• Jelly Roll is a country music rapper
  • His unique genre-bending music is a hit
  • Here is what we know about his past

Jelly Roll: Country music's next big thing

Jelly Roll (23), born Jason Deford, has been making waves in the music industry. With a past marked by 40 arrests and a present adorned with five consecutive top-ten singles, a chart-topping pop-country album and a sold-out nationwide tour, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

The rapper's recent nomination for five Country Music Association awards and his win as the new artist of the year is a testament to his undeniable talent and hard work.

Jelly Roll's rise to fame wasn't an overnight success. It took him a quarter-century of dedication and perseverance to find such success. His unique blend of candid social commentary and authenticity has resonated with fans, reminding them of the 1970s outlaw era in mainstream country music.

His musical evolution is deeply rooted in his past influences. He credits Everlast's "What It's Like" as a significant influence. This song, which talks about "barely getting by" in a "simple" manner, set a standard that Jelly Roll admired and sought to emulate.

Jelly Roll's music is characterized by a unique blend of "Southern flavour" and hip-hop swagger. He attributes the evolution of his sound and style to trap music's Roland TR-808 drum machine kicks and the texture of lead guitars becoming grittier and more 2000s-era-inspired.

The rapper's recent collaboration with the Grammy-winning rap act Three 6 Mafia on his "Backroad Baptism Tour" further solidifies his place in the music industry. He is not only influencing country music's sound and style but also its perception.

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Over the past two decades, hip-hop and country music have been running parallel to each other, with artists like Bubba Sparxxx, Cowboy Troy, Colt Ford, Kid Rock, Nelly, Uncle Kracker and Yelawolf bridging the gap. Jelly Roll's music is a testament to this fusion, bringing a fresh perspective to the country music scene.

Jelly Roll's influence on country music is undeniable. His unique blend of hip-hop and country, coupled with his authentic storytelling, is shaking up the genre. As he continues to create "life-changing music" for the "heart of America," Jelly Roll is not just a part of a proud moment for country music; he is leading a cultural movement.