AceShowbiz - For over 15 years, Drake has dominated the music scene with a versatility that often defies classification. His ability to cross genres and subgenres has challenged listeners and critics alike, transforming initial skepticism into admiration. Songs or albums that once puzzled audiences have become beloved over time, illustrating his evolving artistry.

Starting as an artist who openly expressed vulnerability on R&B tracks, Drake gradually expanded into pop and house music, gaining mainstream success with dance-oriented hits. The 2020s have seen him push even further, embracing full dance projects like Honestly, Nevermind and collaborating with Spanish-language artists on tracks such as "Gently" and "Meet Your Padre." His latest release, the club-ready 14-track album MAID OF HONOUR, continues this adventurous streak.

A crucial figure behind many of these experimental sounds is GORDO, formerly known as Carnage. The Nicaraguan-American DJ and producer has played a pivotal role in crafting some of Drake’s most boundary-pushing and sometimes divisive songs over the past five years, including "Sticky," "Massive," "Calling My Name," and "Rich Baby Daddy."

On MAID OF HONOUR, GORDO produced nine tracks and also contributed to "WNBA" from HABIBTI, bringing his total collaborations with Drake to over 20 songs. With standout tracks like "Hoe Phase," "Outside Tweaking," and "New Bestie," his partnership with Drake stands among the most dynamic duos in contemporary music.

Reflecting on his journey, GORDO shared with Billboard how deeply he admires Drake. “I grew up as a Drake fan my entire life,” he said. “You have to give him so much props because he stayed relevant this long, during so many changes in pop culture. We’re not talking about a niche rapper... he adapts, and he stays on the ball.”

When asked about the difference between producing MAID OF HONOUR versus his previous album DIAMANTE, GORDO explained that his role shifted. “On DIAMANTE, I had a say on everything. On this album, I didn’t have a say on everything, but I was a small tool to this guy’s genius plan. The best thing was this album was about him, not me. I worked so hard because I was rooting for him. I wanted to send positive energy toward this legend.”

GORDO also described the unique nature of their collaborative relationship, which extends beyond music into friendship. He admitted that, as a fan, he sometimes wishes he could watch himself DJ or observe the creative process like an outsider. “When I was 14 or 16, I was listening to this guy. Now, 20 years later, he keeps doing things that make people say, ‘Whoa, what is this?’ Over time, some people say, ‘I don’t like this,’ or ‘This is weird,’ but the songs keep performing well for years. That’s the place we’re in.”

He emphasized Drake’s ability to stay relevant through constant reinvention. “He’s always doing something new and inventive. It’s mind-blowing.”

GORDO also recounted the experience of working in the studio with Drake, describing moments on tracks like "Road Trips" or "Stuck." He highlighted the surprising fusion of genres on the album, such as the electro-EDM-trap drop on the latter half of "BBW." “It’s like he’s in his ‘I don’t give a f–k what anyone thinks’ era. He’s the GOAT because he stays culturally relevant and young at heart. He’s almost 10 years younger than Kanye, and we talked about how he’s just reaching the middle of his career. That means we have another decade of Drake ahead of us.”

Discussing the reception of MAID OF HONOUR, GORDO agreed with commentary that this album could have the most lasting impact due to its experimental sound. Drake himself framed the project as a progression after ICEMAN, saying he had to make that album first before tackling these two more experimental efforts.