Either This or Die…
Pink + White: Inside S1ordie’s Diasporic Sonic World, Where Nigerian Roots Meet Western Swagger
When Pink + White opens with Multiple Lifes (yes, “lifes” — a cheeky nod to the misunderstood cyber youth aesthetic), it catapults listeners into a soundscape where S1ordie’s Afro-diasporic identity collides with Atlanta’s unmistakable energy. This isn’t just an intro; it’s a statement of intent.
The intro, by DJ Primeau, mirrors the impactful openers of hip-hop heavyweights. Think DJ Khaled’s commanding presence on Culture’s intro, Funk Flex’s explosive mixtape energy, or Swamp Izzo’s evocative preambles for Playboi Carti. DJ Primeau’s contribution amplifies S1ordie’s voice, crafting a cinematic atmosphere that encapsulates the raw swagger of Atlanta while making space for S1ordie’s unique sound.
“Working with Primeau was easy, fast, and organic,” S1ordie shares. “That’s my brother. It wasn’t even hard. All it took was one FaceTime call.” The synergy between the two is palpable, creating a high-energy launchpad for a mixtape that blends homage with reinvention.
2 world’s, 2 Lives & The Final 3rd…
For S1ordie, “Being a Nigerian in Atlanta is like a cheat code, ngl,” he says. “The flows are just different. I feel like when I moved here, my sound definitely changed for the better.” And that evolution shines in Pink + White.
The mixtape is the second chapter of a trilogy that began with 2023’s S3X and will conclude with his debut album, Ready 2 Wear. Both S3X and Pink + White share a striking pink-and-white aesthetic that ties them visually, while their distinct sonic palettes showcase S1ordie’s growth as an artist.
Drawing heavy inspiration from Frank Ocean’s Pink + White, the mixtape nods to its namesake while charting its own course. Nowhere is this clearer than in the final track, Keep Going, S1, which samples the iconic Frank Ocean track. Produced by 3cbeta, the song is a dreamy, ethereal bow tying together a tape that’s as introspective as it is vibrant.
“Whole lotta, whole lotta, whole lotta … HEY!”
Listen here 🔗 👇🏾
At the heart of the mixtape lies HEY, its lead single and thematic linchpin. “‘This a new man here, shawty, I told you I changed!’” S1ordie exclaims, summing up the track’s role as a bridge between the chaos of Atlanta trap and the introspection of his personal journey.
Tracks like ‘Pull Yo Pants Up’ embody Atlanta’s dynamic swagger with their infectious 808 punches, high-energy hooks, and Instagram-ready captions. Featuring Blacboyy, the song is a raver’s fever dream – chaotic, captivating, and dripping in charisma. It’s the kind of track that pulls listeners onto the dancefloor while highlighting Atlanta’s cultural influence on S1ordie’s sound.
Meanwhilea, Hi-Roller, featuring Luwa.Mp4, feels like stepping into a festival arcade – vivid yet blurry, euphoric yet grounded. “It’s for the cyks and the hi-rollers,” S1ordie says, describing the track’s high-pitched tones and subtle drumwork as a perfect comedown moment.
While Pink + White is packed with swagger, it also takes time to slow down. Tracks like Hannah Montana, Not New 2 Dis, and Pick A Side reveal a more vulnerable S1ordie. In these reflective moments, he confronts the juggling act of living “multiple lifes” — chasing dreams, navigating an exploitative industry, and nurturing relationships in an ever-shifting community.
“It’s my annual self-awareness run for all the alte empaths,” he jokes. Yet, the emotions in these tracks are raw, offering listeners a glimpse into his internal struggles and triumphs.
#CyberYouthKin
Collaboration lies at the heart of Pink + White. The tape features two rising Nigerian artists, Blacboyy (Canada) and Luwa.Mp4 (Nigeria), whose unique perspectives add texture to the project.
S1ordie initially hesitated to include features but credits his executive producer, clrcut, for pushing him. “He was like, ‘This gotta go on the tape,’” S1ordie recalls of Blacboyy’s inclusion. As for Luwa, he says, “That’s slime. I had to get him on. Hi-Roller, that’s his vibe fr.”
S1orDie has since previewed multiple tracks featuring both artists, an ode to the new wave of Nigerian artists within the diaspora carrying the mantle of diversity across the new gen in a much fixated & conservative industry.
Soundcloud, The real OG’s…
S1ordie’s love for SoundCloud is no secret, and the platform hosts two bonus tracks from the Pink + White era. “My heart belongs to SoundCloud,” he shares. “I love that app so much for what it’s done for the culture. All my best songs are on the cloud — check dat.”
These tracks are more than extras; they reflect S1ordie’s roots in underground culture and his dedication to preserving its ethos.
Ready2Wear
Pink + White isn’t just a mixtape — it’s a bold declaration of what the Nigerian youth in the diaspora can achieve. S1ordie challenges the idea that artists must conform to Afrobeats, instead crafting a sound steeped in Western influence without losing its roots.
With Ready 2 Wear on the horizon, S1ordie continues to prove that the diaspora isn’t just a melting pot — it’s a crucible for creativity.
