Today, Croydon-hailing singer, songwriter, producer and rapper Jords announces the title of his upcoming album ‘DIRT IN THE DIAMOND’ and shares cathartic new single ‘iPray’, featuring one of his icons Wretch 32. Alongside this release, Jords also unveils the second part of his compelling short film ‘DIRT IN THE DIAMOND.’

Produced by frequent collaborator Kadiata, ‘iPray’ seamlessly blends hip-hop and reggae-fusion, with Wretch 32’s signature storytelling and introspective approach perfectly complementing the more pensive side to Jords’ lyricism. As the first rapper who inspired Jords to pick up a pen, having Wretch 32 as a feature on ‘iPray’ is a poignant full-circle moment for Jords. ‘DIRT IN THE DIAMOND’ is part of the lyrics and marks the first time it is mentioned, evoking a special meaning to the song.

Jords says, “To me, ‘iPray’ is like Simba’s conversation with Mufasa. Over the last year I’ve been having conversations about prayer; what prayer actually is, and why we only pray when we need help and not to say thank you. My prayers feel more like diary entries, and to be able to go back and forth exchanging some of my deepest thoughts with Wretch is a blessing and an honour. I’m also glad I got to create this moment with Kadiata and Miles, two people who have been on the journey since Soundcloud.”

Kadiata adds, “Producing iPray was very simple, I wanted to capture a memorable & heartfelt guitar melody reminiscent of 2000’s R&B/pop which would be fused with a real hip hop bounce but keeping it current with modern day drums & 808s. Writing the hook with Jords & Miles was very reflective of the mood of the instrumental.”

For the visual, Jords partnered with award winning British-Nigerian director Renee Osubu. Leaning into catharsis, grief, and the nuances of Black British expression over the 70s, the piece takes the viewer along to intimate moments at a Nine Night and a funeral. Jords and Osubu explore a beautiful juxtaposition of both joy and grief, while a poignant display of community and intergenerational dialogue remains front and centre.

The short film serves as an elevation to the traditional music video, instead ushering audiences to experience a broad thematic and cinematic musical composition. Like Jords’ previous Almost An Adult visualiser, ‘DIRT IN THE DIAMOND’ teases out Jords’ desire for depth and legacy across his works at large.