JORDY SMH review
for The MIC MAGAZINE
Here to complete his trilogy, the Essex-based wordsmith, Jordy, unveils his anticipated 8-track EP, ‘SNM’. An acronym for ‘say no more’ acts as a fitting title to reflect his current career position and finishes off the EP’s predecessors, ‘KMT’ (2022) and ‘SMH’ (2021). While all three projects have defined a moment in the rapper's career with exceptional lyricism and care, ‘SNM’, presents a more laid back and introspective approach. Serving as a revisit of the past, the reflective piece engages with difficult subjects matters, all navigated within an increasingly successful career.
Jordy kicks off the EP with Minimum Wage, a track that introduces the minimal production style which makes up the project. Light piano keys and soulful samples are contrasted by an imminent bass and high hats. This allows Jordy to make way for his pronounced and fierce bars to take the centre stage. His production choices never overshadow his verses, instead they go hand in hand with his introspective lyrics. With the first track, Jordy begins his reflective journey by discussing the hardships of his early days in the music industry with a sense of refreshing honesty. Moving into, PLT, a soulful sample drifts behind Jordy’s fierce freestyle as he weighs up the importance of authenticity over material success. The MC lays out his intentions as he spits, “we built this but we don't build bridges, we set it alight And when I'm done wrong, I set it straight, not set it aside.” The importance of purpose has been consistent since the start of his career and has garnered him a loyal fanbase.
Jordy continues to set his intentions straight in The Most Generous. Here Jordy raps “all I care about is legacy, navigating through this thing and keeping my integrity.” Not only is this a nod to his morals but reflects his personality. Beyond his charisma on Filthy Fellas and music with Vibbar, his own music speaks to his maturity, his seriousness and dedication for perfecting his craft. The track utilises a looped baseline and subtle electronic elements demonstrating Jordy’s ability to move smoothly between rap and melodic verses, a consistent skill shown across the trilogy.
Why Do I Bother serves as the most vulnerable track on the record. The piano keys and an angelic, melodic background voice are reminiscent of Dave’s Survivors Guilt or the hardships discussed in Panic Attack. Jordy shares that “there’s part of my life I can’t share in my bars, the karma I’m running from is chasing me fast.” Part of his introspection is Jordy’s accountability, his ability to recognise and admit his own wrongdoings, serving as a testament to his personal growth as a human and as a rapper. This maturity and care for lyricsims has garnered him co-signs from some of the most respected lyricists in the game including Wretch 32 and Ghetts. While Jordy’s straight to the point style mirrors that of Skepta, his hunger and evolution is reminiscent of Ghetts and clear in the following track, Tour Money.
Not only does Tour Money serve as a sequel to Minimum Wage, the track marks a turning point in the album as Jordy reiterates his hunger. Accompanied by his right hand man, his cousin Elt Cheekz, the pair display their relentless rap talent and impeccable chemistry. Yet the lyrics convey Jordy’s frustration as he reflects on his early days as a rapper. From booking shows and seeking recognition, both describe a continuing doubt that stems from his humble beginnings.
Jordy’s hunger persists into Wonderkid. While delivering a cold-cutting verse, the assertion and cadence is undeniable as he describes himself as a wonderkid. Grime veteran JME delivers a similar verse which mirrors Jordy’s confidence as he raps about his family’s success. Over a minimalist and atmospheric production, the pair display an effortless and authentic chemistry while promoting family values and resisting conformity.
To conclude the album, Nu Flow and Tax Time display Jordy’s ability to switch between a playful dynamic in Nu Flow, while discussing his family pressures in Tax Time. Much of Jordy’s success can be attributed to his unparalleled storytelling abilities and consistent releases. His progression as a person and rapper, as seen in ‘SNM’, serves as a testament to his unwavering consistency and dedication to his craft.
