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.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
