This is a bold introductory statement, but I’m willing to make it; Jordan Lyles is quite possibly one of the most talented people I’ve come across in my life. Previously, I wrote about his music when he released his album Pen Soul under the moniker Jodie Jo’. Jordan produced, recorded, and performed the entire project himself. Since then, he’s been releasing music under his name, Jordan Lyles, but nothing else has changed. His latest release, “Baby Boys with Hoop Dreams” is a testament to his talent with Jordan handling almost every aspect of the production.
A Baby Boy with a Hoop Dream
Growing up, Lyles had big dreams of one day playing in the NBA. His website provides some more insight, “’Baby Boys With Hoop Dreams’ is based on the journey of Jordan’s artistry. As a child, his basketball dreams were planted in unpromising soil, leaving his desire of an NBA career at a standstill. However, instruments and words would end up being his sole purpose. Music has given him something that the sport of basketball might’ve never presented; a voice.”
Even though music became the driving factor in his life, Jordan still got to experience his hoop dreams as an adult. However, it was a different kind of spotlight that shone down on him when three of his songs were chosen to be on the NBA 2K 2022 official soundtrack. His song, “We’re Here” landed in the initial release. Then, both of his tracks, “Mike Jackson Effect” and “Kaepernick Energy,” were rotated into the playlist for the popular basketball video game.
It’s An In-House Production
Now, Lyles has created a short musical inspired by events in his life. The film, titled “Baby Boys With Hoop Dreams,” features three numbers that blend into one another telling the story of Jordan’s life through his goals, dreams, and aspirations. It’s obvious that family is an important aspect of Jordan’s life. That’s reflected in the music. The video showcases photos and memories throughout his life with poetic commentary being delivered through his verses.
Beautifully shot, the video was directed, edited, and scored by Jordan through his family entertainment production company In House Films. Again, it’s absurd the amount of talent this man has. How the entire world doesn’t know about him yet, is beyond me.
Photo sourced from Instagram @jordanlylesmusic
Jordan Lyles’ Little Hoop Dream
In the video he pays tribute to Prince with the song “Prince Dreams,” an inspiration from the iconic scene from The Chappelle’s Show where they depict Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Story. In the original episode, Charlie tells the story about the time he played basketball with Prince, who ended up offering him homemade pancakes after their game. Prince was known to be a big lover of basketball. Jordan, a lover of basketball himself, has been compared artistically to the late singer. The comparison makes this entertaining interpolation more of a meaningful moment within the video.
“They tried to call me mini Prince. I’m Jordan Lyles, the first. He came in a dream, said he was proud of me. He probably more proud of this verse. I talk to legends all the time. At this point, I’m starting to blend. I talk to God even more. At this point, I’m starting rebirth.“
Reflecting on Your Dreams and Aspirations
The title song, “Baby Boys with Hoop Dreams,” opens up with a thumping bass line that walks its way through the track. Mike Frenke assisted with the mixing and mastered the overall track, pulling the best out of Jordan’s vocals and instrumentals.
Jordan’s tone of voice feels like a warm hug as he delivers heartfelt lyrics. His young mind speaks from the heart of his old soul as he rhymes with conviction. “My momma water broke on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Can’t say it’s symbolic and no it ain’t about the fame. I just eat with tax collectors and sinners to change the game. Just like physicians are for the ill; musicians are for the pain.” When the Strong Foundation Church Choir backs up Jordan’s lyrics, chills run down my spine and the hairs on my body begin to stand up. It’s an overwhelming feeling.
Overall, the opening piece within his musical composition, which was performed by Mekhia “Imari” Chandler and titled “I Believe In All Things You Do,” sums up how I feel about Jordan Lyles. I firmly believe in his talents, his voice, his opinions, and can see him having a long career that makes a big impact on this world. Whether he makes his mark in music, film, sports, or even his local community, everything Jordan Lyles does is honest, genuine, and above all, impactful. I truly believe in all things he does, and I hope after watching this film, you do too.