Jelly Roll: One Step Closer to Being Pardoned for Crimes Committed in His Youth

"I want to be a guidepost of hope for people to know that losers can win. That who you were isn't who you are."

One thing about me is that I LOVE Jelly Roll. Not only is his music amazing, but he has come so far in his life that he is truly an inspiration to so many including some of the people that I am closest with.

Jelly Roll was born and raised in Tennesse. His mom is why he fell in love with the art of storytelling through music and he ended up writing his first rap song in middle school. He would pass out his mixtape in the high school parking lot. His parents divorced when he was 13 and his mom fell into addiction. He felt as though he had to take care of her and started selling drugs. He would include a free mixtape with each one of his sales. He was first arrested at the age of 14. After that, he would end up in jail 40 more times for various offenses.

One of the most serious charges that still follows him around to this day is an aggravated robbery charge at the age of 16 where he was charged as an adult and sentenced to 20 years. Although, he didn't end up serving this full sentence, he felt as though the justice system failed him by essentially taking away his life before he was old enough to purchase a lottery ticket.

The arrest, that changed his life around for the better was when he was arrested at the age of 23 for drug dealing. While incarcerated, he was battling addiction and found out that he had become a father. Once he learned of the birth of his daughter, he decided he had to turn his life around. This is when he transferred to the education unit, earned his GED, and was eventually released.

Since being a free man, he has released amazing music, advocated for addicts, and served as an inspiration for millions

Because of Tennessee's zero-tolerance policy for "violent offenders," the charge is still on Jelly's record; therefore, he still cannot vote, volunteer at non-profits, etc. HOWEVER As of yesterday, the Tennesse Board of Parole voted unanimously to pardon Jelly of his crimes that he committed when he was young. It just has to be approved by the governor until Jelly can go and inspire millions more.

"The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason, because what's in front of you is so much more important than what's behind you."