Brandon Lake’s powerful new collaboration with Jelly Roll became more than just a musical partnership—it became the catalyst for a complete personal transformation.

After releasing his latest album, "King of Hearts," in June 2025, Christian artist Brandon Lake revealed he was inspired by Jelly Roll’s stripped-down lifestyle to create boundaries that brought emotional, spiritual, and physical healing, Fox News reported.

The momentum started when Jelly Roll heard Lake’s song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on TikTok and immediately expressed interest in being part of it. Lake was surprised but thrilled when Jelly Roll responded positively before even being officially invited. The resulting collaboration became a deeply influential turning point for Lake.

Jelly Roll confided in Lake that after performing at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, he was so overwhelmed that he threw his phone into the river. That moment, which went viral in December 2024, made a lasting impression on Lake.

"He's like, 'I'm calling you from a flip phone right now,'" Lake recalled. Motivated by the story, Lake took action too, changing his phone number and overhauling his electronic habits to protect his mental health as his fame expanded.

From Concert Chaos to Country Calm

Lake had been struggling with the pressure of increasing public demand after his initial tour. His mental health deteriorated when, instead of taking time off after the tour, he took his family to Disney World, where he experienced his first panic attack.

“To me, it was hell on earth at that moment in my life,” Lake said. This marked the beginning of a dark period that included stress-related health issues such as adrenaline fatigue and emotional isolation. He began distancing himself, even from those closest to him.

After hitting a breaking point initiated by a friend's prayer voice memo, Lake sought help through counseling. “When he prayed over me and I listened to it, I broke. I broke. In a great way,” he said, describing the beginning of his recovery journey.

Faith, Family, and a Tattoo Reminder

Realizing he was chasing excitement instead of fulfillment, Lake took his counselor’s advice seriously and began to re-center his life around his faith. His wife, Brittany Ann Schneider, voiced that she could not fill the emotional void he was experiencing, prompting him to reassess his sources of support.

Lake started working with a health and performance coach. He changed his diet, began wearing an aura ring to monitor physical markers, and focused on regaining balance. His music, he insisted, would continue to reflect his faith and purpose, avoiding topics like drugs or the glorification of unhealthy behaviors.

To reinforce his spiritual commitments, Lake got a tattoo of a "King of Hearts" on his finger. He said the tattoo serves as a reminder that his mission is to shepherd people well, prioritizing ministry over production and fame.

Farm Life and Healing Outdoors

In a dramatic lifestyle shift, Lake moved to a rural property near Charleston, South Carolina. He described the farm as a healing space, where he can engage in physical, grounding labor far removed from the demands of touring.

Lake shared details of his new life tending cows, mowing grass, operating a tractor, and clearing fallen trees after storms. He said this "dirty work" often helps his mental health more than traditional treatments.

"Tomorrow, I’ll go from New York City back home... and I will be chainsawing some trees," he said. Nature, he added, has become a prescription for well-being, echoing a wider movement among medical professionals recommending time outdoors.

Brotherhood Built Through Music

Throughout the changes, Lake credited Jelly Roll with being a consistent supporter and encourager. “He's like a brother to me now,” he said. Their bond has extended beyond music to shared life experiences as husbands and fathers.

Lake emphasized that limiting access to his time and energy was necessary as his career grew. “While I would love to be friends with everyone,” he said, “the bigger things have gotten, the smaller I've had to go.”

“Hard Fought Hallelujah,” their song together, has since been performed live, including on national television. Lake said, “We knew it was special,” reflecting on how the song’s message and collaboration helped shape his current phase of life.

Eyes on the Bigger Purpose

Lake said that “King of Hearts” is more than an album title—it’s a mission statement. “I wanna be a king of hearts, and shepherd people well, no matter what I’m doing,” he said. For him, success is now measured in spiritual wellness rather than chart rankings.

He attended the 11th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards in 2024 with his wife, signaling his continued commitment to the Christian music world while maintaining his newly established boundaries. The album's June 2025 release represents both an artistic achievement and a personal milestone.

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” Lake said of the album launch. It's not just music—it’s a reflection of recovery, faith, and a life reclaimed through intentional change.