Cordae

Cordae Amari Dunston, born on August 26, 1997, in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a prominent American rapper known mononymously as Cordae. Raised in Suitland, Maryland, Cordae’s early exposure to classic hip-hop through his father’s musical tastes—featuring artists like Rakim, Nas, and Big L—ignited his passion for rap. He began writing his own raps at the age of fifteen, initially performing under the name Entendre. His early works include the mixtapes Anxiety (2014), I’m So Anxious (2016), and I’m So Anonymous (2017), which laid the groundwork for his burgeoning career.

Cordae’s career gained significant momentum when he joined the hip-hop collective YBN in early 2018. The collective, which included YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay, was a notable force in the rap scene, and Cordae’s involvement helped him secure a broader audience. His breakthrough came with a remix of Eminem’s “My Name Is” and his response track “Old N*ggas” to J. Cole’s “1985,” both of which garnered substantial attention. The success of these remixes was bolstered by viral music videos released through WorldStarHipHop’s YouTube channel, marking his entrance into the mainstream.

In 2019, Cordae released his debut studio album, The Lost Boy, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 and earned Cordae two Grammy nominations at the 62nd Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for the single “Bad Idea” featuring Chance the Rapper. The album’s success cemented Cordae’s status as a rising star in hip-hop. Following the disbandment of the YBN collective in August 2020, Cordae dropped the “YBN” from his stage name, signaling a new phase in his career.

Cordae’s second studio album, From a Birds Eye View, was released on January 14, 2022. This album continued his streak of critical success, matching the chart performance of his debut and further establishing his reputation. The album features collaborations with notable artists like Eminem, Stevie Wonder, and Gunna, showcasing his ability to blend lyrical depth with mainstream appeal. Cordae’s music is characterized by its introspective lyrics and thoughtful social commentary, distinguishing him from many of his contemporaries.

In addition to his solo work, Cordae has collaborated with various artists and contributed to tracks that have resonated with audiences. He was featured on NF’s song “Careful” from the album Hope (2023), which achieved a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. He also appeared on the track “Doomsday” with the late rapper Juice Wrld, released as part of Lyrical Lemonade’s debut compilation album All Is Yellow in 2024.

Cordae’s influence extends beyond his music. His thoughtful approach to rap—melding conscious themes with catchy melodies—has earned him a dedicated fan base and respect within the industry. His ability to address complex issues like race, inequality, and personal growth through his lyrics reflects his commitment to using his platform for positive impact. As Cordae continues to evolve as an artist, his contributions to hip-hop and his advocacy for social justice solidify his place as a significant figure in contemporary music.