Jelly Roll Teams Up with Brandon Lake for ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ Remix

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music star Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is set to release a collaborative version of Brandon Lake‘s hit Christian song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on Feb. 7. The remix comes after Jelly Roll, known for his raw honesty about his past struggles, found deep personal resonance with the track.

Jelly Roll, who grew up in Antioch, Tennessee, has built his career on themes of redemption and faith, as showcased in his debut album, *Whitsitt Chapel*. His collaboration with Lake, a Charleston, South Carolina-based pastor and contemporary Christian artist, marks a unique crossover between country and Christian music.

“I haven’t had a record touch me like that in so long,” Jelly Roll told Lake in a recent conversation. “It’s been years since I worshipped the way that I worshipped to that song.” He added, “I needed that record when I heard it, but then to double back and be like, ‘Yo, there’s a chance you could work on this record with this guy.’ And I’m like, ‘Whoa, God sends me this record, and not only does He want me to listen to it and worship, He wants me to live with it and learn it.’”

Lake, whose original version of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” debuted on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart in November, expressed excitement about the collaboration on Instagram. “It’s been so cool. I cannot wait for this to come out,” Lake said. “I cannot wait for y’all to hear the back story and how we’ve become friends.”

The song, co-written by Lake, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Chris Brown, and Rodrick Simmons, features lyrics that speak to resilience and faith. Lake described the track as “about the battles we face, the grit throughout the fight for faith and the praise that comes after.”

Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie XO, also praised the collaboration, commenting on Lake’s Instagram post, “My baby is fineeee.”

Both artists bring a shared commitment to authenticity and faith to the project. Jelly Roll’s latest album, *Beautifully Broken*, continues to explore themes of redemption, while Lake recently earned Grammy nominations for his work, including best contemporary Christian music album for *Coat of Many Colors*.

The remix of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” is expected to resonate with fans of both genres, blending Jelly Roll’s gritty country sound with Lake’s soulful worship music.