By: Staff
When we first delved into the backstory of JWADI, our curiosity was immediately piqued. Little could have prepared us for the sheer mastery and brilliance embedded in this artist’s work. THE YEAR OF SUBTRACTION is an album steeped in pain, with each track carrying a powerful and deeply personal message. Spanning an impressive range of genres, this album left us amazed with its versatility. But with all twelve tracks standing out as undeniable highlights, the real challenge was deciding where to begin.
Let’s start by acknowledging that JWADI is both a lyrical genius and an unparalleled vocal technician. His ability to manipulate sound and inflection with such precision while maintaining raw energy and emotion places him in a league of his own. His control over his voice, both in rap and song, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Faced with such an overwhelming selection, we decided to start with the very first track we experienced.
“THE SEAMSTRESS” immediately set the tone with world-class production, beginning with a drum fill that builds into an electrifying fusion of rap and rock. The juxtaposition of its firm, almost dragging rhythmic style against the gently sustained keys creates an atmospheric tension, one that feels like a gradual yet powerful ascent. Crystal clear and masterfully recorded, the production allows JWADI’s voice to take center stage. His vocal presence, booming, earnest, and commanding, feels like a natural amplifier, drawing listeners in with an urgency that demands attention.
The way JWADI intertwines rap with melodic singing is nothing short of breathtaking. His talent evokes the power of Coldplay, the intricate storytelling of Eminem (a comparison never used lightly), and the mass appeal of Ed Sheeran’s world-class production, yet somehow this only scratches the surface of what he delivers.
When we hear the lyrics:
“24 months in the making, I’m out the gate / Saw the simulation and got out of the race / I got my head straight, studied the greats that drop jewels / Planning my escape and started bending the rules”
…it becomes clear that this is a narrative shaped by deep pain and an even deeper determination to defy the odds.
Then comes the poignant declaration:
“I got so tired of the weakness / I made my own bed but I’m sheetless / And I really need this / That’s why I made out with a seamstress”
The rolling cadence pulls you in, compelling you to dissect every layer of JWADI’s journey. What happened? What led to this moment of raw self-reflection?
As we uncover his tumultuous path, marked by drug addiction, devastating financial falls, and an unwavering climb back up, it becomes even more awe-inspiring to witness his return to the studio. This song encapsulates that entire arc, a blistering, emotionally charged declaration of resilience.
Midway through, the track takes a poignant turn. The interlude, adorned with delicate, intermittent guitar, offers a moment of introspection before escalating back into a soaring crescendo. The refrain, “I got no time for the weakness,” becomes an anthem of defiance, signaling JWADI’s resolve to never fall victim to his past demons again. This song is a journey, brimming with emotion and storytelling that makes us feel like we truly know the artist behind it.
Next up, we dove into “PAY TO PLAY”, a track that immediately grabs attention with its gentle acoustic guitars, leading into a sustained vocal delivery that masterfully sets the song’s tone:
“I got a holler on the IG message saying we can make a bankrooooooll”
The way JWADI embellishes “bankroll” with echoing reverb adds a hauntingly angelic quality, only to contrast it with skepticism:
“But I had a question I was second-guessing / Disguised as a halooooo”
Here, the connection between the word “halo” and the track’s ethereal production underscores JWADI’s meticulous attention to storytelling through sound. His ability to merge lyrical content with sonic texture is nothing short of masterful.
The track’s relaxed R&B essence is combined with a rock-infused beat, lending it a subtly sarcastic undertone. As he delivers:
“But it was nothing but the wolf in sheepskin / So I had to say nooooo”
…we feel his frustration unfold into a rapid-fire lyrical assault on the music industry’s exploitative nature. The rhythm is infectious, and the song’s declarations of exasperation transform into something truly empowering. The gunshot-style drum beat adds a dynamic intensity, heightening the track’s rebellious spirit.
“But you can be the next on the big stage / Just throw a little change they’ll make it soooooo”
This biting critique of pay-to-play schemes resonates deeply, made even more impactful by the floating reverb that perfectly captures the song’s sentiments. As the track progresses, it becomes clear that JWADI is done with the industry’s illusions. He is ready to carve his own path, and with the sheer talent on display, it is only a matter of time before he breaks through the barriers and reclaims his place at the top. Outstanding song, outstanding message.
Then came “GROUND CONTROL”, a track that took us completely by surprise with its infectious reggae beats. JWADI obliterates genre constraints, proving that boundaries are meaningless in the face of true artistry. The song flows effortlessly, like a boat riding the waves, powered by a beautifully sung pre-chorus that elevates the track’s hypnotic rhythm. And just when we thought we had it figured out, a horn-fueled solo delivered a stunning moment of orchestral-level reggae perfection. This song is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, a testament to JWADI’s versatility and ability to command any genre with authenticity and flair.
Finally, we settled into “TRIPPIN’”, eagerly anticipating a ballad-style performance that would showcase the softer nuances of JWADI’s voice and this satiated our hunger. The song’s gentle guitars laid the foundation for a restrained yet deeply emotive delivery:
“Just slipping away from the moment / And you brought me back from the dead”
The interplay between the delicate piano and guitar accompaniment allows the lyrics to shine, unfolding into a breathtaking crescendo that left us speechless. This was the moment we had been waiting for, a raw, unfiltered showcase of JWADI’s vocal depth and emotional range.
To say we are blown away by THE YEAR OF SUBTRACTION would be an understatement. This album is a masterclass in artistry, lyricism, vocal performance, and musical arrangement. JWADI has created something truly special, something that demands to be heard. We are beyond excited to share this journey with you.
JWADI is the musical identity of Jordan David Miller, a singer-songwriter, storyteller, and rapper whose sound defies categorization. Seamlessly blending reggae, indie rock, and hip-hop, he creates a style that is distinctly his own, one that carries both the grit of lived experience and the polish of an artist who has spent years honing his craft.
After co-founding and fronting the highly successful reggae-rock band The Movement, JWADI made the difficult decision to step away from music in 2013. What followed was a decade lost to alcohol addiction and a sense of directionless wandering. But that chapter did not define him. Instead, it set the stage for one of the most remarkable artistic resurgences in recent memory. In late 2023, JWADI released his first solo album, a project conceived and written in a halfway house immediately after leaving rehab. It was not just a return to music but a reclamation of his passion and purpose.
Now, as he approaches three years of sobriety, JWADI has released his second full-length solo album, THE YEAR OF SUBTRACTION. This recording is a testament to his transformation, a raw and unapologetic chronicle of survival, loss, and redemption.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share THE YEAR OF SUBTRACTION by JWADI.
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