Rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll is crossing genres once again.
A new trailer for the last five episodes of FIRE COUNTRY Season 3 revealed his familiar face and voice in his new song, “Dreams Don’t Die,” per Parade.
The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, will star in the April 11 episode, “Fire and Ice,” as guest star, Noah, a former convict and healthcare professional who’s still trying to get his life on track. This role mirrors DeFord’s own story, as he previously spent time in prison and struggled with addiction before he met Christ and became a country singer.
“Dreams Don’t Die” will also be released on streaming platforms on April 11. It will be part of the soundtrack for the new episode.
Movieguide® previously reported on DeFord’s redemption story. The birth of his daughter helped motivate him to better himself.
“[I was] sitting in a jail cell, having $17 of Honey Buns and potato chips to my name — I own one outfit, the one that was in the jail — and here I was, responsible for a child,” he said. “I mean, I was the lowest common denominator in life.”
“You know, I was scum of the earth,” DeFord said. “I was a crack dealer. I was a horrible, horrible human. And I was like, ‘I gotta figure this out.’” Now, he’s made a complete 180°.
Last year, DeFord collaborated with Brandon Lake on the song “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Related: Jelly Roll Celebrates Reaching ‘Unreal’ Career High
“I love the conversation it’s creating,” he told Lake about the song last year. “Millions of people like me are finding a safe place in God.”
“I might wear it a little different than other people,” he said about his faith. “I might say things that other Christians don’t think are right to say, but ultimately, I have a heart for God and I have a heart for Jesus.”
Movieguide reviewed FIRE COUNTRY Season 3 Episode 1. It has a -2 content rating for violence and language. On the positive side, “The episode begins in a beautiful church with a cross and a lovely stained-glass image of Jesus.” And it “emanates a wonderful sense of self-giving and cooperation in a community.”
Along with DeFord’s character’s redemptive story, the main character Bode Donovan’s story is also redemptive. Bode, played by Max Thieriot, is also a former convict who receives a second chance through the help of a firefighting program.
The next episode comes out on April 4 at 9/8c on CBS. Viewers can stream new episodes on Paramount+ the day after they release.
