MGK and Jelly Roll Drop Intense Cinematic Music Video For ‘Lonely Road’
The artists’ wives, Megan Fox and Bunnie XO, also star in the clip.
Jelly Roll, MGK; Photo Courtesy YouTube
Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Jelly Roll are turning heads with the release of their new collaboration, “Lonely Road,” and the accompanying cinematic music video.
The Song Was Inspired By The John Denver Classic
Out now, the song draws inspiration from the 1971 John Denver hit, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Fans will hear the familiar immediately, starting with the opening notes.
The lyrics tell the story of someone reflecting on a relationship gone bad as they find themselves feeling alone and filled with regret in the aftermath of the broken relationship. To cope with the pain, they turn to alcohol.
While they know things have gone completely wrong, there is still a sense of lingering hope as they question, “Will our home ever be the same?” and plead, “And if you could salvage my soul/ Would you sacrifice this life to not die alone?”
Music Video Features Megan Fox And Bunnie XO
In conjunction with the song’s release, the pair teamed up to film an intense music video, which features cameos from their wives, Megan Fox and Bunnie XO. The Sam Cahill-directed video finds MGK and Jelly Roll playing the role of car mechanics who endure financial struggles while trying to provide for their families.
In MGK’s case, the video features his wife, Fox, with a noticeable baby bump, indicating that he likely feels even more pressure as they await the arrival of their baby girl.
As the bills continue to roll in, and pressure summounts, MGK turns to Jelly Roll and says, “I mean, there is a way we could solve all our money problems, man.”
“I know. I can’t go back down that road, bubba,” he replies.
“Well, are you my brother’s keeper,” MGK asks.
Jelly Roll assures him, “Always.”
With a plan brewing, MGK tells him, “Look out for me tomorrow then.”
Watch the “Lonely Road” Music Video
That’s when his character makes the life-changing decision to rob a bank in order to provide for his family. Despite his escape on a motorcycle, MGK winds up getting caught and thrown in jail.
Months later, his baby arrives. Fox brings her to meet him at the prison where they are able to communicate through glass.
The video generated numerous headlines and caused a stir on social media. Despite what some may believe, Megan Fox and MGK did not have a baby, according to People. The baby in the music video is actually Anna Cejka’s, who expressed her excitement on Instagram stories after her baby girl was cast in the video.
After the song and video premiere, Jelly Roll took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the collaboration and reflect on his friendship with MGK, revealing that they’ve endured a rocky friendship.
“What makes this collab so beautiful is its two guys that came from the exact same kinda place with less than zero percent of making it out it. We have known each other for at least 15 years now. And in true young dumb fashion it was a tumultuous beginning and basically it’s because I was one of the many people that judged him before I gave him a chance,” Jelly Roll wrote. “But over time I’ve had the honor of watching him become one of the biggest artists on earth but most importantly I’ve watched him become one of the best fathers and humans on earth.”
He continued to praise MGK, writing, “To my brother, I want you to know The positive energy radiating off of you. I can’t even shower you with enough praises for how incredible it has been to watch you become one of the greatest most multifaceted songwriters and musicians in the game. Thank you for picking me to be on this one brother. This song was going to be hit no matter who you called I’m just honored it was me. And I’m glad the world is getting to see your heart. You’ve been misunderstood for so long it feels a bit vindicating to watch the world see your soul. You’re one of the good ones Kells. Now let’s LACE UP! Est. for Life 🙏. Yall go check out the Video for Lonely Road with MGK and myself featuring cameos from the people we love the most in life.”
In the comment section, MGK admitted that Jelly Roll’s kind words nearly brought him to tears and promised, “We gonna perform Lonely Road in stadiums one day, mark my words!!”
MGK Recently Performed In Nashville
Last month, MGK popped up in Nashville during CMA Fest where the alt-rock/rapper made an appearance at Spotify House performing songs such as “Bloody Valentine” and “Forget Me Too.” He also delivered a cover of The Chicks’ “There’s Your Trouble” and teamed up with Jelly Roll to perform “Need A Favor.”
Zach Bryan Cover
Recently, he shared a cover of Zach Bryan’s “Sun To Me.” The live performance, which was shared on YouTube, has raked in over 3.4 million views in just three weeks.
MGK’s cover of “Sun To Me” debuted at No. 44 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart earlier this month, marking his first appearance on the list of the most-consumed country tracks in the U.S.
The multi-genre singer isn’t the only star to crossover into country music this year, following Beyoncé’s country-influenced album, Cowboy Carter, and Post Malone, who will release his debut country record, F-1 Trillion, on August 16.
MGK is no stranger to country music. He is often seen hanging out with chart-topping country star Dustin Lynch and earlier this year, he paid a visit to the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
It’s unclear if he has plans to release a full-length country project at this time, however, there’s a good chance that it might happen.
Written by
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.