Jelly Roll has a new duet partner. Through his home label, Stoney Creek/Broken Bow Records Music Group/BMG, he has entered into a worldwide deal with REPUBLIC, effective with the CMA Award-winning artist’s next album, including new single, “I Am Not Okay” which comes out tomorrow (June 12).
The partnership will focus on expanding Jelly Roll’s music across multiple genres, as well as marketing the artist into new territories.
Additionally, Jelly Roll, who owns his masters, has extended his deal with Stoney Creek/BBR and BMG Music Publishing.
Jelly Roll’s current album, Whitsitt Chapel, which came out last June, entered Billboard’s Top Country Albums at No. 2 in June 2023 with the largest week — 90,000 equivalent album units in the United States — for an initial entry since the survey transitioned to a consumption-based methodology in February 2017.
The album’s “Halfway to Hell,” which tops the Country Airplay chart right now, is his fourth consecutive No. 1 on the chart following “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor” and “Save Me” (with Lainey Wilson).
“I couldn’t have accomplished what we’ve done with Whitsitt Chapel and all that’s happened in the last year without the support and belief I’ve had from [BMG CEO] Thomas Coesfeld, [BMG president of frontline recordings, The Americas] Jon Loba and the rest of the team at BBR,” Jelly Roll said in a statement. “Being able to now also work with Republic, [REPUBLIC co-founder/chairman] Monte [Lipman] and his team — I’ve never been more inspired musically and I am looking forward to releasing this new music with great partners.”
“Jelly Roll is a global icon who’s rewritten the rule book and continues to smash traditional boundaries, all on his own terms. His strength, determination and creative vision is that of legends. We’re honored to join his strategic partnership with Stoney Creek Records, BMG and trusted hitman and consigliere John Meneilly,” added Lipman, jokingly referring to Jelly Roll’s manager, Meneilly.
Loba, who signed Jelly Roll to Stoney Creek/BBR in 2021, said, “Jelly Roll embodies artistry and independence. His authenticity is the key to his success. He continually uses his platform to not only captivate audiences with his music but also to uplift communities. As an artist, he is a true trailblazer. As a human being, he has left a legacy of both talent and kindness, winning over fans all around the world. We are proud of everything we have accomplished together and look forward to achieving even more success in the future.”
Aside from expressing their universal love for Jelly Roll and his talent, Loba and Lipman are keeping details close to the vest in the deal that has been rumored for months, including how the partnership came about and its duration, the division of duties, if Republic was involved in the A&R process for the upcoming album and which formats the new single will be pushed to.
Jelly Roll has already proved to be a cross-format artist. In addition to his No. 1s on Billboard’s Country Airplay and Country Songs charts, his songs have topped the Mainstream Rock chart and Rock chart.
The past three years have been a whirlwind for the Antioch, Tenn. native, who first came to prominence as a rapper having garnered more than 1 billion streams before signing with Stoney Creek. Among the awards he has taken home are the CMA Award for new artist of the year and ACM Award for musical event of the year. In addition to Wilson, on record and stage he has duetted with Eminem, Jessie Murph, Wynonna and more.
The deal is Republic’s latest move into the country space following expansion of its deal with Big Loud to distribute all of its acts (after initially starting with Morgan Wallen and Lily Rose), as well as signing Miranda Lambert in a partnership with Big Loud.
