BACKWARD Jordan Ward

• 1 STRANGER 02:26
• 2 SMOKIN POTNA 02:33
• 3 HIGH FUNCTIONING 02:33
• 4 BWD 00:39
• 5 ROSS FIT 02:28
• 6 NOISY NEIGHBORS 03:11
• 7 CHANGE OF SCENERY 02:52
• 8 JUICY 03:12
• 9 THEMSELVES 02:46
• 10 TAKE-OUT 01:38
• 11 TIL THEN 02:53
• 12 CHAMPION SOUND 03:55
• 13 Y 03:41
• 14 CUTTI (BONUS) 03:32
• 15 CARSEX (BONUS) 02:35
• Total Runtime 40:54

Info for BACKWARD

Blending funk, R&B, and introspective storytelling, BACKWARD cements Ward as one of the most compelling new voices in modern music.

BACKWARD will include the lead single, “Juicy,” and the Sailorr-featured “Smokin Potna,” which dropped Wednesday (Oct. 15). “Smokin Potna” hits like a premium hybrid strain. The lush production is laced with a velvety bassline balanced by airy hi-hats, along with blunted kicks that thud gently beneath the haze.

Ward’s gauzy vocals float over the earthy backdrop as he sings about the intimacy of a smoke session with a special person. It’s not just about smoking — it’s about the vulnerability that comes with letting your guard down, allowing your mind to wander to heights beyond this world. Even non-smokers can relate, since at its core, “Smokin Potna” celebrates those quiet, shared moments with someone you connect with on a higher frequency.

“I don’t pass my blunt to no one else / But you baby, you can help yourself / She only smokes with me, she only smokes with me,” Ward sings, with his signature pitched-up vocals.

Sailorr appears in the second verse, singing, “‘Cause it’s been three moons since we smoked / I can’t say too much I get choked up / Spillin’ truth in the ash trays / I make room for you always.”

Jordan Ward

Jordan Ward
born and raised in St. Louis, Jordan Ward is rapidly emerging as one of music’s brightest new stars. His passion for music and dance began early—first as a choir member, then through musical theatre—laying the foundation for his unique blend of performance and soul. Influenced by an eclectic mix of legends including Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas, Ward channels a deep connection to the roots of soul and hip-hop through his sound and storytelling.

After experimenting with rap in his teens, Ward shifted his focus to singing and dance, moving to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue a professional dance career. His natural talent and work ethic quickly earned him spots performing with major artists such as Justin Bieber, Becky G, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé—appearing in Beyoncé’s Homecoming documentary for her iconic Coachella performance.

In 2017, Ward made his musical debut with the EP A Peak at the Summit, followed by the full-length Valley Hopefuls and the acclaimed EP Remain Calm, which featured the standout single “Lil Baby Crush.” His 2023 debut album FORWARD marked a defining moment, featuring fan favorites like “WHITE CROCS” and “FAMJAM4000,” and cementing his place among R&B and hip-hop’s most exciting new voices.

Ward’s rise has been fueled by relentless touring and widespread critical praise. FORWARD landed on Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums of 2023” list, while Complex named “FAMJAM4000” one of the year’s “15 Best Songs.” In 2024, he earned a nomination for the NAACP Image Award forMost Outstanding New Artist—further solidifying his status as a singular, rising force in contemporary music.

Currently, Jordan is gearing up for the release of his second studio album, due January 2026. The album features Sailorr, TiaCorine, and Smino and is produced by Lido, Michael Uzowuru, Teo Halm, Yeti Beats and more.

This album contains no booklet.