August 10, 2024 – Iowa State Fair Grandstand – Des Moines, IA

The Iowa State Fair Grandstand was literally on fire with Grammy Award-nominated superstar Jelly Roll on Saturday August 10, 2024!

The concert was a complete sellout with over 15,000 fans packing the stadium for Iowa State Fair’s biggest concert ever!

Before Jelly Roll took the stage, his opener Dax put on an impressive showing.

Dax, born Daniel Nwosu Jr., is a Nigerian-Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his powerful lyrics and intense delivery. His breakout moment came with the viral hit “Cash Me Outside,” and since then, Dax has built a reputation for his deep, often thought-provoking tracks like “Dear God” and “Dear Alcohol.”

He’s all about honesty in his music, tackling everything from mental health to social issues, and his fans connect with that raw authenticity.

Dax isn’t just about the heavy stuff, though—he knows how to hype up a crowd, too. He’s toured with big names like Tech N9ne and Hopsin, and his live shows are packed with energy. Over the years, he’s dropped several EPs, a full-length album, and a bunch of singles that have charted on Billboard. Dax’s journey from janitor to rap star is a true underdog story, and he’s just getting started.

The moment he stepped on stage, the crowd went wild, and you could feel the excitement in the air. Dax knows how to put on a show—his stage presence is unreal, and he connected with the audience almost immediately. Decked out in an Iowa jersey, he performed all the favorites, from “Dear God” to “Dear Alcohol,” and everyone was singing along word for word.

His setlist was on point, mixing his hard-hitting rap tracks with some of his newer country crossover hits. The transitions between songs were smooth, and you could tell Dax was having just as much fun as the crowd. One of the best parts was when he performed “To Be a Man”—you could see people getting emotional, and it was a powerful moment.

If you get the chance to see Dax live, don’t miss it. The guy knows how to turn a concert into an unforgettable experience.  He currently has over 3.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and his latest single, “A Real Man,” is worth a listen!

After a brief intermission, it was time for our headliner – Jelly Roll!

In case you haven’t heard, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He’s known for blending hip-hop, country, and rock into his music, creating a unique sound that’s all his own.

Jelly Roll’s rise to fame wasn’t an overnight success; he’s been grinding for years, putting out mixtapes and albums independently. His lyrics often touch on real-life struggles, like addiction, heartbreak, and redemption, which has earned him a loyal fanbase who relate to his raw honesty.

Before his music career took off, Jelly Roll had some tough times, including run-ins with the law, but he’s always been open about his past and how it shaped him. He broke through with songs like “Save Me” and “Same Asshole,” where his powerful voice and storytelling really shine.

In recent years, he’s gained even more recognition, especially with his collaboration with artists like Struggle Jennings and Tech N9ne.

Jelly Roll’s music is all about being real and staying true to yourself, and that’s why his fans love him. He’s proof that you can come from a rough background and still make something incredible out of your life.

Going to a Jelly Roll concert is like stepping into a big, loud, family reunion—if your family is into killer music and raw, honest lyrics. From the moment Jelly Roll hit the stage, the crowd was all in, singing along to every word. He’s got this way of making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger, like we’re all in it together.

His set was a perfect mix of his gritty rap tracks and his newer country-influenced songs. He poured his heart into every song, especially during songs like “Same Asshole” and his newest single, “Liar,” where you could see and feel the emotion behind the words. He even treated us to an amazing cover of Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places!”  The dude’s voice is unreal live, and you can tell he’s lived through the stories he’s telling.

The vibe was laid-back but intense at the same time. The backdrop of the stage was a huge video screen, and combined with cool graphics, lights, and plenty of fire, his stage show was a sight to see!

He had a natural connection with the audience, cracking jokes between songs and sharing personal stories that made us feel like we were hanging out with an old friend.

By the end of the night, it felt like we’d been on a journey together—one that was equal parts wild, emotional, and unforgettable. If you ever get the chance to see Jelly Roll live, do it. It’s not just a concert; it’s an experience. He is absolutely amazing!

Currently, Jelly Roll has over 22.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his latest singles, “Liar,” “Dead End Road,” and “Somebody Save Me” featuring Eminem, are definitely worth adding to your playlist!

Jelly Roll Setlist:

• The Lost
• Halfway to Hell
• Dead End Road
• Son of a Sinner
• Same Asshole / Son of the Dirty South / Wild Ones
• Friends in Low Places (Garth Brooks cover)
• Liar
• Smoking Section
• I’m Not Okay
• Bottle and Mary Jane
• Need a Favor
• Hip Hop Medley
• Good Riddance / Lonely Road
• Burning
• Simple Man
• Save Me

Dax

Jelly Roll