In an extraordinary turn of events for the country-rap sensation Jelly Roll, 2025 has proven to be a landmark year, marked by collaborations with two of hip-hop’s most iconic figures: Eminem and Lil Wayne. The Nashville native, born Jason DeFord, has long been vocal about his admiration for both artists, making his recent features on their respective albums—Eminem’s The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) and Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI—a surreal milestone in his career. As of June 12, 2025, Jelly Roll’s reactions to these collaborations have ignited a wave of excitement among fans, with the artist himself describing the experience as a career pinnacle that leaves little room for further ambition.
The journey began in 2024 when Jelly Roll’s emotional ballad “Save Me” was sampled by Eminem for the closing track of The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), titled “Somebody Save Me.” Released as part of Eminem’s much-anticipated album, the song featured Jelly Roll alongside the Detroit rapper, blending country and hip-hop in a way that resonated with audiences across genres. The collaboration was a personal triumph for Jelly Roll, who has often cited Eminem as a childhood hero whose music helped him navigate his own struggles. This sentiment was reinforced when Eminem surprised Jelly Roll by joining him onstage at Ford Field in Detroit on May 18, 2025, during a performance of “Lose Yourself” with Post Malone’s tour. The moment, captured on video, showed Jelly Roll overcome with emotion, bowing to Eminem and declaring it “the greatest show of my life.”
Fast forward to June 2025, and the good news continued with Jelly Roll’s inclusion on Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI, specifically on the track “Sharks” alongside Big Sean. The album, released on June 6, marked another chapter in Lil Wayne’s storied career, and Jelly Roll’s feature added a fresh dynamic with his distinctive blend of country and rap. In a viral video shared on social media, Jelly Roll was seen reacting to the news, exclaiming, “I was on Eminem and Lil Wayne’s albums in the same year. I retire. I can’t do anything cooler.” The statement, delivered with a mix of humor and disbelief, underscored the magnitude of his achievement and sparked widespread celebration among fans.
Jelly Roll’s rise to this point has been anything but conventional. Hailing from Antioch, Tennessee, he spent much of his early life entangled in legal troubles, including a stint in jail, before turning to music as a path to redemption. His breakthrough came with the 2020 release of “Save Me,” a raw and introspective track that showcased his vulnerability and earned him a devoted following. The song’s inclusion in Eminem’s work was not a random choice; Jelly Roll has noted that the two artists share a deep emotional connection, with Eminem’s lyrics mirroring his own experiences of feeling misunderstood. In interviews, Jelly Roll has praised Eminem’s authenticity, recalling how the rapper’s music provided solace during his darkest moments.
The collaboration with Eminem was facilitated through a longstanding friendship between Eminem’s manager, Paul Rosenberg, and Jelly Roll’s manager, John. This connection paved the way for what Jelly Roll initially thought might be a remix, only to learn it would be part of Eminem’s album. The process was not without its challenges—Jelly Roll admitted to doubting the collaboration would materialize due to the long wait—but the eventual outcome exceeded his expectations. The music video shoot, where the two spent 12 hours together, further solidified their bond, with Eminem even joking with Jelly Roll by singing a playful twist on their track title, “Somebody Shave Me, I Need Some Jelly.”
The Lil Wayne collaboration, meanwhile, came as a surprise addition to Tha Carter VI, an album that boasts an eclectic lineup including Bono and Mannie Fresh. Jelly Roll’s feature on “Sharks” alongside Big Sean showcased his versatility, bridging his country roots with hip-hop’s legacy. In a behind-the-scenes video, Jelly Roll was seen singing along to the track, visibly moved by the realization of his dual achievements. He credited the opportunity to his growing reputation and the support of industry veterans, noting that being featured by both Eminem and Lil Wayne in the same year felt like a validation of his journey.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms like X buzzing with praise. Posts from fans highlight Jelly Roll’s authenticity and the surreal nature of his collaborations, with many echoing his sentiment that he has reached a career zenith. Some have called it a “full-circle moment” for an artist who once performed in underground cyphers, while others have celebrated the genre-blending potential of his work with Eminem and Lil Wayne. However, the reactions are not without debate, with a few questioning whether Jelly Roll’s country background fits seamlessly into hip-hop’s narrative—a discussion that has only fueled interest in his next moves.
The timing of these collaborations aligns with a broader resurgence of cross-genre partnerships in music. Eminem, known for his lyrical dexterity, has increasingly embraced collaborations that push boundaries, as seen with his work with Jelly Roll and his earlier duet with Ed Sheeran at Ford Field in 2023. Lil Wayne, a pioneer of hip-hop’s evolution, has long incorporated diverse influences into his Carter series, making Jelly Roll’s inclusion a natural extension of that tradition. For Jelly Roll, these partnerships have amplified his visibility, earning him Grammy nominations and a No. 1 album in 2024, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Beyond the music, Jelly Roll’s personal story adds depth to his success. His emotional onstage moment with Eminem in Detroit was not just a performance but a tribute to the rapper who inspired him during his youth. Similarly, his reaction to Tha Carter VI reflected a lifelong admiration for Lil Wayne, whose Tha Carter III was a formative influence. These connections have resonated with fans, who see Jelly Roll as a relatable figure whose journey mirrors the struggles and triumphs depicted in the lyrics of his collaborators.
Looking ahead, Jelly Roll’s declaration of retirement may be hyperbolic, but it signals a moment of reflection. At 40, he has expressed a desire to prioritize artistic integrity over financial gain, a shift that has shaped his recent projects. His tour with Post Malone and upcoming appearances, including a potential stop with Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI tour, suggest he is far from stepping away. Instead, his comments may indicate a desire to savor this high point while exploring new creative avenues.
The industry, too, is taking note. Analysts predict that Jelly Roll’s collaborations could pave the way for more genre-blending projects, with his ability to connect with both country and hip-hop audiences positioning him as a unique talent. His work with Eminem and Lil Wayne has also sparked discussions about the evolving landscape of music, where traditional boundaries are increasingly blurred. Whether this leads to a new album or further high-profile features remains to be seen, but the momentum is undeniable.
As of June 12, 2025, Jelly Roll’s story continues to unfold, with fans eagerly awaiting his next chapter. His reflections on being featured by Eminem and Lil Wayne are more than just a celebration of success—they are a testament to perseverance, connection, and the power of music to bridge divides. For now, the artist who once doubted his place in the industry stands at a crossroads, basking in the glow of a dream realized while hinting at the possibilities still to come.
