Jelly Roll, a former Southern rapper, had a surprising 2023 as he transitioned into a country singer and achieved crossover pop success.
His album “Whitsitt Chapel” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard chart, featuring hits like “Need a Favor” and a new version of “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson.
Nominated for two 2024 Grammys, he’s gained attention for his emotional connection with fans and his unconventional path to success. (Trending: Obama Judge Issues Shock Ruling Against Democrats)
In a recent interview, he discussed his musical influences, his troubled past, and the business acumen he brought from his rap career to country music.
“When you first started making music outside of Nashville in the 2000s, you were a rapper. Who were the people you were looking to for inspiration, coming up during this very rich era in Southern hip-hop?” Jon Caramanica asked.
“Cash Money Records dominated our mom and pop stores. No Limit. I mean, dude, I remember sitting in a state building where they transition you from one group home to another, shackled, and they have the TV on BET,” Jelly Roll said.
“It might have been the ‘Bling Bling’ video. We were enamored by Southern rap like 8Ball & MJG, Three 6 Mafia, UGK, Outkast, the Dungeon Family, the Geto Boys. Even the earlier side of Swishahouse, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall.”
“Of course, the locals like Haystak. We were just fixing to get our feet wet putting out mixtapes. So we were using every reference we could.”
“Were you listening to this stuff for the attitude or the storytelling?” Caramanica asked.
“The lyrics, the storytelling and the feeling. I think about that whole 8Ball & MJG song [sings ‘Paid Dues’]: ‘Trapped in a trap till the mornin’ light/Ghetto ain’t left me no choices, I had to fight/ My mama and daddy was too young to raise me right,” Jelly Roll said.
“The music always met me where I was,” he later added.
“The streets — just to touch on this because I want to be open about it — I thought it was my only choice. I lived in a decently middle-class neighborhood, but I didn’t know one person on my street with a career.”
“Everybody did drugs. People that had jobs were really blue collar. I just was like, I know it’s going to take money to get out of here. And the most obvious way to make money was what was happening in the neighborhood. And it’s no excuse.”
“The music just followed Jason — wherever old Jelly Roll went, he just drug the music along like a Santa sack.”
Additionally, he emphasized his independence as an artist, owning all his songs and avoiding traditional record deals.
“I own every song I’ve ever released. I do not have a traditional record deal,” he said.
“I still get the lion’s share of my money on every single facet. I didn’t sign a publishing deal. I’m not bragging, but I’m proud of myself because I’m a kid that had zero education and didn’t get his GED till he was 24 in jail.”
His comfort with vulnerability and openness has contributed to his viral moments and widespread recognition.
“To me, I’m just still me. So whatever’s actually happening in my life is what I’m putting out. I called my mother at the same time,” Jelly Roll said.
“It was me getting to call a woman I’ve called from jail. A woman I’ve called homeless, a woman I’ve called addicted. I got to call her and say I just got nominated for two Grammys. To me, that is the craziest call you can make.”
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