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Jelly roll has made quite a lasting impression as a country rapper. He has made the transition from rap to mainstream country, by mixing the genres. The talented artist, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has been releasing music since 2011 and has also worked in high-profile collaborations with equally talented rappers.
Recording artists are now recognized by the Recording Academy for their music! Jelly Roll received their first nomination at the Grammy Awards 2024. They were also nominated for several awards at the November 2024 CMA Awards.
Find out more about Jelly Roll and how he broke into the country rap scene below.
His first Major Collaboration was with Lil Wyte
Originally from Nashville, Jelly Roll teamed up with fellow rappers Lil Wyte for the song “Pop More Pills” in 2010. It was released on YouTube and ended up with over 6.3 million views. Success led to the 2011 release of Round the yearalbum from the hip-hop group SNOwhich features Jelly Roll as well as Lil Wyte and BPZ.
He released Several Mixtapes, EPs and Studio Albums
Next Round the year‘s release, Sele Roll continued to release various other projects, including the Gamblin’ in Whiteboy mixtape series and so on Therapeutic Music mixtape series, released in 2012 and 2015, respectively. His debut studio album, The story of Big Sal released in 2012 and worked in many other collaborations, including two with Haystacktwo with Lil Wyte, and four with Jennings’ struggle.
Jelly Roll broke a Billboard record in February 2023 by spending 25 weeks at number 1 on the Emerging Artists Chart. They set to release a highly anticipated country album called WHITSITT CHAPEL in June 2023.
Jelly Roll Has Some Tattoos
Some of the ink is on his face and hands and includes what appears to be a cross, teardrop, and patterned heart. Ink has been featured closely on the covers of many of his music releases and has become a signature for his appearance.
He’s Married With Children
Jelly Roll is married to Bunnie DeFord, who is her stage name Bunny XOin August 2016, according to Music of Chaos. They reportedly first met at one of the shows in Las Vegas, NV and “hit it off” immediately. “We hit it dead,” Jelly Roll said Taste of Country Nights. “She said she loved the saddest eyes in the room.”
“He was with some violent douchebags, and they came to the show, and we were backstage,” he also commented during an interview with King and the Sting and the Wing Clips. “He split, and I wouldn’t act like he was shot. He kind of took her. We had mutual friends. He said, ‘Yo. Just plug me with Jelly.’ And I hit him on some other sh**. I’m going out to get some content and video. He’s like, ‘Yeah!’ I was like, ‘Cool, I live in my van, so I’m leaving now.
Before Jelly Roll’s romance with Bunnie began, he was in another relationship and had a daughter. Bailey Ann DeFord in May 2008. He was born after he went to prison and on his 13th birthday, he said that his life was affected by his perspective when he was released from prison in 2009.
“You have changed my life. You are the reason I am who I am. The day you were born was the day I made the decision to change my life and chase my dreams,” he wrote in a birthday tribute to him on Instagram. “I don’t get custody of you, you get custody. You are smart, talented, funny, very sweet. You are well spoken, polite and respectful. You are the best friend and the best daughter a father could ask for. I love you beautiful .” Bailee was actually featured in one of her dad’s songs called “Tears Could Talk,” so she’s following in his musical footsteps too!
Jelly Roll is also the father of her son, Noah Buddy DeFordwho was born in 2016. He has not said much publicly about himself as about Bailee, who is now in the public eye as a singer. The name of Noah’s mother has been revealed, and Sele Roll has previously said that he does not talk much about Noah because of his mother, who wants to keep her privacy. In September 2021, he shared a photo of his son backstage at one of his shows, which you can see above.
He is an Open Book on Social Media
Jelly Roll has shared the joy of his music on social media apps, as well as his personal moments. In November 2022, she posted a video of her mother meeting Bunnie’s mother, who sadly passed away. She added a long message about how Bunnie didn’t meet her birth mother until she was in her 30s, and she hoped she would share her inspiring story.
“Yesterday Bunnie’s mother, Vanessa, passed away (mother in law, lady in the armchair) I wish my husband would do a podcast and explain the journey and even meet his birth mother, which didn’t happen until my husband was in his 30s,” he wrote in the caption touching post. “And how difficult, heartbreaking and healing the past year has been since my husband moved Vanessa to Tennessee to try to get the medical help she needed. Needless to say my husband is the strongest human being I have ever met. His heart never ceases to amaze me and he can find the silver lining and lesson in every moment. Pray for healing in my home this weekend.
