Jordan Coleman Releases New EP Inspired by Albanian Adventures
Jordan Coleman, the 29-year-old son of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has returned to the city after competing in Albania's version of “American Idol.” He has since released an EP titled “Jet Lag Dreams,” featuring five tracks that capture the essence of his travels and experiences abroad.
“This is about to be the biggest chapter of my life,” Coleman stated, balancing his roles as a substitute teacher and sports coach at Palisades Park High School in New Jersey. The EP, released under his rap name Jayoo on April 25, reflects a significant personal evolution. “I felt like who I really wanted to be,” he explained, emphasizing how his time in Albania allowed him to embrace a new identity.
His journey in the Balkans was pivotal, leading him to create music that resonates with others. “I have a purpose that keeps me up at night and wakes me up in the morning,” he said, noting his status as a finalist in the European talent competition. Coleman is determined to validate his creative ideas, both for himself and for his audience.
Once known as the voice of Tyrone from the children’s show “The Backyardigans,” Coleman is also involved in a hip-hop musical project where he portrays a secret agent battling clout-chasing zombies. His latest tracks, including “Girls in the City” and “Up 2 Sum,” were even previewed at a birthday party he hosted at Gracie Mansion last August.
While none of the songs were recorded at the mayor's residence, Coleman has penned several tracks there, including an unreleased piece titled “1212 in Gracie.” He described it as a heartfelt acknowledgment of his parents’ influence on his life. “It’s just like, ‘Here we are in this Gracie Mansion just living our life,’” he reflected.
Despite his father's political stature, Coleman maintains a casual relationship with politics. He serves as a consultant on youth engagement for his father, often discussing how to connect with younger voters. “I ask him a lot, how can I help?” he shared, offering insights into what resonates with his generation.
However, their views do not always align, particularly regarding drill music. Coleman noted that his father’s perspective is shaped by law enforcement concerns rather than a deeper understanding of the genre's cultural significance. “I think my dad looked at it from the police approach and not from a human approach,” he explained.
Nonetheless, Coleman believes his father appreciates his music. “It’s lifestyle music, it’s party music,” he said confidently. He anticipates that discussions about music and personal stories will feature prominently in an upcoming podcast series he plans to launch with Mayor Adams this spring, aiming for a Father’s Day release.
Being the mayor's son comes with its own set of challenges. Coleman acknowledged the pressure to present himself positively due to his father's high-profile position. “When you’re the mayor of one of the biggest cities in the world, their son’s gonna face pressure,” he remarked. “You take it as a balance and you stride with it.”
This year has been particularly challenging for Coleman as he navigates his mother’s deteriorating health due to dementia. He cherishes every moment spent with family. “Her dementia is pretty bad,” he said somberly. “Me and my dad went to see her on Mother’s Day … it was just like one of those magical moments.”
Reflecting on their visit, he recalled his father's poignant words: “Your son’s all grown up now.” This moment underscored Coleman’s transformation into a multifaceted individual—teacher, coach, rapper, and filmmaker—shaping his identity amidst bittersweet circumstances.
As 2025 approaches, both Coleman and his father face significant milestones; Mayor Adams is gearing up for re-election. “I call it ‘portals,’” Coleman said, likening his father’s entry into office to entering a new phase in life. “Now we’re going to have a new portal to step into with him going for his re-election.”
