Jordan Coleman, son of New York Mayor Eric Adams, is an aspiring rap artist and actor going by the name “Jayoo.”
Beginning his career at the tender age of 11, Coleman lent his voice to the character Tyrone the Moose on the Emmy Award-winning animated series “The Backyardigans” on Nickelodeon. Not one to rest on early success, by age 12, he shifted his gaze to documentary filmmaking. His project “Say It Loud,” underscored the significance of education for young African Americans. The documentary is particularly notable for its star-studded interviews, featuring influential figures like Kobe Bryant, Michael Strahan, and Ludacris, all emphasizing the role of education in their success stories.
Further showcasing his cinematic ambition, Coleman recently unveiled a new short film titled “Striking Back.” This zombie-thriller, which Coleman wrote, directed, and even composed music for, was produced on a budget of roughly $10,000. The project, shot on Staten Island, is a testament to his dedication and resourcefulness.
Not just limited to film, music has been an influential part of Coleman’s life. He released his debut album last March. Interestingly, the album includes tracks in the drill rap subgenre, a style that Mayor Adams has previously criticized – and threatened to ban – due to its associations with street violence. Coleman remains hopeful that his father will come to appreciate the genre’s nuances. “I think that his eyes will definitely open up,” he commented.
His aspirations in music have not been without challenges, particularly from his parents. “Music and hip-hop has always been a part of what I wanted to do, but when I went off to school, my parents were like, ‘We’re not sending you to school to be a rapper, we’re sending you to school to be a filmmaker,’” Coleman recalled. Indeed, his academic credentials are impressive, boasting a Bachelor’s degree from American University and a Master’s from Brooklyn’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.
Having previously interned at “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and served as a creative coordinator for Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Coleman’s experiences stretch across various facets of the entertainment industry. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Ice Cube, he aspires to transition seamlessly between music and film, much like Mark Wahlberg and Will Smith.
Amidst his achievements, Coleman has faced personal challenges. Residing in Hackensack, New Jersey with his stepfather and half-brother, he watches over his mother, Chrisena Coleman, who is battling an aggressive form of dementia.
Last November Coleman took his talents to Albania where he performed in an American Idol-styled contest.
Mayor Adams has always expressed pride in his son’s endeavors. In a statement, he shared, “Jordan represents the voice of aspiration among America’s youth.” He added, “Jordan is drawing on the lessons he’s learned and is making the best decisions for himself. I’m extremely proud of the person he’s grown up to be.”
As Coleman plots his next move, he encapsulates his ambitions succinctly: “I want to be a rapper, I want to be an international filmmaker, I want to be an artist. I’m trying to merge them together in a creative and smart way.”
