Jelly Roll Asserts His Authenticity in Country Music

Amid the bustling country music scene, Jelly Roll stands out as a conversation starter. Initially known for his hip-hop work, the artist segued through rock before taking a bold step into country music with his debut album last year. His project, Whitsitt Chapel, elevated the Antioch, Tennessee artist to soaring heights, ushering in a plethora of opportunities. His achievements in the last year alone, including a duo of Grammy nods and claiming the New Artist of the Year award at the CMA Awards, have been staggering. Yet, some listeners question his fit in the country genre.

Challenging Country Norms

Jelly Roll's divergence from the conventional country artist archetype partly fuels the skepticism surrounding his country credentials. Unlike many in the genre, his past doesn't feature a quaint rural setting. Moreover, his musical style interlaces samples and electronic beats with traditional instruments, a method some die-hard fans of the genre might dismiss. That said, several popular acts on country radio today share a similar approach.

Unwavering Authenticity

Still, what Jelly Roll brings in abundance is raw authenticity. His lyrics, woven from personal battles with addiction, encounters with the law, love, sorrow, and happiness, hold a mirror to his life's journey—an element even the staunchest critics of country music can appreciate.

Defining 'Country'

On an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Jelly Roll delved into his interpretation of what 'country' signifies. Echoing the famed Harlan Howard, he positively believes in country music's essence: 'three chords and the truth'. He maintains that his songwriting fulfills this criterion, anchored in honesty above all.

Jelly Roll distinguishes between living a 'country' lifestyle and creating country music, asserting that the genre has historically been inclusive, with icons like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson deviating from typical country themes yet maintaining genuine country spirits. To Jelly Roll, 'country' transcends stereotypes—it's the spirit of the music that resonates with him.

credibility, music, authenticity