J.I.D., Smino, & Jordan Ward.
Shot and written by Eva Lynch
March 12th, 2023
Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
Jordan Ward
Jordan Ward bounded on stage and filled every moment of his half-hour set with his infectious energy, right from how he danced on stage and started the show by sharing a handshake with his DJ. The St-Louis dance-turned singer released his debut album FORWARD on the 3rd of March, and this fourth project is a play on words as it represents his trajectory forward but is also a record For-Ward, which dedicates itself to his family and demonstrates that this album is only the beginning of something great. His playful nature shone through in his performance, which was
filled with upbeat songs that showed his rhythmic rapping and melodies which played into his high vocal range. His style slated right into the likes of Smino and J.I.D. and it’s no surprise he’s been chosen to accompany them on this world tour and get the crowd ready.
As a double headliner show, the night moved by fast, with at most a ten minute wait between sets which made sure to keep the energy levels high. Smino and J.I.D. partnered up for their latest tour, Luv4Ever, which brings together their respective latest albums Luv4Rentand The ForeverStory, and fans have been calling it a match made in heaven. The two Southern rappers have had a long creative history together and have collaborated together on several songs, but
their decision to tour as a double headliner brought together the best of both of their styles and created a new audience of fans. The night offered the whole spectrum of experience to the audience, ranging from slower, melodic and dynamic R&B hits to trap rap ragers which got the crowd moshing. As I stood to the side of the crowd, you could feel the floorboards bending beneath everyone’s feet as they jumped up and down to the beat. Both artists had live band set-ups which were featured at different moments of both performances, when J.I.D. notably brought out his keytarist and they rocked out together for his solo, but the live percussion helped add dimension to the already high-energy performances. The set up for the night was an elevated stage which was lit from underneath and two horizontal hearts at the back which came together to form an infinity sign and light up the stage, amplifying their message of Luv4Ever as well as the positivity and emotion in their music.
Smino
Smino was first to the stage. He was preceded by his backup vocalist who set up the beginning of ‘KLINK’ and whose vocals caught the attention of everyone in the room, with her smooth runs which balanced out Smino. Smino’s voice and range was so melodic and precise, and even with his fast flow, he never missed a beat. He united everyone through the music before splitting the crowd into the Ratchet Right and Legendary Left and getting them to battle it out as the most dedicated side of the venue. From my spot on the side of the crowd, I watched groups of friends sway together and dance on the beat, all linked together. Smino and his crew danced on stage as they seamlessly transitioned between songs, and he made sure to tell the crowd how to move with him. He jokes at one point that the border had taken his weed, and said he’d be happy if anyone would be willing to give him something, before instructing the crowd themselves to light up, completely comfortable and at ease.
J.I.D.
Smino and J.I.D. have been alternating their order each night, so the evening was closed out by J.I.D. this time, who came out on stage to ‘Galaxy.’ J.I.D. came out and performed a series of his hits, and the smooth vocal work resonating in both his range of songs, both grimy and heartfelt, which got the crowd moving. Known for his freestyle spitting, J.I.D.’s last album was also hailed by Pitchfork for the “rubbery and referential shapes his music takes,” identifying how J.I.D.’s style changes and adapts with every song. On stage, his sampling technique and blend of music was clearer than ever as he brought so many points of reference together. He was immensely thankful for the crowd and the up heart signs at many points in the show as he moved through the show. The energy only continued to build until an actual mosh circle emerged at the end of the night.
The sold out venue was bumping, and both performers were full of huge amounts of gratitude and love for the audience that had come out, taking moments to address the crowd and speak to the support that got them there.