Country artist and rapper Jelly Roll has won a dozen music awards in the past three years, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Known for hits such as “Son of a Sinner” and “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a collaboration with Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll says he has witnessed transformation not only in his own life but also within the church.
“I love where contemporary Christianity is heading right now,” Jelly Roll said. “I think it’s back in love and empathy.”
Jelly Roll Says the Church Is ‘Back in Love and Empathy’
The world has watched Jelly Roll’s transformation from a life marked by crime and drug addiction to a career that places him on stages across the country sharing his faith. He recently received a full pardon from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for crimes he committed in the state, a move that will make it easier for the artist to travel internationally.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters.
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In a recent interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Jelly Roll reflected on his spiritual journey.
“I was looking at it at first like I’m restoring my heart. But then when you’re saying that, I’m like, ‘No, I didn’t restore my heart. I got a whole new heart,’” he said. He continued, “This is a brand new heart, Joe. You know what I mean? It might be cloaked as the old one, but God touched it. It’s a whole new heart, baby. It’s a different heart.”
Jelly Roll acknowledges that his transformation extends beyond his personal testimony. A recovering drug addict, he lists resources on his website for those struggling with addiction, mental health crises, and suicidal thoughts.
He has also observed what he describes as a significant shift within the church.
“I love where contemporary Christianity is heading right now,” Jelly Roll said in a recent podcast, according to Relevant Magazine. “I think it’s back in love and empathy.”
Jelly Roll described Christianity as, “not being preachy on corners and through megaphones,” but instead centered on “acts of service, through acts of kindness.” He said that “Christians are back showing up for people.”
“It feels like we’re talking about Jesus in a really cool way again,” he said. “We’re not judging people on lifestyle stuff with Jesus anymore. We’re like, ‘Yo, let them find Jesus.’”
Jelly Roll also shared ongoing personal challenges, including cussing, that he continues to work through.
“Jesus’ll come to me if he tugs on my heart to do something else,” he said. “I’ll tell you what, you couldn’t have told me three or four years ago this is how I would be talking on podcasts.”
The artist continues to perform at fairs and festivals across the country.
