In a spectacular twist, “Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central” held on Thursday, June 6, witnessed an extraordinary duet between rap legend Eminem and country star Jelly Roll.
The pair performed “Sing for the Moment,” leaving the audience in awe.
Jelly Roll’s Unbelievable Opportunity
Reflecting on the unforgettable experience, Jelly Roll, 39, shared his excitement with Entertainment Tonight at the 2024 CMA Fest.
“Performing with Eminem in Detroit is now at the pinnacle of my career moments,” he said.
The country artist whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord expressed his initial disbelief when approached by Eminem’s team.
“I thought it was a prank until I met Eminem in person,” he admitted.
A Dream Come True
Despite his friendship with Eminem’s manager, Paul, Jelly Roll was still stunned by the opportunity.
“Paul assured me it was real, but it wasn’t until I met Eminem that I believed it,” he recalled.
The performance was a dream come true for Jelly Roll, who described feeling “giddy, like a child” on stage. “I thought the camera was off me, and I just let loose,” he added.
Eminem’s Powerful Performance
The event was a showcase of Eminem’s greatest hits.
Besides the duet with Jelly Roll, Eminem performed “Houdini,” “Welcome 2 Detroit” alongside rapper Trick Trick, and his empowering anthem “Not Afraid.”
The audience was treated to an electrifying performance by the iconic rapper.
A Star-Studded Audience
Eminem was supported by his family, including daughter Hailie Jade, 28, her husband Evan McClintock, Alaina Marie, 31, and Stevie Laine, 22.
Their presence added a personal touch to the evening’s celebrations.
Diverse Line-Up of Performers
The concert featured an impressive line-up of artists. Diana Ross, Big Sean, Jack White, Common, Fantasia, the Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard, Illa J, Melissa Etheridge, Theo Parrish, Slum Village, and Sky Jetta also graced the stage, contributing to an unforgettable night of music and celebration.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, shared a behind-the-scenes look of the duo meeting on TikTok, adding another layer of excitement to the memorable event.
Eminem Thanks Collaborators on Instagram
After the electrifying surprise duet with Jelly Roll at the “Live From Detroit: The Concert,” Eminem took to Instagram to express his gratitude.
In a heartfelt post, he wrote, “Thanks again Detroit also 2 @iamdenaun @tricktrickgs2 @jellyroll615 for comin out with me!!!”
Eminem’s appreciation for Jelly Roll and the other performers highlighted the strong bond and mutual respect among artists who made the night an unforgettable experience for fans in Detroit and beyond.
Jelly Roll’s Interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show
Jelly Roll, the acclaimed rapper, rocker, and country music sensation, opened up about his personal life last night during his first interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show.
He shared the heartwarming and unconventional story of how he met his wife, Bunnie XO. “It’s one of the wildest stories that has ever happened in the music business,” he said.
Their journey began in 2015 when Bunnie saw Jelly perform in Las Vegas and they met at a bar afterward. “I loved her from the moment I met her,” he fondly remembered.
A Life of Trials and Triumphs
During the candid conversation, Jelly Roll discussed his tumultuous past, including his troubled upbringing and frequent run-ins with the law.
Known for having been jailed over 40 times, Jelly humorously reflected on his lack of success in evading the police.
“I was the worst criminal ever,” he laughed, recounting an incident from his teenage years where he failed to outrun the cops due to his impaired state.
Despite his numerous incarcerations, he eventually found a sense of safety and comfort in jail, where he began writing music using his steel bunk bed as a drum.
This period of his life, filled with both violence and camaraderie, shaped his musical aspirations and dreams.
From Jail to Stardom
Jelly Roll’s time behind bars not only influenced his music but also led to a pivotal change in his life.
The birth of his daughter inspired him to break free from his destructive cycle.
He revealed to Howard Stern that fatherhood became his primary motivation for turning his life around.
Despite the challenges and fears he faced, especially concerning his daughter’s happiness, Jelly Roll has emerged as a successful artist who continues to impact the music industry.
Jelly Roll’s Emotional New Single: “I Am Not Okay”
Jelly Roll’s latest release, the heartfelt song “I Am Not Okay,” has struck a deep chord with fans since its debut on June 12, 2024.
Announcing the release on Instagram to his nearly 3 million followers, Jelly Roll wrote, “‘I Am Not Okay’ is out now. For everyone going through something—it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s all gonna be alright!”
The song’s raw honesty and emotional depth have touched listeners, prompting heartfelt responses.
One fan expressed, “Words cannot express the impact this song has!! You are always saving lives one song at a time!! Thank you for being you and giving us amazing music we can all relate to!”
This new release continues to affirm Jelly Roll’s ability to connect with his audience through relatable and powerful music.
Jelly Roll’s Famous Hits and Release Dates
| Song Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Save Me | 2020 |
| Same Asshole | 2018 |
| Wild Ones | 2023 |
| Son of a Sinner | 2021 |
| Dead Man Walking | 2021 |
| Need a Favor | 2022 |
| I Am Not Okay | 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did Jelly Roll describe this duet in terms of his career?
Jelly Roll called it the “coolest moment” of his career to date.
What song did Jelly Roll and Eminem perform together?
They performed “Sing for the Moment,” a song by Eminem that samples Steven Tyler.
What is Jelly Roll currently working on?
Jelly Roll is working on his new album, a follow-up to 2023’s ‘Whitsitt Chapel.’
He mentioned that he has been very focused on this album, writing more songs than ever before and planning to release more music this year than in any previous year of his career.
Conclusion
- Jelly Roll’s surprise duet with Eminem on ‘Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central’ was a huge highlight in his career.
- Performing “Sing for the Moment” alongside the iconic rapper in Detroit, Jelly Roll expressed sheer elation and disbelief at the opportunity, which was orchestrated by Eminem’s team.
- He was thrilled and couldn’t believe it was happening until he met Eminem himself.
- This performance was very special to Jelly Roll and showed how much he admires Eminem.
- As Jelly Roll continues to work on his upcoming album, this unforgettable performance will undoubtedly remain a cherished milestone, reflecting both his artistic journey and the extraordinary experiences that come with it.