Jordan Ward makes you feel like the cool kid in class. Leaning back in your chair, legs kicked up on the desk, bobbing your head to the bounce of your headphones without a care in the world — all of which embodying the wavy, woozy and whimsical allure of his fresh sound.
After linking up with DMV enigma Joony on “IDC,” the St. Louis-raised singer’s motion is only going forward. Aptly naming his upcoming debut album FORWARD — which is set for release on March 3 — Ward led in his evergreen LP with its second single “WHITE CROCS” on Tuesday (Jan. 24).
Produced by close collaborator Lido — who aided Jordan on his 3-track cover EP, PLANTAIN KAROKE!!! — and featuring fellow St. Louis native Ryan Trey, “WHITE CROCS” is a potent and instantly inescapable showcase of Ward’s talent. Evidently, the Valley Hopefuls emcee rocks out in “WHITE CROCS” — stepping up with smooth melodies that inject listeners with unrivaled serotonin.
The loose R&B-plugg fusion is not only impressive, but proves Ward captains a sound all his own. Floating over light, high-pitched synths, droning bells and minimalistic drums, Ward and Trey’s bars are a blazing heat check — instantly melting the beat with an infectious hook: “Just opened up my phone and it said it need space / So I hop on the 405, and I’m speed racing.” Contemplating the “expensive taste” the women surrounding him have, Jordan appears love struck regardless of how “down bad” he is. He teeters between lustful quips and laid-back afterthoughts, oozing swagger alongside Trey’s captivating guest spot.
Expensive taste, these girls got expensive taste
Tryna up my weight but I don’t really got the patience
She wanna be a star, well girl l’m not your spaceship
I’m still waiting on payments, but I know they on the way bitch
Jordan Ward — “WHITE CROCS”
Not only a singer who can bar-out whenever he pleases, his roots as a dancer take centerstage in the track’s coinciding visual. In the luxurious, black-and-white video, electric choreography, led by Ward, ties together he and Trey’s performances seamlessly. Dressed to the nines in a blacked out suit, Ward sits across from the woman on his mind, which cuts to a synchronized dance sequence filled with rotating camera angles and “litefeet” poise. It’s a polished, eye-catching experience that you never get tired of listening to.
About a month out from FORWARD and rolling with JID and Smino on their “Luv Is 4Ever Tour,” Jordan Ward is approaching his defining moment as a solo star.
Check out “WHITE CROCS” below!
