Jelly Roll is experiencing a profound moment of gratitude and reflection. On Friday, Eminem released his new album, “The Death of Slim Shady,” which features a sample of Jelly Roll’s song, “Save Me.” This collaboration has left Jelly Roll deeply moved.
In an emotional Instagram post, Jelly Roll shared a photo of himself with Eminem and expressed his admiration for the rapper. “I always say my childhood hero’s lived somewhere between Willie Nelson and Eminem,” he wrote. “As a teenager (and still today), I could recite every song on the Slim Shady album, the Marshall Mathers album, and the Eminem Show.”
Jelly Roll reminisced about his youth, recalling how he bonded out of jail at 17 and participated in cyphers and battles in Nashville. “They would play the ‘Lose Yourself’ beat when I came out on stage at the freestyle battles,” he continued. “I related to every word Eminem wrote. I felt like he understood me, which was rare because I spent most of my life feeling misunderstood.”
The news that Eminem would be sampling his song “Save Me” on the new album was a moment of overwhelming emotion for Jelly Roll. “For him to use the song to discuss the other side of what could’ve happened if he would’ve allowed his demons to win brought me to tears,” he added.
Eminem’s album features the track “Somebody Save Me,” which samples Jelly Roll’s “Save Me.” The song begins with the melody and opening lyrics of Jelly Roll’s original track, and Jelly Roll also sings the chorus while Eminem raps the verses. The powerful chorus goes: “Somebody save me, me from myself / I’ve spent so long living in hell / They say my lifestyle is bad for my health / It’s the only thing that seems to help.”
Jelly Roll encouraged his followers to listen to “Somebody Save Me” on Eminem’s new album, “The Death of Slim Shady.” He also gave a special shout-out to Paul Rosenberg, Eminem’s manager, for his kindness and support.
This collaboration isn’t the first time Jelly Roll and Eminem have worked together. In June, they performed together at “Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central,” where they sang Eminem’s hit song, “Sing For The Moment.”
Eminem’s new album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” features 19 tracks and includes collaborations with artists like White Gold, Sly Pyper, JID, Dem Jointz, Ez Mil, Skylar Grey, Big Sean, and BabyTron. The album’s closing track, “Somebody Save Me,” is a poignant exploration of Eminem’s alter-ego and his journey through inner turmoil and redemption.
The song delves into Eminem’s past struggles with addiction and his regrets about not being there for his children. The lyrics are raw and emotional, with Eminem rapping, “Sorry that I chose drugs and put ’em above you / Sorry that I didn’t love you enough to / Give ’em up, how the fuck do I not love you more than a pill?” Jelly Roll’s chorus follows, adding a hauntingly beautiful layer to the track.
Jelly Roll’s involvement in this project is a significant milestone in his career. He reflected on the experience in a heartfelt social media post, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to work with one of his childhood heroes. “I always say my childhood hero’s lived somewhere between Willie Nelson and Eminem,” he began. “As a teenager (and still today), I could recite every song on the Slim Shady album, the Marshall Mathers album, and the Eminem Show.”
He continued, “So you can imagine how I felt when I got that call that Eminem would be sampling my song ‘Save Me’ on his new album. And for him to use the song to discuss the other side of what could’ve happened if he would’ve allowed his demons to win brought me to tears.”
Jelly Roll also expressed his appreciation for Paul Rosenberg, writing, “You’ve been nothing but kind to me and treated me like family and gave me opportunities I didn’t deserve, forever grateful.”
The collaboration has resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike. Rapper Chris Webby commented on Jelly Roll’s post, calling the moment “legendary” and expressing his pride in Jelly Roll’s achievement.
“Somebody Save Me” heavily samples Jelly Roll’s “Save Me,” which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November following a remix by Lainey Wilson. The song’s powerful message and emotional delivery have struck a chord with listeners, making it a standout track on Eminem’s new album.
Jelly Roll’s journey from a misunderstood teenager to a celebrated artist collaborating with his hero is a testament to his resilience and talent. His heartfelt post and the emotional collaboration with Eminem have touched the hearts of many, making this a truly unforgettable moment in his career.
Source: Getty Images, Billboard
