Growing up surrounded by poverty and substance use, Jelly Roll has always kept the faith. The Antioch, Tennessee native (born Jason DeFord) often credits his Christian beliefs for lifting him out of a dark time. Of course, the music doesn\u2019t hurt either. On songs like \u201cI Am Not Okay\u201d and \u201cLiar,\u201d Jelly speaks directly to the broken, reminding them that God will always look at them and see something worth salvaging. Last year, the face-tatted former rapper\u00a0teamed up\u00a0with chart-topping Christian artist Brandon Lake for \u201cHard Fought Hallelujah,\u201d a gritty track about wrestling with the darkness while reaching for the light. After the pair brought the house down during this year\u2019s GMA Dove Awards ceremony, Jelly Roll fired up his fellow believers with one of his famous mini-sermons.<\/p>\n
In 1969, the Gospel Music Association began handing out trophies at the annual Dove Awards to recognize outstanding Christian artists. Jelly Roll attended this year\u2019s ceremony, which aired this week, at Nashville\u2019s Bridgestone Arena to accept the Song of the Year trophy along with Brandon Lake.<\/p>\n
By now, country music listeners know to immediately get inspired when they see the \u201cNeed a Favor\u201d hitmaker, 40, take the stage. Jelly always has some powerful wisdom to impart, and this time was no exception.<\/p>\n
\u201cY\u2019all forgive me,\u201d Jelly told the crowd. \u201cOne, I\u2019m not even sure how much I even belong speaking up here right now\u2026 And I\u2019m nervous. I ain\u2019t been this nervous since I went to criminal court, y\u2019all.\u201d<\/p>\n