5 Shocking Ways Post Malone 'Ruined' Jelly Roll's 2025 Plans (And Created A Super-Tour)

The biggest music story of 2025 isn't a new album—it's a massive stadium tour that almost didn't happen. As of December 2025, the undeniable truth is that the burgeoning friendship between genre-bending superstars Jelly Roll and Post Malone has resulted in one of the most anticipated touring events of the year: "The BIG ASS Stadium Tour." This collaboration is the culmination of a deep mutual respect and a shared journey from the worlds of rap and hip-hop into the heart of country music, forging a bond that is resonating with fans across every genre. The tour, featuring both artists and other notable acts like Sierra Ferrell and Chandler Walters, is a testament to their shared philosophy of musical authenticity. The partnership has been a major talking point, especially since Jelly Roll—whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord—had publicly stated his intention to take a much-needed break from the road in 2025. It took a personal call from Austin Richard Post, better known as Post Malone, to completely change those plans, creating a "Super-Tour" that cemented their status as the new kings of musical crossover.

Jelly Roll and Post Malone: Complete Biography and Career Timeline

The foundation of their powerful collaboration lies in their remarkably similar career trajectories—both started in rap/hip-hop before making a seismic, yet authentic, shift into the country music landscape. Their personal stories of overcoming adversity and finding their voices are central to their appeal.

Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord)

• Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Born: December 4, 1984
• Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
• Career Start: Began his career in the late 2000s primarily as a rapper in the Nashville hip-hop scene, gaining traction through mixtapes and collaborations, including the group SNO.
• Genre Crossover: Transitioned fully into rock and country music in the early 2020s, achieving massive success with songs like "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor."
• Key Albums/Songs: Whitsitt Chapel (2023), "Save Me," "Need a Favor," "Son of a Sinner."

Post Malone (Austin Richard Post)

• Full Name: Austin Richard Post
• Born: July 4, 1995
• Birthplace: Syracuse, New York, U.S. (Raised in Grapevine, Texas)
• Career Start: Rose to global fame in 2015 with the breakout single "White Iverson," establishing himself as a unique figure blending hip-hop, pop, and R&B.
• Genre Crossover: Has consistently incorporated rock and country influences throughout his career (e.g., "Feeling Whitney"), culminating in a full country album, F-1 Trillion: Long Bed, in 2024.
• Key Albums/Songs: Stoney (2016), Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018), Hollywood's Bleeding (2019), "White Iverson," "Circles," "Losers" (feat. Jelly Roll).

The 5 Surprising Ways Post Malone ‘Ruined’ Jelly Roll’s 2025

Jelly Roll was vocal about his intentions for 2025, planning a significant step back from the demanding schedule of touring to focus on other projects and family time. His plans were abruptly, and happily, derailed when Post Malone extended an invitation that was simply too big to refuse.

1. He Forced Jelly Roll to Scrap His Planned Touring Break

The biggest disruption to Jason DeFord's calendar was the sheer scale of the opportunity. Jelly Roll had explicitly planned to take a break from the road in 2025 after a grueling, highly successful run in 2023 and 2024. The goal was to recharge and focus on new music outside of the constant demand of live shows. Post Malone's invitation to join "The BIG ASS Stadium Tour," however, represented a career milestone that few artists ever achieve: playing massive stadiums across the United States. The chance to perform on such a grand stage alongside a global superstar like Post Malone made his personal hiatus plans instantly obsolete.

2. He Demanded Their Collaborative Song Get the Live Treatment

The musical centerpiece of their partnership is the track "Losers," which features Jelly Roll and appears on Post Malone's 2024 country album, F-1 Trillion: Long Bed. While the recorded song was a hit, Post Malone insisted that "Losers" become a signature moment of the stadium tour. This wasn't just a simple guest spot; it was a full-throated performance that showcased their shared musical heritage and vocal chemistry. Their live performance of "Losers" became a viral sensation, further cementing the duo's status and creating a must-see moment for every stop on the tour.

3. He Publicly Validated Post’s Country Authenticity

The shift to country music for both artists has been met with scrutiny, particularly for Post Malone, who is largely known as a hip-hop and pop artist. However, Jelly Roll's involvement provided an immense level of validation. Jelly Roll, an artist who grew up in Nashville and whose transition to country has been embraced by the genre’s establishment, publicly vouched for Austin Post's genuine love for country music. He revealed that Post Malone had been a fan of the genre for years, even before his rise to fame, effectively silencing critics and giving Post Malone the "authenticity" stamp that is crucial in Nashville circles.

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4. He Created an Adorable, Viral Friendship Moment

Beyond the music, the two artists developed a visibly genuine and "adorable friendship" that became a major storyline of the tour. At one point during a show, Jelly Roll delivered a passionate, heartfelt speech about how much his friendship with Post Malone meant to him, an interaction that reportedly brought Post Malone to tears. This display of raw emotion and mutual respect resonated deeply with fans, making the tour not just a musical event, but a celebration of two kindred spirits in the industry. This personal connection drove ticket sales and created a positive, feel-good narrative that dominated music news in 2025.

5. He Elevated Their Joint Profile at the 2025 MTV VMAs

The collaboration reached its peak mainstream visibility when both artists were booked to perform at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). While they were both nominated in various categories (Jelly Roll for Best Alternative, Best Country, and Best Hip-Hop; Post Malone for Best Collaboration with another artist), their joint performance of "Losers" became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Their appearance at the VMAs, traditionally a pop and hip-hop awards show, signaled a major culture shift and cemented their roles as the leading figures in the country music crossover trend of the mid-2020s.

The Future of Genre-Bending and The Post Malone-Jelly Roll Effect

The partnership between Austin Richard Post and Jason Bradley DeFord is more than just a successful tour; it’s a blueprint for the future of music. Their ability to seamlessly blend their hip-hop roots with the storytelling and instrumentation of country music has broken down traditional genre barriers. This "Jelly Roll-Post Malone Effect" has shown that authenticity and raw emotion are the true keys to connecting with a mass audience, regardless of the label. The success of "The BIG ASS Stadium Tour" and the track "Losers" proves that fans are hungry for artists who are unafraid to explore their influences. The candid, genuine nature of their friendship—from Jelly Roll's mom meeting Post Malone to their tearful on-stage moments—has made them two of the most relatable and beloved figures in modern entertainment. As they continue to tease the possibility of further collaborations, the music world is waiting to see what two of the most "genuine hearts" in the industry will create next.