GORDO Releases Debut Album ‘DIAMANTE’, Unveils Second Surprise Drake Collaboration ‘Healing’

Following the announcement of his tracklist on Tuesday, which sent shockwaves through the music industry, Diamante Blackmon, known globally as GORDO, has released his groundbreaking debut album, ‘DIAMANTE,’ via Ultra Records today. The tracklist initially featured one blurred-out track, sparking much speculation. Today, GORDO officially reveals that the mystery track is a surprise collaboration with his long-time friend Drake, titled ‘Healing’, the second collaboration with Drake featured on the album.

“There’s nothing I would change; I suppose that’s why it took four years—to make sure I could look at it and know it’s perfect,” GORDO reflects on the 16-track album released today. “This album is dedicated to my grandmother, my family, friends, and loved ones. I hope you enjoy what I believe to be some of the best music I’ve ever created.”

This album represents a pivotal moment in GORDO's career, blending his Nicaraguan-American heritage with a diverse array of musical styles, including Dance, Hip Hop, Pop, Reggaeton, Indie, and Jazz. After more than four years of dedicated production work, ‘DIAMANTE’ showcases GORDO’s evolution from a prolific DJ, producer, and collaborator to a visionary artist pushing musical boundaries. Featuring an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Fuerza Regida, T-Pain, Leon Bridges, Rampa, Larry June, Nicki Nicole, and Maluma, this album is a testament to GORDO’s ability to create a cohesive and genre-defying musical journey.

Although they had been friends for over a decade, GORDO and Drake’s musical collaboration didn’t begin until Drake’s dance-infused album ‘Honestly, Nevermind,’ released in the summer of 2022. On ‘DIAMANTE,’ Drake’s vocals blend seamlessly with GORDO’s production, creating a powerful synergy on tracks ‘Sideways’ and ‘Healing’. The result of numerous studio sessions, both tracks generated much speculation over the past year, with GORDO and Drake continuously teasing their work.

‘Sideways’ and ‘Healing’ represent a pivotal shift in both dance music and Hip Hop. “Collaborating with an artist who has profoundly shaped the music scene over the past 15 years truly says something about my album. I’m grateful for his trust and confidence in my vision and happy to have him as part of my album. ‘DIAMANTE’ wouldn’t be the same without him.” says GORDO.

Alongside Drake’s contributions on ‘Sideways’ and ‘Healing,’ DIAMANTE incorporates distinct elements of Hip Hop throughout. ‘Lake Como,’ featuring Californian rapper Larry June, shifts the energy with a more subdued vibe while still standing out as a highlight of the album. The track’s instrumentation subtly commands attention, making a significant impact within the dance album’s framework. Similarly, ‘Target’ showcases T-Pain’s bold, pitched-down vocals at the forefront, enhanced by GORDO’s refined production and sharp percussive details. Meanwhile ‘Kill For This Shit,’ released in February and featuring vocals from the late Young Dolph, sees GORDO transform the Memphis rap anthem into a bustling house banger.

Leading up to the release of ‘DIAMANTE,’ GORDO rolled out several standout singles that paved the way for his debut album. The summer anthem ‘Cafecito,’ released in May, celebrated GORDO’s Hispanic heritage by blending Nicki Nicole’s Argentinian flair with Sech’s reggaeton swagger. Similarly, ‘Parcera,’ a moody late-night track featuring Maluma, fused Latin music with dance elements, becoming a summer hit in 2023 following their viral Tomorrowland Belgium Mainstage performance. The hypnotic ‘Hombres y Mujeres,’ with Colombian superstar Feid, initially released in November 2022, established the groundwork for GORDO’s signature Latin dance sound. ‘NENE,’ an deep and soulful dance track starring Jesús Ortíz Paz, sees GORDO collaborate with the Mexican-American band Fuerza Regida. This vibrant record wraps up a sequence of four Latin-infused tracks on the album, highlighting GORDO’s skill in merging cultural influences with dynamic production.

Throughout the rest of the album, GORDO continues to merge a diverse range of genres. ‘Candid Zone’ introduces a new facet of GORDO's musical repertoire, combining Leon Bridges' soulful vocals with a deep funk bass and Santana-inspired Spanish guitar, striking a balance between R&B, house, and summer Latin flair. Meanwhile ‘Take Control,’ highlights his producing prowess with spirited vocals, creating a track that is both festival-ready and richly layered in nuanced, technical production,

In exploring GORDO’s current role in the electronic music scene, he’s collaborated with an impressive array of DJs and producers. On ‘Guard Down’, the Nicaraguan-American artist teams up with &ME for a surprisingly contemplative introduction, where trickling melodies and a subtle rolling beat complement inspired vocal harmonies. Despite its layered sound, GORDO reveals that the track features the vocals of one artist, Alice Aera. “I love playing with the pitch of vocals; you’ll notice that throughout the album. The different pitches on Alice’s voice even come together at one point on ‘Guard Down,’” explains GORDO.

‘Easier,’ with Rampa, brings listeners closer to the dancefloor with its crashing snares, stuttered kicks, and pulsating bassline, creating a compelling atmosphere, while ‘WDYM,’ with Karolina Falk, showcases a melodic restraint ideal for an unforgettable set closer. ‘Honeyland,’ featuring Afshin Momadi, leans into melodic Afro-house, gradually building energy for the dancefloor with its effective chord progression, a distinctive vocal sample, and creative harp use. Lastly, ‘Aura,’ named after GORDO’s grandmother and featuring NTO, introduces a new dimension to the Nicaraguan-American’s sound with its arpeggiated melodies, melodic techno rhythms, and shimmering synth work.

With the release of ‘DIAMANTE,’ GORDO ushers in a new era of his artistry, offering a blend of high-profile collaborations and personal exploration. This debut album not only showcases his dynamic range and innovative production but also provides an intimate glimpse into his artistic vision, setting a new standard for music and inviting listeners on an unparalleled sonic journey