Gordo Discusses “Insane” Career, Black House Music And Drake’s Role in His Debut Album
Diamante Blackmon, known to many in the electronic dance music scene as Carnage, is now making waves under his new alias, Gordo. Having established a notable career in the early 2010s, Blackmon gained recognition for his work as Carnage, producing influential tracks for a range of artists including Migos, Rick Ross, Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, and the late Mac Miller.
His efforts were pivotal in shaping the dance music boom in the U.S. and bridging the gap between rap, trap, and EDM. By the time he retired his Carnage moniker in 2022, Blackmon’s reputation as a Grammy-nominated hitmaker was firmly established. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blackmon took the opportunity to reinvent himself as Gordo, focusing on house and techno music. Reflecting on his musical journey, Gordo acknowledges the shift in perception that came with his rebrand.
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“People never really saw me as the producer guy. I was just like the DJ,” he explains. “But if you know music and appreciate urban and pop culture, then you’d understand that the quest I’ve been on is something that could be spoken about 100 years from now because I had so many cultural moments that I was involved in that dictated a lot of artists when I was Carnage. I’m doing this now with Gordo but on an even higher level.”
In the summer of 2022, Gordo’s career took a significant turn with his contributions to Drake’s surprise dance album, ‘Honestly’, ‘Nevermind’. His involvement in six tracks on the album helped establish his new identity and showcased his transition into house music. Gordo’s influence was recognized even by Drake, who noted that “Gordo got me on the wave” of house and dance music, reflecting its growing impact on hip-hop and other genres.
Drake’s endorsement and Gordo’s impressive production credits set the stage for the release of Gordo’s debut studio album, ‘Diamante’. Set to drop in July, this 15-track LP has been described as Gordo’s “most personal project to date,” representing a culmination of his journey toward creative freedom. The album features a stellar lineup including Maluma, T-Pain, Leon Bridges, the late Young Dolph, and, of course, Drake.
Gordo is eagerly anticipating the album’s release, expressing his excitement: “I’m just waiting for it to all finally come out. I’ve been waiting so long for this, and it’s finally dropping. This time, the world is going to listen to it and look at me differently. I’m so ecstatic. Gordo’s transition from Carnage to his new identity has been marked by a blend of personal reflection and musical evolution, positioning him to make a significant impact in the house and techno scenes while continuing to build on his influential legacy.
-Sushmita Sarkar
