Jelly Roll — whose real name is Jason DeFord — has become one of the biggest country rap success stories today. His music is famous for its raw, in-depth storytelling and heartfelt lyrics mixed with emo-driven moody bangers about triumphing over intense life adversities, culminating in becoming one of the most prominent artists in their genre.
In 2024, Jelly Roll net worth is reportedly around $12 million, but it was a long way to achieve all this.
From a drug dealer who served time in prison to a selling-out arena and multiple Grammy-award-winning artists. This tale of bouncing back, toiling hard, and never giving up has seen him emerge as a role model for many youngsters in the country.
We will also take a deep dive into Jelly Roll’s life and discuss his net worth, how he got started in the music industry, what led him to this point, and some of the milestones that made it possible for him to get his net worth and fame.
Early Life and Struggles of Jelly Roll
As a young child, born on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee, Jason DeFord faced even more incredible adversity. Carlin had a mother who battled addiction and other mental health issues, as well as his father (an American) was both a bookie and a meat salesman.
Influenced by these elements, DeFord turned to crime as a boy. So he turned to drug dealing and robberies, eventually going in and out of prison all through his early 20s.
Jelly Roll was arrested for the first time at 14 and spent a decade having brushes with the law. He guesses he was arrested about 40 times on offenses from drug possession to aggravated robbery. J
Elly Roll was brutally honest in an interview with Billboard; Jelly said he didn’t have a perfect childhood either and also admitted to making some fucked up decisions, but luckily, nothing happened where anyone got hurt.
Even though it was tough, through those things, he realized that they were the artists who set his life of art later on. Music was his way out of the dark period he had been stuck in, and once Jelly Roll hit the streets back from incarceration, he latched onto making music full-time.
Jelly Roll’s Road to Music Stardom
Jelly Roll’s rise to fame wasn’t instant. He had a growing passion for music while still in and out of prison and began recording, then selling mixtapes out of the trunk.
His first hit came in 2010 with “Pop Another Pill,” a rap collaborative track featuring rapper Lil Wyte, and the video uploading immediately accumulated millions of views on YouTube.
Initially slated for 2013, the mixtape Whiskeyweed & Waffle House eventually arrived via Phixieous Entertainment later that year — but a legal threat from the actual Waffle House forced Jelly Roll to change its name (he opted instead for Whiskey, Weed & Women). This was one more of the things that built this underground legend.
Jelly Roll didn’t get his first taste of mainstream success until he changed to country music in 2021. A hit single, “Son of a Sinner,” and Ballads of the Broken, his album also put him on the map.
The single topped the country radio charts and scored him three CMT Music Awards. Since then, Jelly Roll has been a plateau of concentrated firepower with multiple numbers in the country and rock sectors.
Jelly Roll Net Worth in 2024
Jelly Roll net worth in the 2024 scenario is $12 million. This substantial sum is generated from several income streams: music sales, live performances, merchandising, and collaborations with different artists.
In addition, Jelly Roll went on the most extensive tour of his career during 2023 with The Backroad Baptism Tour, where he sold out arenas nationwide to add even more money to his pockets. One of the reasons he has crossed over into so many music markets is his distinct ability to combine country, rock, and rap uniquely.
He may be successful now, but Jelly Roll still has to deal with the repercussions of his criminal history. As a felon with prior charges, his felony record hampers international travel and has led to discrimination, such as denial of home purchase in an exclusive private community. Despite these obstacles, Jelly Roll has remained on top and uses his success to give back.
Personal Life: Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO
Who Is Jelly Roll’s Wife Bunnie XO?
Jelly Roll is married to Bunnie XO ( Alyssa DeFord’s Real Name). The pair married in 2016, but their love affair has been a head-turner for multiple reasons — including Bunnie beginning her career as an adult film star and achieving national attention for her own. Bunnie is an entrepreneur and social media personality with millions of followers across platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
What does Jelly Roll’s wife do for money?
Bunnie XO used to be a prostitute and later rebranded herself as a popular YouTuber, podcast host, and model.
She jokingly calls herself the “Trailerpark Barbara Walters” and hosts a podcast called Dumb Blonde, interviewing guests about everything from life to love and business.
Bunnie has been a significant part of Jelly Roll’s life, helping him stay on track with his career and become who he is.
Jelly Roll’s Kids
Does Jelly Roll have kids?
Now, guess what? Jelly Roll is the father of two children. Bailee Ann (2008; mother is ex-girlfriend Felicia), who has had drug issues. Bailee lives with Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, whom he has full custody of.
He said that he cares about all his children, and he also has another child named Noah Buddy DeFord from another relationship.
The musician loves them deeply, thus proudly stating how much being a father positively influenced him.
Rise to Fame: Why Is Jelly Roll So Famous?
Fans connect to Jelly Roll Roll’s music because it tells the story of redeeming yourself. His fusion of rap, country, and rock genres makes him appealing to the masses; his verses on his struggles emotionally appeal to those who can understand themselves through Aaron.
His breakout hit “Save Me” in 2020 was a turning point, as its acoustic version highlighted his vocal talent and his ability to blend emotional storytelling with music.
Hot on the heels of his ballads Of The Broken album, Jelly Roll has truly cemented himself as a bonafide country star with mainstream appeal. Winning awards, hitting the top charts, and receiving accolades for his work have solidified his place in music’s story.
FAQs About Jelly Roll
Why did Jelly Roll go to jail?
This individual earned himself numerous trips to prison while still a minor, with his first arrest occurring when he was only 14 years old. Jelly Roll returned to prison throughout the next decade for charges related to possession of drugs, shoplifting, and aggravated robbery. Despite these hurdles, Jelly Roll overcame them and made his music a way of sharing what he went through.
Who is Jelly Roll’s ex?
Felicia is Jelly Roll’s ex-girlfriend, and the couple has a daughter, Bailee Ann, together. Jelly Roll has full custody over their daughter, and Felicia’s been battling addiction. He has talked publicly about wanting to become a better father and ending the cycle of addiction and crime for his children.
How many times has Jelly Only been married?
He is married to Bunnie XO. The couple married in 2016 and renewed their vows in 2023. He also speaks lovingly of their bond and reveals that it has helped him greatly in his music career and the pathway towards becoming more aware of himself.
What song made Jelly Roll famous?
His breakout song, “Save Me,” had a softer touch and utilized his unexampled vocal style. It also helped showcase one of Jelly Roll’s numerous attributes, an all-around lock on storytelling. This song helped him transition from the rap genre to country and solidified his place in the music world.
What is Bunnie XO’s real name?
Bunnie XO is Alyssa DeFord. She’s a model, podcast host, and social media influencer with followers in the millions. Jelly Roll attributes the other half of that support and entrepreneurial spirit to Bunnie XO.
Conclusion
Jelly Roll net worth in 2024 of $12 million is the result of his Upbringing & Journey Into Music from a troubled youth into a successful career.
His versatility in crossing genres and weaving rich narratives into his music has made him famous all over the globe, and he has a solid fan base.
His past may still affect him, but Jelly Roll is the ultimate rags-to-riches role model who never feigns defeat.
This is only the next step in his journey; we can not wait to see even more of this multitalented artist throughout the years.
