Jelly Roll claims manipulation in streaming numbers

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has recently drawn attention to his remarks about the manipulation of streaming numbers in the music industry.

Posting on social media, Jelly Roll stated, “This whole thing is smoke and mirrors, y’all,” expressing his frustration and promising to reveal the “slimy” practices he’s observed.

His statements are part of a broader discussion on the industry’s integrity, particularly regarding major labels’ alleged purchasing of fake streams to inflate artists’ popularity.

In his comments, Jelly Roll referenced rapper Russ, who has also been vocal about these issues, explaining that labels sometimes treat fake streams as a “marketing expense” to boost numbers artificially.

Russ has described how a handful of influential people control significant platforms and radio stations, creating a system where industry giants can shape the market by funding fake streams.

This practice raises questions about genuine artist popularity and distorts public perceptions, as some artists’ streaming numbers may not match their actual audience reach or concert ticket sales.

Jelly Roll has hinted at addressing these industry practices more fully on his wife’s podcast, where he plans to dive deeper into his criticisms without sensationalism.

He clarified on social media that while he does feel strongly about the industry’s transparency issues, he isn’t promoting exaggerated claims. His statements highlight a continuing frustration among some artists, who see this manipulation as undermining genuine talent and the organic connection between musicians and fans.