An EP often serves as an artist’s first real invitation to listeners, welcoming them into their musical world.
From Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Jourden’s new EP, Straight No Chase, does just that, offering a genuine representation of her artistry, inspirations, and talent for complex flows and timing.
As her second EP, following It Only Took the End of the World released in 2020, Straight No Chase is a bold sophomore effort featuring seven tracks that showcase an old-school hip-hop flair. With warm, fuzzy instrumentation reminiscent of crackling vinyl and Jourden’s carefree delivery, each track reinforces the impression that she’s a seasoned hip-hop veteran, even though she’s only beginning to make her mark.
By fusing conscious rap with laid-back grooves and staying true to herself, Straight No Chase shows that Jourden knows exactly who she is and isn’t afraid to boldly embrace it.
On creating the EP, Jourden says, “Straight, No Chase is about jumping right into the thick of things. This EP cuts through the fluff—no chasers, no sweeteners. I wanted to give it to you straight. I created this project during a time of major change in my life, when raw truths hit me hard and challenged the comfortability I used to cling to. ‘Straight, No Chase’ is my way of celebrating honesty while being true to self, unfiltered. I’m thankful for how I’ve turned my struggles into something powerful and proud of how my personal truth comes through in this work."
Kicking off with the standout opening track, “Minerals,” Jourden’s raspy tone and Cardo’s effortlessly chill beat take center stage. The keys, resembling a Rhodes piano, bounce across the track, maintaining a laid-back and nod-worthy vibe.
Next is “Dboy,” produced by Latrell James, featuring a funk-inspired groove and contributions from DaVionne and Foggieraw. Their styles complement Jourden’s flow, adding layers that enhance the track’s overall feel.
Following this is the title track, “Straight No Chase,” which opens with distorted guitar that aligns perfectly with the theme of getting straight to the point. While it slightly departs from the cohesive vibe of the rest of the EP, it works well by presenting a more alt-R&B flair that highlights Jourden’s soulful vocals and her ability to bend genre norms.
“Picture Perfect” is effortlessly catchy, with production credits from DJ Khalil. The lyric, “I had a picture of what I thought it would be,” emphasizes that life doesn’t always match our expectations. Instead of forcing it to be something it’s not, the song encourages accepting life as it is—a concept that resonates with many of us.
Next is Jourden’s single, “Tryin’ To Play Me,” which blends dreamy keys with a classic hip-hop beat, showcasing her unique flow and raspy voice. This track serves as a relatable anthem of self-assuredness and captivates listeners with its soulful vibe and nostalgic nod to the '90s.
“Winner” shifts to a more R&B pop-inspired sound, offering a catchy melody with a bouncy beat that makes it easy to sing along to and replay.
Lastly, Straight No Chase ends on a high note with “Flow,” where Jourden demonstrates her ability to switch rap styles from a laid-back pace to a rapid-fire “chopper-style” flow that’s sure to impress.
Overall, Jourden embodies the female artist many '90s hip-hop enthusiasts have been waiting for, and this EP feels like just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.
