Written by: Patricia Riffe
In this world, music speaks to every ear seemingly quicker than the news and books. “Words are powerful. The tongue is powerful, when you write it down, and record it, and press it up, it’s 100 million times more powerful.” YBN Cordae said this in an interview with the Washington Post. Artists today are almost more of an example on people in society than the artist actually signs up for. This is why artists with a passion to write lyrical messages into the ears of its listeners seem to resonate into legends; over messages, while catchy and enjoyable conveyed by “fad-rappers” seem to almost fade away when the next rapper hits the scene. Music is listened to by everyone and we're entering a time were “older aged” music reaches the ears of children as well; turning these rappers and singers into not only icons but personal role models.
Cordae Dunston was born in Raleigh North Carolina and moved to Suitland Maryland at age ten. His passion began with in-home performances for his mother, but the move to Maryland sparked his passion for writing his own music. He molded his passion after lyrical legends, inspired by Nas’ well known diss track “Ether;” Cordae was inspired to use his lyrics as a message and in his eyes “Nas’ storytelling was just fire.” Now signed to Atlantic Records Cordae has no intent to slow down.
Cordae has since added fuel to this fire by releasing powerful tracks such as “Target;” a lyrically genius story of racial profiling. YBN Cordae told XXL in an interview that he “want[s] to impact the world and the culture in a positive way, [and] spread super dope messages and help people through [his] music.” He went on to imply that he wants to be in the industry for a long time. Cordae is on his way to his dream by working with notable artists such as Dr. Dre and J.Cole.
This lyrically inclined rapper has no boundaries for creativity. His newly released track “Have Mercy” included not one but two different visuals that exposed its viewers, in his words, “to two different paths,” encouraging them to choose their own path in life be it good or bad. Cordae has been focused on “perfecting his craft and writing better music.” He told XXL he “can rippity rap, lyrical miracle all day, but if you don’t have a message behind it and you not saying nothing, it doesn’t make sense.” He plans to use his creativity and rhythmic storytelling to lyrically entice his listeners, and an innovative presentation and flow to challenge the struggles of today’s society. Cordae has a message to send and the rest is yet unwritten.
Check out some of his music below and leave a comment letting us know your favorite track!
Source:
Holmes, Charles. "YBN Cordae is Becoming a Voice for his Generation." https://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/show- prove/2019/01/ybn-cordae-interview-show-prove-magazine/, XXL Maganize, Dec. 20018.
Richards, Chris. "How Long before He's a Legend? YBN Cordae is counting the hours." https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/music/how-long-before-hes-a-legend-ybn-cordae-is-counting-the-hours/2019/04/23/58b41ab6-61e9-11e9-bfad-36a7eb36cb60_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.864e, The Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2019.