| Full Name | Cordae Amari Dunston |
|---|---|
| Birthday | August 26, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 6′ 2′′ (1.88 m) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
Early Life and Upbringing
Cordae Amari Dunston was born on August 26, 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina. At a young age, his family moved to Suitland, Maryland where Cordae spent most of his childhood. Music ran in Cordae‘s family – his father played bass guitar and his grandparents were also musicians.
As a kid, Cordae started writing his own raps and songs when he was just 15 years old. He attended high school in Suitland and performed locally as a rapper under the name Entendre during his teens. Even from a young age, Cordae displayed impressive lyricism and flow in his music.
Early Music Career as Entendre
Performing as Entendre, Cordae gained notoriety for his remixes and singles uploaded to Soundcloud. His early tracks like "Limits" and "Anxiety" reflected his penchant for soulful production and substantive lyrics. Cordae often discussed relatable topics like self-doubt, relationships, and societal pressures.
In his late teens, Cordae self-released two mixtapes titled Anxiety and I‘m So Anxious. The projects showcased Cordae‘s versatility as a conscious rapper with the technical skills to fluidly switch flows. During this period, Cordae performed locally around Washington D.C. and collaborated with artists like Masego.
Joining YBN and Rise to Fame
In 2018, Cordae linked up with the rap collective YBN (Young Boss N****s). He befriended YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay and changed his stage name to YBN Cordae. The three YBN rappers garnered attention for their comedic improv and gameplay videos on YouTube.
However, it was Cordae‘s remix response to J. Cole‘s 1985 that catapulted him to widespread fame. Cordae‘s version "Old N***a Alert" displayed his masterful storytelling and earned high praise from J. Cole himself. The remix went viral and led to Cordae signing a record deal with Atlantic Records.
The Lost Boy Album and Acclaim
In 2019, Cordae released his major label debut album The Lost Boy. Powered by singles like "Broke as F***," "RNP," and "Have Mercy," the album showcased Cordae‘s soulful, throwback sound and conscious lyrics. Conceptually, the album chronicled Cordae‘s struggles to find himself and overcome doubts through music.
The Lost Boy was a critical and commercial success, earning Cordae a Best Rap Album Grammy nomination. Standout tracks like "RNP" with Anderson .Paak demonstrated Cordae‘s chemistry with veterans. Meanwhile, the hit single "Have Mercy" showcased Cordae‘s melodic side. The album cemented Cordae as one of the most promising young rappers in the game.
Musical Style and Influences
Cordae‘s music is often characterized by his conscious, substantive lyrics and old-school delivery. He cites legendary rappers like Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and Talib Kweli as his main influences. However, Cordae manages to synthesize this old-school style with a fresh, youthful perspective on modern issues.
Lyrically, Cordae tackles relatable topics like anxiety, relationships, self-identity, and societal pressures. While he can rap swiftly, Cordae‘s music also has a melodic, soulful side with singing incorporated into tracks. His production often features live instrumentation with blues, jazz, and R&B flavors. Overall, Cordae strives to make "timeless music" with mainstream appeal.
Impact and Future
At just 26 years old, Cordae has already left a sizable imprint on hip-hop. He‘s collaborated with legends like Stevie Wonder along with contemporaries like Roddy Ricch and Young Thug. Singles like "Have Mercy" and "Gifted" have charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
With his throwback sound and substantive lyrics, Cordae aims to carry on the musical tradition of greats like Nas and Jay-Z. He uses his platform to spread positivity and uplift people. Outside music, Cordae has been involved in activism and philanthropic causes.
Given his immense talent, Cordae is poised to become a leading voice of his generation in hip-hop. Fans can expect him to continue maturing his artistry and advancing his philanthropic endeavors for years to come. The future is extremely bright for this young virtuoso.