Written By: Sammy Approved | @opn.5ea

Jordan W. Carter is a multifaceted artist hailing from Southwest Atlanta, blending southern rap with jazz and gospel influences to create music that’s flamboyant, savory and introspective. Whether he's dropping viral bars, nurturing Black youth through the arts, or DJing, Carter’s curiosity and versatility are what set him apart in the game. Read more about how Jordan’s forging a path for his art by being himself, practicing self-awareness and soaking it all up like a sponge.

Jordan describes his sound as a mix of “southern rap, jazz, and gospel,” with an emphasis on storytelling that reveals the essence of who he is. Through tracks like those on his latest album, Head of the Flavor Team, listeners can hear his signature wordplay layered over jazz-inspired production. This unique sound reflects Jordan’s diverse music background and love for both the streets of Atlanta and his time studying concert percussion at Boston University.

“I am greatly influenced by T.I., Young Thug, Outkast, Bankroll Fresh, Migos, Young Dro (all the Atlanta legends),” Carter shared the artists who have inspired him. “And classical music as my undergraduate degree was in concert percussion at Boston University. I also have loved jazz since playing the vibraphone in my middle school jazz band and even have a vibraphone in my apartment. ”

Our introduction to Jordan’s musicianship started in the band room at Benjamin Elijah Mays High School in Southwest Atlanta. As a group of extremely well-rounded musicians, there are only a handful that continued in the arts beyond that legendary hallway. Jordan W. Carter was one of the creative students, who decided to take that risk.

“From my yellow glasses to chihuahua fatherhood, I show people who I am, what I represent, and those who identify, identify,” Jordan confidently reflected on who he is. “Those who don’t, don’t.”

Carter’s personality shines not just in his music, but also in the community he’s building. He compares his circle of supporters to “art-school Gryffindors,” a humble crew that values friendship, creativity, and excellence while embracing their individuality.

“I don’t rock with J.K. Rowling because of her anti-LGBTQ vibes,” he’s sure to add, highlighting his commitment to inclusivity and self-expression. Even with his vibrant artistry, Carter admits to struggles with self-doubt and the realities of navigating the music industry.

“Honestly, it is a journey. Sometimes I hate my art and don’t take any pride in it,” Jordan shares candidly. “I’m just out here trying my best and whoever rocks with that will be here to stay. ”

Yet, he continues to push forward, realizing the great responsibility he has as a human being and an artist. As a music educator and community builder, Jordan continues to have fun, dance, make music, and nurture black children through performing arts.

Carter more recently learned to produce his own music, which has allowed him to take control of his creative process. The Atlanta artist shared how learning to make his own beats has been a transformative milestone in his career so far.

“My lyrical ability combined with my new production skills make me feel extremely powerful,” he says. “I have one song that I produced out now called ‘Space’ and it feels like one of the best songs I’ve ever made. My voice over my own instrumentals just sound perfect together and I am putting out an album that I completely produced.”

Carter’s evolution has been a joy to witness as he continues to show up authentically as himself in music and online. He credits his personal development to the challenges he has overcome from unemployment to betrayal to illness.

“These tribulations are reflected in my music,” Carter shared. “Also, my curiosity in other sounds has certainly helped me to evolve.”

Jordan also mentions his experience living in New York City the past few years has been essential to his growth. Though he admits that as a businessman, he has more work to do.

“I feel like I am terrible [at business] which brings me a lot of insecurity at times,” Carter vulnerably shared. “I just want everything to be free and I am not even going to get into all my failed business endeavors, but just know, I have a lot of room to grow in this department.”

This month’s theme is Pride, and Jordan’s vulnerability, authenticity and musicianship is something to be proud of. Pride is considered a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or from qualities that are widely admired.

While Jordan might have his own bouts with doubt, his tribe continues to root him on, recognizing his innate ability to create vibrant, catchy sounds with a real message. Carter shares the ways in which he takes pride in himself and his art.

“Taking pride right now could mean showing up for myself in large and small ways. From making my bed each morning to practicing my lyrics before a show,” Jordan shared. “Life isn’t going to hand over wins easily everyday so it's important to make your own victories. Ifeel like doing that is kind of propelling your career because you’re defining what success is and putting your best foot forward to achieve that.”

It’s quite obvious what Jordan’s personal superpower is and that is his selflessness and self-awareness. Though he believes his self-awareness is also his “biggest enemy.”

“Because I can easily beat myself up because I ALWAYS know better,” Carter adds. “I know myself, therefore, I always know what is best for me. And when I don't do what’s best when I KNEW better, I definitely slap myself on the wrist in some unhealthy ways.”

Fans may see Jordan as the Head of the Flavor team, a Crazyman???, or the Kendrick of theSouth, but he’s courageously making room for all his gifts and passions.

“Sometimes I want to DJ. Sometimes I want to run a dance company. Sometimes I want to rap. Sometimes I want to compose quartets with obscure instrumentation. Sometimes I want to write comedy,” Carter revealed. “I do have a very colorful background that allows me to speak to a wide array of experiences, but I really am still figuring things out.”

While he’s figuring it out, he has found his personal formula to success in learning from other artists. As a music savant and student of the game, he is thoughtful of different sounds, patterns and performances to continue learning from and incorporating in his own sound.

“My formula is being a sponge,” he adds.

Jordan shares helpful advice to aspiring artists saying, “Become fearless. You have to be ready for positive and negative feedback from every which way, online and in-person. Keep close friends around to support your progress and set expectations for growth because you may easily forget why you started making music without getting this type of support from others. ”

As for the future, Jordan W. Carter is still working on it, and that’s part of his charm. Whether that’s becoming a meme or hearing artists cite him as an influence, Carter is excited for what’s to come.

Be sure to connect and support Jordan W. Carter here as he explores art one day at a time.

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