Cordae

Cordae – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and career of Cordae, the American rapper born August 26, 1997. Delve into his early years, musical journey, influences, legacy, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Cordae (born Cordae Amari Brooks, formerly Dunston) is a contemporary American rapper, singer, and songwriter whose lyricism, social consciousness, and generational bridge in hip-hop have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. His relatively young age belies the depth of his musical ambition: combining respect for hip-hop’s roots with a progressive, thoughtful voice for his generation. In an era of streaming and rapid trends, Cordae has carved out a space where storytelling, introspection, and technical skill intersect.

Early Life and Family

Cordae was born on August 26, 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina, but he spent significant childhood years in Zebulon, North Carolina. When he was about nine years old, his family relocated to Suitland, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., and that region would become central to his identity and musical perspective.

Music was embedded in his upbringing. His father played hip-hop classics—Rakim, Nas, Big L, Talib Kweli, among others—which deeply influenced young Cordae’s tastes and ambitions. As a child, Cordae began listening intently, absorbing lyricism and narrative in rap. Over time, he began writing his own raps, experimenting and refining his voice.

He was also academically conscientious: he graduated high school in 2015 and originally enrolled at Towson University in Maryland before ultimately leaving to pursue music full-time.

Youth and Education

During his teenage years, Cordae recorded under the alias Entendre, releasing a series of mixtapes such as Anxiety (2014), I’m So Anxious (2016), and I’m So Anonymous (2017). These early works allowed him to experiment, build confidence, and test his style in a less pressured environment.

While in college, the pull of music became stronger. He has stated that being a first-generation student created additional pressure, and that much of his motivation to attend was to appease expectations rather than fulfill his own creative ambitions. Eventually, he decided to leave Towson University around 2018 to fully commit to his musical career, reasoning that the academic path was not aligned with his deeper goals.

Career and Achievements

2014–2019: Beginnings, YBN Collective, and The Lost Boy

Cordae’s early public breakthroughs came when he began connecting with the YBN collective (YBN Nahmir, YBN Almighty Jay) via social media and mutual collaborators. He officially adopted the name YBN Cordae during this period, shedding earlier aliases like Entendre.

In 2018, he released a high-profile remix of Eminem’s “My Name Is” as a kind of introduction to a broader audience. His song “Old Niggas” served as a response to J. Cole’s “1985,” positioning Cordae as a voice across generations in hip-hop. He began touring with other artists (e.g. WRLD Domination tour) and performing live at major festivals (e.g. Rolling Loud), steadily raising his profile.

On July 26, 2019, he released his debut studio album, The Lost Boy, which earned widespread praise. The album peaked at #13 on the Billboard 200 and garnered two Grammy nominations: Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song (for “Bad Idea” featuring Chance the Rapper).

Following its release, he embarked on the “Lost Boy in America Tour.”

2020–Present: Solo Career, Name Change, and New Projects

In 2020, the YBN collective was officially dissolved. Cordae, now operating as simply Cordae, dropped the “YBN” prefix, seeking to define himself independently. He released the single “Gifted” (featuring Roddy Ricch) shortly afterward.

In April 2021, he delivered the EP Just Until…, including features from Q-Tip and Young Thug, signaling greater ambition and collaboration. On January 14, 2022, he dropped his second studio album, From a Bird’s Eye View, whose lyrics lean more introspective, addressing personal growth, loss, ambition, and responsibility. In late 2024, Cordae released his third studio album, The Crossroads.

Throughout, Cordae has continued to collaborate with established artists (Eminem, Lil Wayne, Anderson .Paak, etc.) and expand his stylistic range.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Cordae’s arrival is often framed as part of a generational shift: younger rappers who respect the legacy of the ’90s but also seek relevance in modern contexts.

• Unlike some contemporaries who emphasize commercial trends, Cordae emphasizes lyricism, narrative, and social content, situating himself closer to the “conscious rap” tradition while remaining attuned to modern sounds.

• His willingness to respond to generational debates (e.g. with “Old Niggas” vs. J. Cole) showcased artistic courage and critical engagement.

• The pivot from collective (YBN) to solo identity underscores his ambition to define a lasting legacy beyond group affiliation.

Legacy and Influence

Though still relatively early in his career, Cordae’s impact is notable:

• He is widely respected for “bridging the gap” between older and newer generations of hip-hop—honoring past masters while pushing forward.

• Many emerging artists cite him as a model for combining integrity, toolset, and ambition.

• Critics often spotlight his balance: he is not a niche “underground only” rapper, nor a shallow mainstream artist, but rather someone who seeks to retain substance while scaling.

• His albums figure in discussions about the trajectory of hip-hop in the 2020s: how artists can carry tradition into new sonic territories.

Ultimately, his legacy is still being written—but already he offers a blueprint: remain curious, respectful of lineage, and willing to be vulnerable.

Personality and Talents

Cordae is introspective, disciplined, and communicative. In interviews, he often speaks about mental clarity, humility, and the responsibilities that come with giving one’s voice.

His work ethic is considerable: writing meticulously, studying rhyme structure, and keeping a consistent output of music and ideas.

Influences he consistently cites include Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, J. Cole, Kanye West, Big L, and Kendrick Lamar—artists known for combining lyrical dexterity with cultural impact. He often frames his mission as building bridges—both musically and socially.

On a personal note, Cordae previously dated tennis champion Naomi Osaka (from 2019 onward) and together they have one daughter, born in July 2023. In January 2025, Osaka announced that their relationship had ended, emphasizing there was “no bad blood” and acknowledging Cordae as “a great person and awesome dad.”

Famous Quotes of Cordae

Cordae’s statements often reflect introspection, determination, and authenticity. Below are some memorable ones:

• “Still got a lot of barriers to break through, more doors to open up. A lot more to do! We just gettin’ started.”

• “When you’re not authentic to yourself, you’re lying. You’re going to get found out and you’re going to slip up.”

• “You ever feel like you loyal to the wrong people?”

• “Black music is general.”

• “Believe in your dreams, even when others doubt you.”

• “Stay true to yourself, no matter how much the industry tries to change you.”

These lines highlight recurring themes in Cordae’s philosophy: authenticity, perseverance, and awareness of one’s surroundings and responsibilities.

Lessons from Cordae

From Cordae’s journey, several lessons emerge:

1. Honoring roots while innovating
   He shows that it’s possible to respect tradition (old-school hip-hop) while bringing fresh energy and perspective.

2. Authenticity matters
   His emphasis on staying true to oneself is not just a slogan—it has been a guiding principle in his career decisions and sound.

3. Growth is ongoing
   He’s never presented himself as a finished product. Each album reveals deeper introspection, greater risks, and evolving maturity.

4. Dismantling boundaries
   Whether generational, stylistic, or social, Cordae often positions himself as someone striving to tear down limits and forge new paths.

5. Courage in vulnerability
   He doesn’t shy away from sharing personal struggles, ambitions, or uncertainties—making his music more relatable and human.

Conclusion

Cordae is more than a rising rapper—he is a symbol of what hip-hop in the 2020s can aspire to be: rooted in history, forward in imagination, and grounded in humanity. His life and work underscore that musical legacy is not only about skill, but about character, evolution, and connection.

Explore more of his music, read his lyrics, and reflect on the messages he amplifies. Cordae’s journey reminds us: keep writing, keep growing, stay real.