Jelly Roll Is Wealth: How the Rapper Transformed into a Country Singer to Amass His Fortune

Jelly Roll, the artist who seamlessly blends rap and country rock, boasts a net worth of $4 million.

Recognized for his diverse collaborations with fellow rappers like Haystak, Struggle Jennings, Lil Wyte, and Tech N9ne, Jelly Roll has also unveiled an array of solo mixtapes and studio albums, including titles like “Biggest Loser,” “Sobriety Sucks,” “Addiction Kills,” and “A Beautiful Disaster.”

At the beginning of 2023, Jelly Roll secured his inaugural number-one single on country radio with “Son of a Sinner,” an achievement that ultimately garnered him three CMT Music Awards.

Image of Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll

This article will delve into the trajectory that led Jelly Roll to his financial success, his musical evolution, and his personal life.

Jelly Roll’s Early Life and Career Genesis

Jelly Roll, whose birth name is Jason DeFord, came into the world on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee.

His upbringing took place in the Antioch neighborhood of the city.

He penned his maiden rap composition at the age of 9 or 10 and embarked on selling mixtapes from his car during his eighth grade.

He found inspiration in the likes of Three 6 Mafia, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG.

Jelly Roll faced numerous trials during his formative years, as he grappled with exposure to drugs, criminality, and violence.

He spent approximately 12 years navigating in and out of the penal system due to various offenses, ranging from possession charges to attempted robbery.

Concurrently, he battled with addiction and mental health adversities.

While incarcerated, he managed to earn his G.E.D. at the age of 23.

Jelly Roll Breakthrough and Triumph

Jelly Roll‘s ascent in the underground rap scene was catalyzed by his collaborations with Lil Wyte and Haystak.

In 2011, he joined forces with Wyte and BPZ to form the group SNO, which released the album “Year Round,” produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia.

This album, released under the Hypnotize Minds label, climbed to No. 16 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart5.

Continuing on his trajectory, Jelly Roll consistently unleashed mixtapes and solo albums, often collaborating with fellow rappers.

Among his noteworthy contributions are:

  1. Whiskey, Weed & Women (2013).
  2. No Filter with Lil Wyte (2013).
  3. Business as Usual with Haystak (2013).
  4. Waylon & Willie with Struggle Jennings (2017).
  5. Goodnight Nashville (2018).
  6. Whiskey Sessions II (2019).
  7. Crosses & Crossroads (2019).

In 2020, Jelly Roll unveiled the album “A Beautiful Disaster,” featuring guest appearances from:

  1. Tech N9ne.
  2. Krizz Kaliko.
  3. Lil Wyte.
  4. Struggle Jennings.

This album peaked at No. 97 on the Billboard 200 chart.

That same year, he also introduced “Self Medicated,” an album that reached No. 41 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The year 2021 witnessed Jelly Roll’s release of “Ballads of the Broken,” housing the single “Son of a Sinner.”

This track secured Jelly Roll’s inaugural number-one achievement on country radio in January 20238.

Simultaneously, it peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart9.

This particular song reaped three CMT Music Awards for Jelly Roll, spanning male video of the year, breakthrough male video of the year, and digital-first performance of the year10.

Jelly Roll Personal Life

Jelly Roll is wedded to Bunnie DeFord, known as Bunnie XO, a model and podcast host.

Their marital union dates back to August 201611.

Additionally, Jelly Roll is a father, with a daughter born in 2008 and a son born in 2016 from previous relationships.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Jelly Roll is a devotee of tattoos and bears inked designs across his body, including his stage name etched on his chest, a portrait of his mother on his arm, and a tribute to his daughter on his neck.

He’s also an avid wrestling enthusiast and has had the privilege of meeting various WWE stars such as:

  1. The Rock.
  2. John Cena
  3. Randy Orton.

Conclusion

Jelly Roll’s persona as a rapper and country-rock singer-songwriter is underpinned by a net worth of $4 million.

His rise to prominence was buttressed by collaborations with artists like Lil Wyte and Haystak.

His repertoire showcases a diverse array of solo albums, reflecting his versatility and narrative prowess. A definitive milestone was reached in early 2023 when he clinched his first number-one single on country radio with “Son of a Sinner.”

Married to Bunnie XO and a father of two, Jelly Roll’s life story serves as an inspiration for those who’ve confronted hardships, with music as their triumphant accompaniment.

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about other celebrities’ biographies, don’t forget to check out our website for more interesting and informative content.

You can also check out these other articles on our blog: