Pusha T has hopped on the latest track from Japanese producer/DJ/streetwear icon Nigo, “Hear Me Clearly.”
The track boasts a dusty drum groove and an unnerving loop of queasy bell-like synths that chime off-kilter over the occasional thrum of a bass synth. As always, Pusha’s bars speak for themselves: “Kilogram kick-starter push a brick harder/Left my elbow in the pot a la Vince Carter/Compared to two martyrs but I’m chasing moguls/Bosses meet for Hamachi in the back of Nobu.”
“Hear Me Clearly” will appear on Nigo’s upcoming album, I Know Nigo, set to arrive March 25 via Victor Victor Worldwide/Republic. It follows previously released singles, “Want It Bad,” featuring Kid Cudi, and “Arya,” featuring A$AP Rocky. I Know Nigo will also feature guest appearances from Tyler, the Creator, A$AP Ferg, and Lil Uzi Vert, while Pharrell executive-produced the LP with Nigo.
Nigo is best known as the founder of the famed streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, and he currently serves as the creative director for Kenzo. But along with all his work in fashion, he’s pursued music over the years, serving as the DJ for the Japanese hip-hop outfit Teriyaki Boyz and launching the (B)ape Sounds record label.
As for Pusha T, “Hear Me Clearly” arrives on the heels of his recent solo track, “Diet Coke,” which was produced by Kanye West and 88-Keys. The song is expected to appear on the rapper’s follow-up to his 2018 album, Daytona.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
