On the heels of his buzzing debut album, FORWARD, R&B standout Jordan Ward unleashes the funk-influenced banger, “FAMJAM4000.” The song, named one of Rolling Stone’s “Songs You Need to Know,” evokes that classic 1970s R&B sound but adds a fresh contemporary feel courtesy of the track’s top-tier producers, Lido, Nascent, and Zach Ezzy. The carefree vibe translates to the song’s music video, featuring Jordan reveling in his Black boy joy in his hometown of St. Louis.
Keeping the momentum going, Jordan Ward also proudly announces his first headlining tour, The FORWARD Tour. The trek begins May 3 in Atlanta and includes shows in some of the biggest music markets, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles and his native St. Louis. Fans will also have many more chances to catch Jordan on the road this spring. He’s currently supporting JID and Smino on their Luv Is 4Ever Tour, which wraps March 29. Days later, he’ll take the stage at the legendary Dreamville Festival in North Carolina (April 2) on an all-star lineup featuring J. Cole, Drake, Summer Walker, Burna Boy and more.
The new announcements cap a milestone week for Jordan Ward and FORWARD, which has earned widespread acclaim. Okayplayer celebrated the album’s “refreshing” sound and highlighted Jordan’s “knack for unique sounds is also showcased on this well-produced compilation,” while Vibe praised, “the newcomer asserts himself as a force to reckon with.” Billboard called the album cut “PRICETAG/BEVERLYWOOD” the “Freshest Find” of the week as the No. 1 most exciting track among the newest R&B and hip-hop releases.
FORWARD delivers on the promise that has made Jordan Ward one of the most encouraging and anticipated breakthrough acts of 2023. Drawing influences ranging from old-school funk, alternative rock and hip-hop, FORWARD sees Jordan Ward elevate and expand the genre and all its potential. Album highlights include the Joony collaboration “IDC,” hailed as an “utterly relatable funky anthem,” “WHITE CROCS,” with rising rapper and fellow St. Louis native Ryan Trey and the flirtatious “CHERIMOYA,” which Complex spotlighted and acclaimed, “Bringing words to life through music is a special talent, which is why you should be paying attention to Ward.” The 14-track album is executive produced by Lido, whose credits include collaborations with Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Chance the Rapper, Ella Mai, Halsey, Smino and more.
FORWARD, too, holds layers of significance for its creator. “FORWARD, not only pushing our sound and creativity, but pushing to evolve and break cycles” Jordan says of his album’s name. “FOR WARD, a dedication to my family and our future. FOUR-WARD, my fourth project, but also a FOREWORD in my story being the debut album!”
