Cordae

Cordae Amari Dunston, known professionally as Cordae, is a rapper, and singer-songwriter recognized for his deep engagement with hip-hop culture and sharp lyrical abilities. Cordae began his music career as a teenager under the name Entendre, releasing three mixtapes: "Anxiety," "I'm So Anxious," and "I'm So Anonymous." His career gained momentum after relocating to Los Angeles and joining the YBN collective, where he attracted widespread attention with remixes of popular songs, including "My Name Is" by Eminem and "Old Niggas," a response to J. Cole's "1985." These releases, shared on WorldStarHipHop's YouTube channel, quickly went viral and positioned Cordae as a prominent voice for Gen Z in the rap community.

Cordae was named to XXL's "Freshman Class" and released his debut studio album, "The Lost Boy." The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 and included four gold-certified singles: "RNP" featuring Anderson .Paak, "Have Mercy," "Broke As Fuck," and "Kung Fu." The project received critical acclaim from Billboard, Complex, New York Times, Pitchfork, and Stereogum, and earned Grammy Award nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for "Bad Idea." "The Lost Boy" explores personal themes, including Cordae's experiences with drug addiction and his work as a server, blending youthful energy with a lyrical style influenced by classic hip-hop artists.

Following the disbandment of the YBN group, Cordae dropped "YBN" from his stage name and continued to develop as a solo artist. His second full-length album, "From A Bird's Eye View," reflects on personal growth, a transformative trip to Africa, and the loss of a friend. The album features collaborations with Eminem, Stevie Wonder, and Gunna, and debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200.

Cordae's third studio album, "The Crossroads," features tracks such as "Summer Drop" with Anderson .Paak and "Syrup Sandwiches" with Joey Bada$$, along with contributions from Lil Wayne, Ye, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign, Jordan Ward, and Ravyn Lenae. Cordae has described this project as a culmination of his growth as a songwriter and rapper, emphasizing his commitment to storytelling and musical evolution.

In addition to his recording career, Cordae founded Hi-Level Productions, a record label that allows him to maintain artistic control and support emerging artists. He is also involved in community initiatives focused on education and creative opportunities in underrepresented communities. Cordae frequently speaks about bridging the generational gap in hip-hop, drawing on his understanding of both old school and contemporary rap to connect audiences across different eras.