In the world of music, collaborations often emerge from surprising places. One such example is the partnership between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Jelly Roll, two artists who recently took home the People’s Choice Country Award for their hit song “Lonely Road.” Their success, however, comes with an interesting backstory—a journey from mutual dislike to mutual respect. This blog post will dive deep into their evolving relationship, how it all started, and what we can learn from their unique partnership.
The Early Rivalry: “We Were Bred to Hate Each Other”
As MGK and Jelly Roll accepted their award at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on September 26, 2024, MGK’s acceptance speech highlighted a pivotal truth: their journey from hate to harmony wasn’t instantaneous. He reflected, “We went from 10 years ago hating each other to elevating each other.”
The roots of their tension are not unusual in the competitive world of music. Both artists began their careers at a time when the music industry, especially for white rappers, was fiercely competitive. Jelly Roll, in a candid interview on Spotify’s “Countdown To” podcast, explained, “There was only, like, seven white rappers on earth at this time. So it was so competitive when you were in that pool that we were kind of automatically forced against each other anyways.”
MGK echoed this sentiment, noting how they felt they were “bred to hate each other.” The rivalry wasn’t based on personal grievances, but more a product of the environment in which they were both trying to establish their careers. They were two emerging stars, each striving for recognition in a niche dominated by a few.
The Turning Point: From Diss Tracks to Heartfelt Apologies
At the height of their rivalry, Jelly Roll wasn’t shy about his disdain for MGK, even going as far as to diss him publicly with the remark, “F— Machine Gun Kelly and his mohawk.” For Jelly Roll, part of the animosity was fueled by jealousy. “You were just skinny and handsome. I was just a hater, dude,” Jelly Roll admitted, reflecting on his bitterness.
Despite the heated words, the turning point came when Jelly Roll decided to make amends. In what would become a significant moment in their relationship, he made a heartfelt apology to MGK. Jelly Roll recalls that phone call fondly, stating, “You answered on, like, [the] second ring. It was the coolest conversation I’ve ever had. It was so easy and just peaceful.”
This conversation didn’t just mend fences—it laid the foundation for a new, supportive relationship between the two. MGK emphasized this change, expressing pride in Jelly Roll’s success: “I’m proud of you and I love listening to the album, Beautifully Broken.”
Camaraderie in the Chaos: Finding Common Ground
One of the most important lessons from the story of MGK and Jelly Roll’s relationship is the power of reconciliation and collaboration. Their story serves as a testament to the fact that even the deepest rivalries can evolve into friendships if both parties are willing to set aside their differences. As MGK put it during his acceptance speech, “Comparison is the thief of joy. There is enough room on the couch for everybody. We found camaraderie in the chaos.”
Their collaboration on “Lonely Road” was not just a musical partnership—it was the culmination of years of personal growth and mutual respect. Both artists have faced their share of challenges in the music industry, and rather than continuing to compete against each other, they decided to elevate one another.
This shift in mindset, from rivalry to camaraderie, is particularly valuable in today’s music industry, where collaboration often leads to greater success than competition. By working together, MGK and Jelly Roll were able to achieve something they couldn’t have done alone: winning a prestigious award and, more importantly, solidifying their friendship.
What the Future Holds for MGK and Jelly Roll
With their award-winning collaboration, MGK and Jelly Roll have proven that they can create magic together. Both artists have indicated that they are proud of each other’s work and are open to future collaborations. As they continue to grow in their careers, fans can likely expect more musical partnerships that blend their unique styles and backgrounds.
Their journey from rivals to collaborators also sets an example for the music industry as a whole, reminding us that competition isn’t the only path to success. By finding camaraderie in chaos, MGK and Jelly Roll have not only solidified their friendship but also shown that there is indeed enough room on the couch for everyone.
A Friendship Forged in Music
The friendship between MGK and Jelly Roll is a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness, maturity, and collaboration. Their journey from public disses to accepting a prestigious music award together proves that even the most competitive rivalries can turn into lasting partnerships. As both artists continue to evolve and expand their horizons, fans can only hope for more collaborations that showcase their newfound camaraderie.
