Rapper Jelly Roll has shared a revelation about his past, disclosing that he was mandated to attend his first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting at the young age of 14. The 39-year-old artist, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, discussed his early experiences with AA and Narcotics Anonymous during a recent appearance on Sirius XM’s “The Highway.” According to reports, his song “I Am Not Okay” was inspired by these experiences.
In the interview with host Ania Hammar, Jelly Roll mentioned that while he doesn’t recall his very first meeting vividly, he distinctly remembers finding solace and being introduced to the concepts within these rooms. He expressed that leaving AA or NA gatherings left him feeling incredibly inspired, noting that these experiences have had a profound impact on him.
Reflecting on his journey to sobriety, the Tennessee native previously spoke about the complexity of his relationship with alcohol, intertwined with struggles with drug addiction. He highlighted the process of learning to separate drinking from substance abuse and the importance of reevaluating his perception of alcohol.
Jelly Roll clarified that he views alcohol differently now and occasionally uses cannabis but actively avoids other drugs. When he finds himself facing challenges, he turns to AA meetings for support, acknowledging the positive influence these gatherings have had on him, despite not formally aligning himself with the program.
The rapper expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, particularly emphasising the significance of fatherhood in his life. Father to 16-year-old Bailee Ann and eight-year-old Noah Buddy, from previous relationships, and husband to Alyssa DeFord, known as “Bunnie XO,” since 2016, Jelly Roll appreciates the transformative impact of his role as a parent.
Throughout his journey, Jelly Roll has found strength in his family and the lessons learned from his experiences with addiction, highlighting the importance of seeking help when needed. The rapper’s candid reflections serve as a reminder of the resilience and growth that can emerge from navigating challenging circumstances.