of my felonies. We’re working on that. I think it’s going to work in my favor.” The Tennessean has spent time in jail for armed robbery and possession of marijuana; many countries have rules that deny visas to felons.
He’s not the first hip-hop artist to go through issues getting a visa. 21 Savage notably could not leave the country due to his ongoing efforts to secure citizenship, only recently acquiring his green card with the help of Drake, of all people. Hopefully, Jelly Roll’s past won’t hold him back too long from his bright future.
This weekend, Jelly Roll, The Fugees, and Osesza will headline the Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee. The multi-genre festival begins this Friday, May 3, and runs through Sunday, May 5, with performances from Jai Wolf, Yung Gravy, Matt And Kim, Mt. Joy, Killer Mike, Tobe Nwigwe, The Band Camino, Black Pumas, 8Ball & MJG, Big Boi of Outkast, and more. The festival takes place at Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi (hence the festival’s name) and has five stages. See the set times below to set your game plan ahead of the festivities and find more information at riverbeat.com.
Friday, May 3
Main Stage: Jai Wolf (5:00-6:00), Yung Gravy (7:00-8:00), Odesza (9:30-11:00) Bud Light Stage: Kenny Brown(4:45-5:30), Matt And Kim(6:30-7:30), Mt. Joy(8:15-9:30) Zev Pavilion Stage: Charlie Musselwhite (4:15-5:00), Durand Jones (6:00-7:00), Take Me To The River: Memphis (8:00-9:00) Beale St Landing Stage: Lucky 7 Brass Band (4:00-5:00), Marcella Simien (5:30-6:30), Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band: Tribute To Bobby “Blue” Bland (7:00-8:00) Whateverland: DY3 (4:00-5:15), Qemist (5:30-7:00), Phantoms (DJ Set) (7:15-8:15), Mindchatter (8:30-9:30)
Saturday, May 4
Main Stage: Talibah Safiya (3:45-4:30), Killer Mike (5:15-6:15), Tobe Nwigwe (7:00-8:00), The Fugees (9:30-11:00) Bud Light Stage: Lawrence Matthews (3:00-4:00), Southern Avenue (4:30-5:30), Del Water Gap (6:30-7:30), The Band Camino (8:15-9:30) Zev Pavilion Stage: Jimbo Mathus (2:15-3:00), Don Bryant Feat. The Bo-Keys (4:30-5:15), Al Kapone & The B.W.A. Band (6:15-7:00), Robert Randolph Band (8:15-9:15) Beale St Landing Stage: School Of Rock Bands (2:00-3:30), School Of Rock Bands (4:00-5:30), School Of Rock Bands (6:00-7:30) Whateverland: Witnesse (2:15-3:45), Nico (4:00-5:00), Bizzle Bluebland (5:15-6:15), Aimmia (6:30-7:45), White Panda (8:30-9:30)
Sunday, May 5
Main Stage: Nightly (3:45-4:30), Morgan Wade (5:15-6:15), Black Pumas (7:00-8:15), Jelly Roll (9:30-11:00) Bud Light Stage: S.G. Goodman (3:00-4:00), 8Ball & MJG (4:30-5:30), Jessie Murph (6:30-7:30), Big Boi (8:30-9:30) Zev Pavilion Stage: Dirty Streets (2:15-3:00), The Heavy Heavy (4:30-5:15), The Aces (6:15-7:00), Whitey Morgan & The 78’s (8:15-9:15) Beale St Landing Stage: Mark Edgar Stuart (2:00-3:00), Bailey Bigger (3:30-4:30), The Wilkins Sisters (5:00-6:00), Salo Pallini (6:30-7:30) Whateverland: Siphne Ayye (2:15-3:45), Alpha Whiskey (4:00-5:00), Sth Memphis Jeff (5:15-6:15), Forester (DJ Set) (6:30-7:45), Coco & Breezy (8:30-9:30)
Country music has been receiving considerable attention from fans outside the genre lately, especially with Beyoncé’s recent hit Cowboy Carter. However, it seems Jelly Roll just invited Hip-Hop fans to the biggest country-themed festival of the year, the 2024 Stagecoach Festival.
Friday night, Jelly Roll brought out T-Pain by seamlessly incorporating the iconic singer, songwriter, and rapper into his country set. T-Pain did not disappoint. He gave the crowd a medley of his hits, including “Buy U a Drank,” which everyone in the crowd seemed to know. Jelly Roll and T-Pain even performed a cover of the late Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy.”
But Jelly wasn’t just relying on T-Pain for the Hip-Hop vibes. Get this: He performed some classic rap records. He gave the crowd Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend,” then took it to some harder hits like DMX’s “Ruff Riders’ Anthem” to easily become a fan favorite in Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”
The Stagecoach audience is usually pretty dedicated to the country genre they came to see, and this could have been a miss, but Jelly Roll, with a little help from T-Pain, executed the surprise set effortlessly.
It’s been a strange few years for rapper turned country star Jelly Roll. In 2022 his song “Son Of A Sinner” broke him into the country music mainstream and it’s been a parade of hits ever since. He scored a pair of absolute smashes with “Need A Favor” and the Lainey Wilson-featuring “Save Me.” He also teamed up with Jessie Murph for yet another huge chart hit in the song “Wild Ones.” That resulted in a myriad of bizarre friends and allies while included Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav. But it hasn’t been all love for the singer despite being praised quite a bit for an acceptance speech he delivered earlier this year.
The crossover superstar has also been subject to quite a bit of bullying, at least according to his wife. She has a podcast where she recently revealed that Jelly Roll was stepping away from social media. The reason behind the choice has to do with the constant bulling he faced over his weight. “My husband doesn’t show it to you guys, but I’m going to have a very vulnerable moment here. It hurts him,” she says during a recent episode. The comments sparked yet another discussion about the way that celebrities interact with both their fans and haters on social media. But now Flavor Flav has weighed in on the situation, standing up for Jelly Roll in pretty certain terms. Check out what he had to say below.
Flavor Flav Stands Up For Jelly Roll Against Bullies
Y’all gone and bullied one of THE NICEST people off social media ,,, so I felts the need to standup for my man JellyRoll. That man does so much for people and communities through his music and activism ,,, Luv me some @JellyRoll615 and Bunnie pic.twitter.com/IKHL1uYvA7
Flav didn’t hold anything back with his tweet. “Y’all gone and bullied one of THE NICEST people off social media ,,, so I felts the need to standup for my man JellyRoll. That man does so much for people and communities through his music and activism ,,, Luv me some @JellyRoll615 and Bunnie” his tweet reads. The post also featured a video where he expanded on the point even more.
What do you think of Flavor Flav standing up for Jelly Roll against bullies after he left social media? Do you think celebrities should change the way they interact with social media to avoid the more personal bullying from haters? Let us know in the comment section below.
Jelly Roll has enjoyed a great year so far, but to him, nothing is greater than having his lovely wife, Bunnie XO, beside him. The height of Jelly’s rollercoaster year was his three award wins at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. In addition to his wins, Jelly also closed out the show. However, if he were to choose between all that fame and success and his wife, there is no doubt that the “Wild Ones” crooner would open his arms wide to embrace Bunnie.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have been married since 2016. Although maintaining a healthy balance between marriage and life in the spotlight isn’t easy, the couple continues to blossom in their relationship. Get inside Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s relationship timeline.
April 2024: Meet Jelly Roll’s Wife, Bunnie XO
Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at the Moody Center on April 7, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
Although the hugely successful Jelly Roll is taking over the country music genre, his wife Bunnie is doing well in her field. Bunnie always dreamed of being a podcaster. She fulfilled that dream in 2019 when she launched her podcast, Dumb Blonde. The podcast is successful and has run for seven seasons. Bunnie hosts various celebrities in the podcast, including country music stars, authors, and social media influencers.
2015: Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO Meet
Before becoming entangled with Jelly Roll, Bunnie XO was a huge fan. Hence, it wasn’t surprising that they met for the first time in 2015 when she attended his concert at Las Vegas’s Country Saloon. The future couple met backstage, and although there were sparks between them, Bunnie was in an abusive relationship then. Despite the odds, Jelly and Bunnie remained in touch via mutual friends. Smitten by the electric Jelly, it didn’t take long for Bunnie to leave her abusive partner. After becoming single, Bunnie shot her shot at Jelly. During an appearance on the comedy podcast King and the Sting and the Wing Clips, Jelly revealed, “They split, and I’m not going to act like I shot my shot. She kind of shot hers.”
2015: Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO’s First Night Together
After learning that Bunnie was single and interested in him, Jelly told her about his plans to drive to Las Vegas and shoot a music video. Jelly was living in a van at the time. Hence, Bunnie offered to let him sleep over at his place — and the rest is history. Jelly shared about their first night together, “When I hugged her, I could just feel the genuineness of her. I could tell it wasn’t an act.”
The new lovebirds dated for a year and took their relationship to the next level in 2016. Jelly’s proposal to Bunnie was impromptu and happened on stage during his concert with Yelawolf and Deftones in Las Vegas. However, the newly engaged couple didn’t stop there as they tied the knot on that same night at a nearby courthouse. Jelly narrated their wedding, saying, “It was Vegas, right? So, it’s like 11 o’clock. They are closing the joint down by Hard Rock [Cafe] and I’m like, ‘F*** it. Let’s just go now.’ She’s like, ‘The courthouse is open for about 34 to 44 more minutes.’ I was like, ‘Let’s f***ing roll.’”
November 2022: Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO’s Red Carpet Debut
Despite being married, it took six years for Jelly and Bunnie to make their first red carpet appearance. This came during the 2022 CMA Awards that was held in Nashville. In 2023, Jelly and Bunnie also attended the 2023 CMA Awards, which ended with him winning the Artist of the Year Award. Unsurprisingly, he paid tribute to his wife during his acceptance speech, saying, “I got a thousand people to thank, but most importantly, my Lord and my wife. I love you so much. You changed my life.”
Seven years after tying the knot, Jelly and Bunnie renewed their vows at the Las Vegas chapel, where they said, “I do.” The couple shared videos from the renewal ceremony on their Instagram feeds. In the caption to his post, Jelly reminisced on their first wedding and promised to give his wife the life she deserves. He wrote, “[Seven] years ago my wife and stumbled into a little chapel in Las Vegas. 7 years later we walked into that same little chapel and renewed our vows … my only regret on the night we got married was I never got to see her in a dress…. We made that right. I may have never gave my wife the wedding she truly deserved but I plan on giving her the life she deserves for the rest of it. I love you more anything mama bear. You are my anchor.”
2017: Bunnie XO Helps Jelly Roll Win Custody Of Daughter
Bunnie and Jelly don’t have any kids together. However, after tying the knot, Bunnie became the stepmom to Jelly’s kids. Before meeting Bunnie, Jelly had a daughter, Bailee Ann, who he shares with his former partner Felicia. Bunnie was serving a jail term for drug dealing when Bailee was born. However, his wife helped him get custody of Bailee in 2017. Bunnie enjoys a closely-knit relationship with Bailee. The pair share an incredible mother-daughter bond, which Jelly raved about in a May 2020 Facebook post.
July 2023: Bunnie XO Introduces Jelly Roll’s Son To The World
Besides Bailee, Jelly also has a son, Noah, who is 7, from a previous relationship. Bunnie also shares a close relationship with her stepson and introduced him to the world via TikTok. In the video, Bunnie urged the seemingly shy Noah to approach the camera and sit with her. Afterward, Noah introduced himself and revealed his favorite color and age, as well as his favorite sport and hobbies.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s relationship and marriage continue to wax strong. The key to the couple’s blossoming union is effective communication. The lovebirds are comfortable having uncomfortable conversations and don’t take things too seriously. Jelly and Bunnie show that successful unions are possible in an industry dominated by broken marriages and relationships.
Jelly Roll is a bona fide superstar. The country singer has put out hit singles and earned multiple Grammy nominations throughout his two decade career. Unsurprisingly, this success has allowed Jelly Roll to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in music. At least, when Jelly Roll wants to. The musician had a chance to meet Diddy in 2023, but he claimed that he passed on the opportunity due to a bad feeling. A bad feeling that has proven correct, given the harrowing legal situation that Diddy currently finds himself embroiled in.
Jelly Roll’s recent appearance on the CANCELLED podcast led to him telling hosts Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield that he nearly encountered Diddy at a talk show taping. The country star had just made his debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and was told that Diddy was available to meet backstage. He told the CANCELLED duo that he initially accepted the offer, but something changed as he approached Diddy’s green room. “As I was getting down the hallway — this is a true story — I said, ‘Nah’ and went and got back in the car,” he recounted. “When we were walking, I was like, I don’t know.” The meeting never happened.
Jelly Roll’s instincts proved to be correct. The “Need a Favor” singer admitted that he doesn’t often get bad feelings around celebrities, but this incident stood out. “Very seldom does things rub me in a [bad] way,” he recounted. “I was like, I don’t even know if that’s a picture I want.” The hesitance to grab a pic with Diddy stemmed from uncomfortable encounters that the singer had on red carpets. “They’re like, ‘Hey, y’all get together’,” he explained. “And you’re like, ‘Yo, I don’t really know who this human is’.”
Nevertheless, Diddy and Jelly Roll are on completely different ends of the spectrum in 2024. Firstly, the former is facing a mountain of criminal accusations amidst a crumbling legacy, and secondly, the latter continues to rack up crossover hits. Jelly Roll’s latest single, “Best for Me“, is currently on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts. The Beautifully Broken Tour is the next big ticket item on Jelly Roll’s list. The highly-anticipated tour will begin in August and span a whopping 40 cities.
Joyner Lucas fans will not have to wait too much longer before his next album. Of course, we are referring to the heavily tweaked and pushed back release that is Not Now, I’m Busy. This LP was originally looking at a 2023 drop date. However, not-so-positive feedback on the singles encouraged the Massachusetts MC to go back to the drawing board. One of the new efforts from Joyner Lucas includes “Best For Me” featuring Jelly Roll.
You may be thinking, why is a country star on a conscious hip-hop track? Well, if you are not aware, Jelly Roll actually has a history of working with rappers. The veteran Nashville artist has worked with fellow Tennessee greats like Three 6 Mafia, as well as UGK. He has since transitioned to writing more country material, but still implements hip-hop where necessary.
Listen To “Best For Me” By Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll
Those reasons are why it makes sense to see Jelly and Joyner team up for this extremely personal single. “Best For Me” had to have been a tough record to write about as he talks about a friend who is suffering from drug addiction. Like he did on his politically focused “I’m Not Racist,” Lucas raps from his perspective on how he feels about it and from his unnamed friend. Jelly Roll adds some extra soul with a terrific chorus and vocal performance. “How can you love someone and learn to let them go? / How can we fall apart on things we’ll never know?“
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Best For Me,” by Joyner Lucas and Jelly Roll? Is this one of the most heartfelt rap songs and records in general this year? What is your favorite element of the song and why? Who had the best performance on the track? Does this get you excited for Lucas’ upcoming album Not Now, I’m Busy? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Joyner Lucas and Jelly Roll. Finally, stay with us for everything the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
And what the f*** happened to you? (Fuck happened to you?) You’re losin’ a fight (Damn) I never thought I’d see the day that you let addiction ruin your life Everyone callin’ that shit a disease and you makin’ feel like you in the right But I hate the fact that you really be usin’ that as an excuse to do what you like Or do what you might (Do what you might, woah) And I keep on prayin’ and reachin’ for you
In the dynamic world of music, Jelly Roll stands out as a versatile artist who seamlessly transitioned from hip-hop collaborations with legends like Three 6 Mafia and UGK to achieving recognition in the country music scene. As of 2024, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at an impressive $4 million. Let’s take a closer look at the journey that brought him fame and financial success.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 08: Jelly Roll attends the 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 08, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Born Jason DeFord on December 4, 1986, in Nashville, Tennessee, Jelly Roll’s journey began in the heart of the southern music scene. Raised in a working-class family, his early life was marked by challenges that later became the fuel for his impactful lyrics. Growing up surrounded by the rich tapestry of Nashville’s music culture, he absorbed influences ranging from blues to country, laying the foundation for his eclectic sound.
Jelly Roll’s breakthrough came in the early 2000s when he collaborated with hip-hop heavyweights Three 6 Mafia and UGK. Moreover, his gritty, authentic style resonated with fans, propelling him into the limelight of the Southern hip-hop scene. This phase of his career saw him collaborating with some of the genre’s legends, contributing to his rising popularity and laying the groundwork for his future successes.
Country Music Triumph: Three CMT Music Awards & Grammy Nomination
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 08: Jelly Roll performs onstage during the 2022 BMG Pre-CMA Party at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on November 08, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for BMG/BBR Music Group)
In a surprising turn of events, Jelly Roll transitioned from hip-hop to country music, a move that would undoubtedly define the second act of his career. In 2022, he achieved remarkable success with his song “Son Of A Sinner,” a blend of country and hip-hop influences. The single not only showcased his musical evolution but also earned him critical acclaim and a broader fan base.
His achievements in country music were solidified at the CMT Music Awards in 2022, where he secured three victories for his exceptional work on “Son Of A Sinner.” Furthermore, the triumph at the CMT Music Awards was a testament to Jelly Roll’s ability to transcend genres and capture the hearts of diverse audiences.
Notably, his crossover success didn’t go unnoticed by the Recording Academy. In the same year, Jelly Roll found himself nominated for the prestigious Grammy Award for Best New Artist. This recognition from one of the most revered institutions in the music industry underscored his impact and influence, further solidifying his place among the musical elite.
Jelly Roll’s Net Worth: A Testament To Musical Prowess
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 11: American singer and songwriter Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord looks on as Patrick Yoes, National President, Fraternal Order of Police delivers remarks as they testifiy before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee on January 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. The hearing examined legislative solutions and public education for stopping the flow of fentanyl into and throughout the United States. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
As of 2024, Jelly Roll’s net worth stands at an impressive $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This accumulation of wealth isn’t just a reflection of his success in the country music scene but also a nod to the groundwork he laid during his earlier years in hip-hop. His ability to seamlessly navigate between these seemingly disparate genres not only showcases his musical prowess but also contributes to the robust financial portfolio he enjoys today.
Jelly Roll’s entrepreneurial ventures, including merchandise sales, collaborations, and a dedicated fan base, have all played pivotal roles in building his net worth. But, beyond the numbers, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians, highlighting the potential for success that lies in authenticity, hard work, and a willingness to evolve.
Conclusion: A Musical Maverick’s Legacy
Jelly Roll’s journey from a challenging upbringing to hip-hop stardom and, ultimately, to country music success, exemplifies the power of resilience and musical innovation. His $4 million net worth in 2024 is a testament to the enduring impact he has made on the music industry. As he continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound and storytelling, Jelly Roll stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities that come with embracing one’s authentic voice in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
In a powerful display of unity, hip-hop icons Fat Joe, Jelly Roll, and Wyclef Jean joined forces with Power To The Patients to host an intimate event at Hamilton Live on Wednesday evening (Jan. 10). Attended by approximately 500 Congressional leaders and government officials, the event aimed to champion a more affordable and equitable healthcare system through enhanced price transparency.
Fat Joe admired Jelly Roll’s musical prowess during the gathering, commending his unique blend of rap and country. Backstage, he shared that he repeated Jelly’s hit song “Need A Favor” in 2023. The collaboration was part of their effort to advocate for healthcare transparency and affordability.
Wyclef Jean took to the stage, rallying members of Congress to chant “Power To The Patients” and urging them to press President Joe Biden to prioritize healthcare transparency.
The event shed light on the injustices created by hospitals and insurers concealing prices, hindering competition, and enabling the industry to avoid accountability for overcharges and price gouging.
Fat Joe and Power to the Patients have been pivotal in raising awareness on Capitol Hill regarding the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare price transparency legislation. In April 2023, Fat Joe met with Congressional leaders and the White House to advocate for enforcing price transparency rules neglected by many hospitals nationwide.
Their collective efforts extended to New York City, where, in June 2023, Mayor Eric Adams signed the Healthcare Accountability and Consumer Protection Act, establishing the nation’s first Office of Health Care Accountability. The act allows New Yorkers to compare hospital costs for the same services, marking a significant step towards healthcare transparency.
