The Grammy-nominated rapper offers financial assistance to a young fan, who aspires to be a criminal justice lawyer through college, and inspires others to help those in need.
- Jul 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - During a free concert at the Skydeck in Nashville, TN, Jelly Roll (born Jason Bradley DeFord) surprised 18-year-old Joy Gadalla with a heartfelt pledge to help her pay for college. Gadalla, an Egyptian-American immigrant, held up a sign on her phone that read "Please pay my tuition." Without hesitation, Jelly Roll announced from the stage, "We will help you get through school."
Gadalla's remarkable story of perseverance and determination inspired Jelly Roll's act of kindness. As an online high school graduate with a 3.8 GPA, she had been working hard to cover the $40K/year tuition for Belmont University, her dream school. She had also recently faced challenges caring for her grandmother in the hospital.
Jelly Roll's support extended beyond financial assistance. He shared his own life experiences with Gadalla, a former drug dealer who has been sober for over a year, inspiring her to combat her own addiction. Gadalla had been feeling overwhelmed and anxious about her future, but Jelly Roll's gesture gave her hope.
"I was in incredible shock," Gadalla told Nashville's WKRN. "I knew God was going to take care of everything."
Jelly Roll is known for his generosity. He has visited prisons and hospice centers, surprised fast food workers with large tips, and connected with fans on a personal level. His support for Gadalla's education is a testament to his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Gadalla's college dreams are now within reach thanks to Jelly Roll's unexpected act of kindness. With his support and the determination she has shown, she is well on her way to achieving her goals in criminal justice.
