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Jelly Roll Holds “Therapy Session”

A rising star in hip hop and country music preforms in Omaha
Country rap singer Jelly Roll acknowledges the crowd at the CHI Health Center. The sold-out show took place Nov. 12.
Country rap singer Jelly Roll acknowledges the crowd at the CHI Health Center. The sold-out show took place Nov. 12.
Alice Oleson

Jelly Roll, born with the name of Jason Bradley DeFord, has quickly emerged as a unique and influential figure in the music industry, blending elements of hip hop country and rap into a sound all his own. He is known for his distinctive deep voice and raw emotional lyrics. Jelly’s rise to fame is a testament to his resilience and versatility as an artist. 

Jelly Roll is seen as a role model for going through a hard past such as drug possession, drug dealing, shoplifting, and robbery. The use of music helped him overcome adversity. He claimed the reason he creates music is to help people who need it as a healing process. He even goes to jails to sing and talk to inmates to help them get through their rough patches. 

When he was in Omaha, he sold out CHI health center and had all kinds of people there from young to old and from rock lovers to country lovers. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, the whole place was electric.

The concert started off with three great openers named Allie Colleen, Shaboozey, and Ernest who all also played country music. They all got the crowd singing along and excited just what openers are meant to do. They all had their own special thing about them. For example Shaboozy has more of a rap country vibe, Ernest has the talent to play all sorts of instruments, and Allie Colleen  is a smaller name but still puts on a good performance. 

Jelly played a lot of his new songs from the album, Beautifully Broken, such as his most recent number, “One I Am Not Okay” and “Winning Streak”. Jelly roll was very entertaining and kept everyone intrigued through a lot of crowd interaction. 

He also played a lot of his biggest hits that made him into the music artist he is today like “Save Me” “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor” which had everyone singing along. It was so cool to see everyone around me connect with the lyrics. Some people even teared up and during the more emotional songs. 

The atmosphere was incredible from the second I walked in . There was a real sense of community among the fans, like we were all there to share the moment together.  Jelly Roll took time to interact with the crowd, telling stories and the meanings behind the songs. 

Overall, Jelly Roll put on an amazing show. His voice sounded just as good live as it does in the recordings, and his connection with the audience was something you don’t see at every concert. I left feeling like I understood his music on a whole new level. If you ever get the chance to see him live, I highly recommend it especially if you like rap country or music with a lot of heart. It was definitely a night to remember. 

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About the Contributor
Alice Oleson
Alice Oleson, Reporter
Alice is a sophomore and a first year reporter for the Antler Express.
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