I need to do something with Cordae. His mannerism is so cool but

In the world of art and expression, there are moments when the true value of an individual’s talent shines through not just in the polished exterior, but in the depth of their craft. Jadakiss, a master of his own craft, speaks of this when he says, "I need to do something with Cordae. His mannerism is so cool, but his bars... he got them bars that puts him in an elite thing." Here, Jadakiss recognizes not only the charisma of Cordae, but also the substance that lies beneath—the strength of his lyrical ability, his ability to move beyond mere style and presentation, to create something that resonates deeply with those who listen.

The ancients knew well that true greatness lies in both form and substance. In Greek philosophy, Aristotle wrote about the concept of ethos—the character of a speaker or artist—which was not just about appearance or charm, but about the depth of one’s integrity and skill. Socrates himself, though far from the “cool” philosopher by modern standards, was revered not for his appearance, but for the power and clarity of his words. In the same vein, Cordae, much like Socrates, possesses a rare ability—he not only looks the part of a modern artist, but his bars, his lyrical skill, elevate him into an elite category of talent. It is his substance that matters most, for as Jadakiss suggests, it is the depth of his work that places him among the truly great.

Consider the story of Homer, the great poet of ancient Greece, whose Iliad and Odyssey not only captivated his audience with their narrative style but also with the weight of their themes and the depth of their characterizations. Homer’s poetry, like Cordae’s music, wasn’t just about rhythm or rhyme—it was about something deeper, something that moved people on a more emotional and intellectual level. His work was the product of innate talent, tempered with wisdom and life experience. Much like Jadakiss sees in Cordae, Homer’s true greatness wasn’t just in his mannerisms or his style, but in the power of his words to reach across centuries and still speak to the hearts of men and women today.

In the modern era, this concept of substance over style is no less important. The world of hip-hop has long been a space where style, bravado, and charisma often come to the forefront. Yet, the true greats in the genre—like Nas, Jay-Z, and Jadakiss himself—are revered not only for their presence but for the depth and wisdom they convey through their lyrics. Cordae, as Jadakiss points out, is part of this legacy—not just in his style but in the intellectual weight of his music. His bars speak not only to the pulse of the moment, but also to timeless truths, woven together with the kind of skill that makes him part of an elite group.

The ancient art of storytelling, whether through oral tradition, epic poetry, or rhetoric, was always valued for both the power of the words and the presence of the speaker. The poet Virgil, for example, wove the story of Aeneas and the founding of Rome with such skill and depth that his work resonated through the ages, not just because it was well-crafted, but because it carried the weight of history, the truths of human experience, and the wisdom of the ages. Similarly, Cordae’s talent, recognized by Jadakiss, is not only in the delivery of his lyrics but in the substance they carry—the ideas and emotions that connect with the listener on a deep level.

The lesson in Jadakiss’s words is one of balance between form and substance. In our own lives, we may often be tempted to focus on appearances, on the outward signs of success, on the coolness of the surface. Yet, true greatness lies not just in how we present ourselves, but in what we create, what we leave behind. Whether in art, business, or our personal lives, it is the depth of our effort and the quality of our contributions that will be remembered, just as Cordae’s bars are what truly elevate him in the eyes of Jadakiss and those who appreciate the craft of music.

In our pursuit of excellence, let us remember to focus not only on how we appear, but on what we are actually creating. Let us not be swayed by the superficial allure of fame or style, but let our true value be found in the substance of our work, the depth of our character, and the lasting impact we have on those around us. Like Cordae, we should strive to be both cool and wise, stylish and profound, so that our words, our actions, and our contributions leave behind something of lasting value.