Month: July 2024

Gordo’s Production Shines On His Genre-Hopping Album “DIAMANTE”

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Gordo has varied taste. The producer teased this variety during a Rolling Stone profile, and assured fans that they would get to hear it on his solo album, DIAMANTE. Well, the album has arrived, and Gordo lived up to his word. The album is one of the most wide-ranging of the year in terms of genre. There’s a blend of dance, reggaeton, rap, and R&B playing out on each track here, and it’s a testament to Gordo’s talent that he pulls these disparate strains together into something cohesive. The opener, “Guard Down,” is the album in microcosm. It’s simultaneously a dance floor banger and a slow burn love song with vocals from Alice Aera.

We’ve already singled out the standout Drake collabs on the album, “Sideways” and “Healing.” Despite being the biggest feature on the album, Drizzy blends seamlessly into Gordo’s global sound. “Sideways” in particular, is an obvious candidate for lead single. DIAMANTE shines even brighter, though, when the producer tweaks the signature sound of his guest features. T-Pain’s voice is altered to the point of being unrecognizable on the yearning track “Target.” Larry June, meanwhile, ditches soul chops to pontificate over Gordo’s busy drum pattern on “Lake Como.” Leon Bridges sounds refreshed over a contemplative musical bed on “Candid Zone,” and Maluma takes a nocturnal left turn on the busy “Pareca.” Gordo has the chops to make each of his collaborators shine, and the result is the most eclectic mainstream album of 2024. It’s going to be hard to top it.

Read More: Drake Is Feeling “Jolly” Since Moving On From Kendrick Lamar Feud, Gordo Reveals

Gordo Challenges His Collaborators On New Album

DIAMANTE tracklist:

  1. Guard Down (featuring Alice Aera)
  2. Sideways (featuring Drake)
  3. HONEYLAND (featuring Afshin Momadi)
  4. Easier (featuring Rampa)
  5. Target (featuring T-Pain)
  6. LAKE COMO (featuring Larry June)
  7. CANDID ZONE (featuring Leon Bridges)
  8. NENE (featuring Fuerza Regida)
  9. Cafecito (featuring Sech & Nicki Nicole)
  10. Pareca (featuring Maluma)
  11. Hombres y Mujeres (featuring Feid)
  12. Kill for This Sh*t (featuring Young Dolph)
  13. TAKE CONTROL
  14. WDYM (featuring Karolina Falk)
  15. AURA (featuring NTO)
  16. Healing (featuring Drake)

Read More: Gordo Claims Drake’s “Honestly, Nevermind” Will One Day Be Revered Like “808s & Heartbreak”

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ScHoolboy Q Hilariously Trolls Drake After DJ Plays “Not Like Us” In Toronto

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Toronto’s stance on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle has been a recent talking point. Drake’s hometown has not been welcoming to those who took Lamar’s side in the battle. Rick Ross was attacked during a recent stop in TO. ScHoolboy Q, meanwhile, claimed that the Canadian tour of his Blue Lips tour was canceled. Well, Q seemingly gotten payback against Drizzy on July 29. ScHoolboy Q got to sit back and watch as a DJ blasted the Drake diss “Not Like Us” on a Toronto stage. Better yet, the same stage that the TDE rapper was supposed to perform on a few weeks prior.

DJ Scheme was the man behind the “Not Like Us” needle drop. He decided to throw on the iconic Drake diss during his Toronto set, and surprisingly, it rang off. The footage of Scheme’s set list shows that fans were more than game to sing along to Kendrick Lamar’s rhymes. The fact that the DJ got away with this would have been enough to elicit discourse, but then ScHoolboy Q chimed in. The rapper quote tweeted the video of Scheme’s set and wrote: “HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH.” No extra context needed, really. He was simply thrilled to see Drake getting disrespected in his own city.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Couldn’t Believe Donald Trump & Joe Biden’s Golf Debate

ScHoolboy Q Had A Good Laugh Over The DJ Set

ScHoolboy Q previously criticized Drake and OVO for being sensitive about TDE artists being in Canada. When the rapper’s show was canceled, he immediately hopped on Twitter and vented. He said that OVO artists had no problem performing in California, so the same courtesy should be extended the other way. “TOP was just wit Wayne & Baby smH,” he wrote. “Partynextdoor just Had a sHow @ tHe palladium. If we wanted to get yall we would’ve just did it.. now wHen sumbody get Hurt don’t cry…” Debate raged on as to whether Drake was behind ScHoolboy Q’s cancelation, but it was eventually confirmed that the show was going to be at a venue partially ran by Drake.

Drake’s relationship with “Not Like Us” has been interesting over the last couple weeks. The rumor that the rapper banned the song from being played in Houston clubs was debunked. Fittingly, by the DJ who started it in the first place. Then, the 6 God posted a clip of an impersonator on his Instagram Story, and mocked him by using the “Not Like Us” line: “Sometimes you gotta pop out.” No word yet on whether DJ Scheme will face repercussions for playing the diss in Toronto. Either way, though ScHoolboy Q is having a great time watching things unfold.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Seemingly Confirms Kanye West Is The Unfairly Canceled Artist On “Blueslides”

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Frank Ocean Seemingly Teases New Music With Cryptic Studio Photo

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Frank Ocean is the most elusive man in music. He’s dropped two studio albums since 2012, yet both were so impactful that he still has the world waiting on release number three. Never mind the fact that it’s been eight years since Blonde. Or that his Coachella performance in 2023 was, to put it bluntly, a disaster. Frank Ocean still captivates the minds of fans. And based on his latest string of social media posts, he might be blessing fans with some brand new music.

Frank Ocean took to Instagram on July 29 to post a series of seemingly unrelated photos. The first two feature the singer on a bullet train in Japan. He’s sitting alongside Julian Consuegra, the founder of the brand Stray Rats. Ocean posted a third photo of the outside of the bullet train. Then, minutes later, he posted the photo that fans have been waiting for. Frank Ocean posted a candid shot of him holding a bass guitar and standing inside a recording studio. The pop icon is making it clear that new music is in the works, even if a release date is nowhere in sight.

Read More: Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” Cracks The Top 40 For The First Time Since 2016

Frank Ocean Has Been Teasing New Music Since 2019

Regardless of the lack of details, the IG post marks the first time Frank Ocean has referenced new music in years. The last time the singer talked about his third album was during an interview with W Magazine in 2019. It was during this profile that Ocean teased a new sonic direction. “I’ve been interested in club, and the many different iterations of nightlife for music and songs,” he explained. “And so the things I look at now have a lot to do with those scenes: Detroit, Chicago, techno, house, French electronic.” It’s unclear whether the club influence is still being applied to more recent recording sessions.

The good news, though, is that we recently got confirmation that Frank Ocean is working. The R&B singer’s frequent collaborator, Michael Uzowuru, shed light on the lengthy recording process during a recent profile with the New York Times. Uzowuru didn’t get too specific with Ocean’s master plan (of course), but he did confirm that recording sessions have been going on in Miami, Florida. Frank Ocean failed to provide any captions or context for his Instagram posts, but fans are definitely hopeful that the tease will yield a new album. At the very least, a new single.

Read More: Tyler The Creator Speaks On Frank Ocean’s Elusive Nature During Coachella Set

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Legendary Rapper And Actor Chino XL Has Reportedly Died At 50

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Chino Xl 2012 MTV Video Music Awards (1024x437)
Getty Image

It appears hip-hop has lost yet another legendary act. According to reports, Chino XL (real name Derek Emmanuel Barbosa) has died at the age of 50. The heartbreaking news seemingly began to gain steam when Rap Booklets posted a tribute to the recording artist’s debut album, Here to Save You All.

“We at Rap Booklets send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chino XL, who passed away today at the age of 50,” read the post.

The news was then echoed by AllHipHop citing an inside source. Fans online don’t believe the gutting announcement, given Chino XL’s age. But fellow rapper and actor A-F-R-O took to his official X (formerly Twitter) page to confirm his longtime friend’s passing.

“RIP to CHINO XL… I’m gonna miss you, big bro 🕊,” he wrote.

Several figures across the rap community have begun to pen tributes to the late emcee, including Joe Budden and Page Kennedy.

“Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL 🙏🏾,” penned Budden.

“This one hurts. This been my dawg since 2001. Ima miss you big bro. Our conversations about rap, about being girl dads, about the gym, and secrets. Ima miss you bro,” wrote Kennedy.

The news cuts even deeper for hip-hop head as Chino XL was actively working on new projects. Near the top of June, Chino XL revealed that he was a special guest feature on Rakim’s album, G.O.D.’S NETWORK – REB7RTH, which was later released on July 25.

Nike Air Max SNDR “Highlighter Pink” Officially Revealed

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The Nike Air Max SNDR is making a bold return with its upcoming “Highlighter Pink” colorway. Originally released 25 years ago, this classic sneaker is back and ready to turn heads. The vibrant pink upper demands attention, creating a striking contrast against the black sole and white midsole. This fresh iteration of the Air Max SNDR blends nostalgia with modern style. The “Highlighter Pink” colorway brings a pop of color to the streets, ensuring you stand out. The sleek black sole provides a solid foundation, offering both durability and a touch of sophistication.

The white midsole adds a clean break between the bold pink and black, balancing the overall design. The Nike Air Max SNDR continues to showcase its timeless appeal, now with a vibrant twist. Fans of the original release will appreciate the nod to the past, while new enthusiasts will be drawn to its dynamic color scheme. The Air Max SNDR’s return in such a lively colorway highlights Nike’s commitment to innovation and style. This sneaker is perfect for those looking to make a statement. Keep reading for the release date and get ready to add some highlighter pink flair to your collection.

Read More: Air Jordan 1 Low OG WMNS “Oxidized Green” Officially Unveiled

“Highlighter Pink” Nike Air Max SNDR

Nike Air Max SNDR
Image via Nike

The sneakers feature a black rubber sole and also a white midsole, with various Nike Air bubbles for maximum comfort. Also, the uppers of the sneakers are comprised of an all-pink durable material. Further, reflective details adorn the sides and a small Nike Swoosh is present on both the sides and tongues.

More Photos

Kicks On Fire reports that the Nike Air Max SNDR “Highlighter Pink” will be released on August 6th. Also, these sneakers will have a retail price of $180 when they drop. As always, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Highlighter Pink
Image via Nike
Nike Air Max SNDR
Image via Nike

Read More: Air Jordan 13 “Midnight Navy” Gets Official Images

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