Information Americas, New York, NY, February 25, 2025: Soca king Machel Montano has turned up the warmth simply in time for Trinidad & Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, releasing his extremely anticipated album, One Diploma Hotter (Monk Music/Symphonic) immediately. The 16-track venture blends high-energy Soca rhythms with international influences, that includes Ne-Yo, Davido, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous, and extra. The observe comes days after a spat with rapper and Trinidadian native Nicki Minaj by which Montano was compelled to apologize.
When Montano carried out on the yearly Stink N Dutty celebration in Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, he sang the lyric “don’t battle me down” from his track Good Spirit and additional famous, “Nicki Minaj, cease battle me down. Trinidad Killa, cease battle me down. I’s your daddy. I is your daddy.”
He stated that some followers mistook his passionate efficiency, which was propelled by the viewers’s super response for a direct swipe at Minaj and Trinidad Killa. That very same day, Minaj reacted on social media by sharing a profanity-filled video by which she requested why Montano had singled her out and threatened to “cuss” him “very f****** stink” in response.
The album kicks off with an electrifying remix of “Reality & Stability”, that includes R&B star Ne-Yo, alongside Jamaican dancehall artist Ayetian and producer DJ MAC. Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido joins Montano on “Fling It Up,” a observe that has already debuted at #48 on Billboard’s Afrobeats Songs Chart. The 2 superstars are set to shoot the music video for the track in Trinidad throughout Carnival.
The lead single, “PARDY,” produced by XplicitMevon & BadjohnRepublic, has already claimed the #1 spot in Trinidad & Tobago and is the highest contender for the coveted Highway March title. If Montano secures the win, he’ll tie Lord Kitchener’s report of 11 titles, making historical past as certainly one of Soca’s best icons.
To gasoline the Carnival insanity, the album additionally features a particular “PARDY (Highway Combine),” produced by Insanity MUV x D Ninja x DJ Marcus Williams, designed for optimum power on the street.
The album title, One Diploma Hotter, carries a double that means—not solely does it mirror Montano’s continued dominance within the Soca trade, but it surely additionally celebrates his Grasp’s diploma in Carnival Research from the College of Trinidad & Tobago. After spending two years diving deep into his cultural roots, Montano returned to the studio with a recent perspective, mixing his newfound data together with his signature Soca sound.
Tracks like “Pepper Vine” that includes Girl Lava and Drupatee showcase his fusion of Caribbean, African, and Indian influences, pushing the boundaries of Soca. With this venture, Montano continues his mission to convey Soca to the worldwide stage.
Following the success of his 2021 venture, The Marriage ceremony Album – which featured Ms. Lauryn Hill, Afro B, Teddy Riley, and Vybz Kartel —One Diploma Hotter cements Montano’s fame as a genre-defying innovator.
With 43 years within the music trade, Montano stays Soca’s most transformative star. From profitable 10 Highway March titles and seven Worldwide Soca Monarch crowns to promoting out Madison Sq. Backyard and sharing the stage with Rihanna, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, and Main Lazer, his affect is plain.
Machel Montano’s remaining Trinidad Carnival 2025 tour dates:
📅 Feb 26 – Hyatt Lime
📅 Feb 26 – Punchy Wednesday
📅 Feb 28 – CLASS w/ Davido & Etienne Charles
🎧 Stream One Diploma Hotter now [LISTEN HERE]
With One Diploma Hotter, Machel Montano continues to lift the temperature, delivering an album that’s not only for Carnival however a worldwide Soca celebration. Trinidad carnival is about formally from Mon, Mar third – Tue, Mar 4th.
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