It’s the newest hit artist collaboration from the Converse brand. Frank Ocean, Diplo and Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash came together to record a new track as part of the brand’s Three Artists, One Song music series, where Converse brings together three artists from varying genres and diverse backgrounds, and works with the trio to create a one-of-a-kind collaborative single.
“Hero” is the ninth single coming out of the project, and it proves the success of the theory. This time around, the result is something decidedly unique. “Hero” is a little bluesy, but catchy in its own right. Featuring lead vocals from Frank Ocean, the soulful backup guitar riffs are distinctly The Clash. Completed with a cameo appearance from the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir, the flair belongs to acclaimed producer Diplo. Halfway through the 2:45 single, the beat drops and the tone changes a bit, turning the song into something that will be remembered as more than just the product of an unlikely, but historic week of collaboration.
And there could be more tracks to come. According to Rolling Stone, the track was one of five that the group recorded at Damon Albarn’s London studio, but there’s no word on a projected release for those takes. Converse officials also told the magazine that the trio is working on a music video to go along with the track. The great thing about a collaboration of an unlikely group of prolific talents is that it brings new material to each artist in a way that fans aren’t expecting, and who knows, may even inspire a new generation of listeners to check out the main body of work from classic artists like The Clash.