Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Join Forces for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" Remake

Country singer Jelly Roll, known for his raw and emotional storytelling, is set to collaborate with Christian artist Brandon Lake on a new rendition of Lake’s deeply moving song, Hard Fought Hallelujah. The song, which originally resonated with Jelly Roll on a profound level, will be re-released with his unique touch on February 7, 2025.

A Collaboration Born from Personal Experience

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has never shied away from discussing his personal struggles with faith, addiction, and redemption. The genre-blending artist, who has made waves in both country and rock music, has spoken candidly about his complicated relationship with the church and how Hard Fought Hallelujah rekindled something within him.

In a heartfelt conversation with Lake, Jelly Roll revealed that he had grown “bitter and hurt by the Church and their dogma.” Having been through a turbulent past marked by legal troubles and substance abuse, he had distanced himself from organized religion, choosing instead to develop his own beliefs. However, when he first heard Hard Fought Hallelujah, something inside him shifted.

“The moment I listened to it, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years,” he said in a recent video shared with fans. “It brought me back to worship, but not in the way I had been taught before. It was personal. It was raw. And it was exactly what I needed to hear.”

Lake, known for his powerful Christian anthems and worship music, was deeply moved by Jelly Roll’s response to the song. Their conversation soon turned into an opportunity for collaboration, leading to a joint effort to rework Hard Fought Hallelujah into something even more meaningful for both artists and their listeners.

Faith, Music, and Redemption

For Jelly Roll, music has always been a vehicle for connection and healing. His journey from troubled youth to country music sensation has been anything but conventional. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, he experienced firsthand the harsh realities of addiction and incarceration. His songs often reflect these struggles, touching on themes of pain, redemption, and the search for meaning.

Brandon Lake, on the other hand, has dedicated his career to faith-based music, using his voice to uplift and inspire. His original version of Hard Fought Hallelujah became an anthem of perseverance and spiritual endurance. The lyrics emphasize the trials one faces on the journey to faith, making it a song that speaks to those who have had to fight for their beliefs.

Given Jelly Roll’s background and personal battles, the collaboration carries a weight of authenticity. He isn’t just singing the song—he’s lived it. And by bringing his soulful voice and storytelling ability into the mix, the new version is expected to take on an even deeper emotional resonance.

Anticipation for the Release

Since the announcement of the collaboration, fans of both artists have expressed excitement and curiosity. Christian music listeners are eager to hear Jelly Roll’s interpretation, while his country and rock fans are intrigued by his foray into faith-based music.

The collaboration also highlights the evolving nature of music genres. More than ever, artists are crossing traditional boundaries to create something fresh and impactful. Jelly Roll’s involvement in a Christian song underscores the idea that faith and spirituality aren’t confined to one genre or audience—they can be universally experienced and expressed in different ways.

As Hard Fought Hallelujah prepares for release, both artists are urging fans to pre-save the track. Whether it will lead to more faith-inspired projects from Jelly Roll remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the song’s message of struggle, redemption, and spiritual discovery will resonate with many.

More Than Just a Song

At its core, this collaboration isn’t just about making music—it’s about sharing stories of personal transformation. For Jelly Roll, it’s a chance to reconnect with something he had lost. For Lake, it’s an opportunity to bring his message of faith to a broader audience.

Music has the power to bring people together, regardless of background, belief, or past experiences. Hard Fought Hallelujah is shaping up to be more than just a song—it’s a testament to the human spirit and the unyielding search for truth and healing.

Fans will get to hear the highly anticipated track on February 7, 2025, and with the passion behind this collaboration, it’s likely to leave a lasting impact on listeners from all walks of life.