On May 20, 2025, Grammy-winning artist Jelly Roll made a heartfelt visit to the Hennepin County Jail in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of his concert at U.S. Bank Stadium. The visit was part of his ongoing mission to inspire incarcerated individuals by sharing his personal journey from incarceration to musical success.
During his time at the jail, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, spoke candidly with inmates about his troubled past. He recounted being first criminally charged at 13 and spending the next 13 years in and out of the prison system. He emphasized that his transformation wasn’t driven by a desire for fame but by a commitment to becoming “the dad I didn’t have.” He also highlighted the importance of education, sharing that he earned his GED while incarcerated, a pivotal step in his journey toward rehabilitation.
Sheriff Dawanna Witt expressed gratitude for Jelly Roll’s visit, presenting him with a commemorative key to the jail. She remarked, “Jail time shouldn’t be wasted time. Jelly Roll is a great example of how jail programs can change lives.”
This visit aligns with Jelly Roll’s broader advocacy efforts. He has previously testified before Congress on issues related to fentanyl abuse and continues to use his platform to support criminal justice reform and mental health awareness. His actions serve as a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of sharing one’s story to inspire others.
