Have you ever wondered what the net worth of Jelly Roll is? Jelly Roll significantly shifted his music style in 2022. He’s currently leaving his mark on the music industry as both a rap and a country-rock artist.
Jelly Roll has been open about his problems, from growing up in a low-income household to struggling with sobriety. Fortunately, the artist transformed all his pain into meaningful music, which helped him earn millions.
As of May 2023, Jelly Roll has a net worth of $4 million. In this article, we’ll tell you how Jelly Roll made it big!
Table of Contents
Early Life
Jason DeFord was born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 4th, 1984. The famous rapper came from the lower middle-class community of Antioch. The area is racially-diverse, so Jason learned a lot about rap and hip-hop culture.
The American rapper had a difficult childhood. He has four older siblings, so he often felt left out.
DeFord’s father worked as a meat salesman. On the other hand, his mother struggled with substance abuse for years. For this reason, DeFord’s father left the family.
This greatly impacted Jason, who spent 12 years in the jail system. Jelly Roll got arrested for a drug-related offense when he was only 14. However, he was able to turn things around later.
When DeFord was in jail, he discovered that he was blessed with a daughter. So, the Tennessee-born rapper had an awakening.
DeFord remembered the influence his father had on his life. That’s why the rapper is determined to be an ideal figure for his daughter, Bailee.
Career
Jason DeFord chose his stage name, Jelly Roll, as his mother used to call him that when he was younger. Jelly Roll was a pretty chubby child, so the name fits him well!
Jelly Roll started his rap career in 2005 with his debut mixtape, Halfway House. He began to take his music career seriously in 2009.
Then, the American rapper gained prominence due to his collaborations with Memphis rapper Lil Wyte in 2010. The duo released the single “Pop Another Pill” which gained over six million views on YouTube.
S.N.O.
Due to this astonishing success. Lil Wyte, Jelly Roll, and BPZ formed the hip-hop group SNO. The group signed a record deal with Hypnotize Minds label.
In 2011, the group SNO released their debut album, Year Round. The album received positive reviews. It was produced by rap legends Juicy J and DJ Paul.
One song, in particular, was incredibly successful. Not only did SNO’s “Come Here White Girl” land a spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but it was also named one of the “Top 10 Memorable White Rapper Collaborations” by XXL Magazine.
Solo Career
A year later, the musician went solo. Jelly Roll released his solo studio album, “The Big Sal Story.” Quickly after, the rapper announced his mixtape Whiskey, Weed, and Waffle House.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go smoothly with this mixtape. Waffle House sued Jelly Roll for using the restaurant’s name.
At first, Jelly Roll took the legal action harshly. The performer went to Twitter to express his frustration.
However, the two parties are now on good terms as Jelly Roll changed the mixtape’s name to Whiskey, Weed, and Women.
Jelly Roll continued his solo music career with a collaborative album with Haystack later that year. The album, called Business as Usual, also had rave reviews.
DeFord released his second solo album, Biggest Loser in 2014. The records that followed include Whiskey Sessions, Sobriety Sucks, and Goodnight Nashville.
In March 2020, Jelly Roll put out the full-length album A Beautiful Disaster. This album included collaborations with successful rappers such as Krizz Kaliko, Struggle Jennings, and his former group mate, Lil Wyte.
The rap musician quickly followed up with another album titled Self Medicated in October of the same year.
Breaking Into Country
In 2021, Jelly Roll mixed his love for rap music with his Southern country roots in the brief album called Ballads of the Broken.
The record features a different stylistic approach in every song, proving that Jelly Roll’s music career is constantly evolving.
DeFord’s single, “Dead Man Walking,” hit number one on Billboard and Mediabase Airplay Charts. In addition, Jelly Roll’s ballad, “Heart of a Sinner,” is on repeat on Country radio all over the U.S.
Personal Life
There’s no doubt that Jelly Roll’s personal life significantly impacts his music. The American rapper frequently draws inspiration from his past.
The rapper’s mother and ex-wife both struggled with addiction. So, the artist is vocal about the harmful effects of drugs. Jelly Roll still constantly supports his ex, Felicia, through her sobriety.
Jelly Roll is happily married to YouTube content creator Bunnie DeFord, also known as Bunnie XO. Fans of the musician can get a glimpse of his life through the YouTube channel of Jelly Roll’s wife.
Bunnie XO makes videos in which Jelly Roll frequently appears. In fact, Bunnie XO has a YouTube series called Meet the DeFords.
Bunnie’s Dumb Blonde podcast also features Jelly. He appeared on an episode in 2021 where he talked about making his album, A Beautiful Disaster.
Appearance
Jelly Roll is famous for the numerous tattoos on his face. The first tattoo that Jelly got was a cross and a tear. Then, he chose more meaningful tattoos. For example, he has his son’s name inked above his eyebrow.
Jelly Roll Net Worth 2023
As of May 2023, Jelly Roll’s net worth is $4 million. The musician earns his income through numerous sources.
First, Jelly Roll’s estimated net worth is mainly due to his live concerts and mini-tours. The American rapper also makes money through YouTube views on his music videos.
Furthermore, Jelly Roll had quite a busy year in 2022. He opened for Shinedown and headlined a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many children does Jelly Roll have?
Jelly Roll currently has two children. The musician has one daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, and welcomed his son, Noah Buddy DeFord, on August 24, 2016.
Due to their mother’s struggle with sobriety, DeFord has full custody of his children.
How much does Jelly Roll weigh?
Jelly Roll has jokes that he tried to live up to his name. The rapper currently weighs over 400 pounds.
However, he shared his goal to shed some weight in 2023 by frequently working out with his wife, Bunnie XO.
Key Takeaways
It’s Never Too Late
Jelly Roll had it tough growing up, from being incarcerated for numerous years to his mother’s substance abuse. Yet, DeFord turned things around in hopes of a better future for his children.
The rapper broke into the music industry with little experience and quickly went on to collaborate with esteemed artists like Lil Wyte and Struggle Jennings.
DeFord didn’t stop there. The 37-year-old musician switched up his style to include country and rock too!
Have Empathy
Even though Jelly Roll is open about his distaste for drugs, he continues to support his ex-wife in her struggle.
Additionally, the artist never forgot his roots. Jelly Roll constantly steps up for incarcerated youth by offering them scholarships and music programs. He hopes music will help the youngsters as much as it inspired him.
Let the Past Go
There’s no shortage of petty feuds in the rap world. It can be difficult not to be infuriated by Waffle House’s lawsuit. Still, Jelly Roll rose above the dispute and changed the name of his mixtape.
Jelly Roll even frequents Waffle House despite the old quarrel, declaring that it’s still his favorite breakfast chain.