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YBN Cordae
YBN Cordae in 2019
YBN Cordae in 2019
Background information
Birth nameCordae Amari Dunston[1]
Also known asEntendre
Born (1998-08-26) August 26, 1998 (age 26)[2]
Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.[2]
OriginSuitland, Maryland, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
LabelsAtlantic
Websitehttp://y-b-n.com

Cordae Amari Dunston (born August 26, 1998), known professionally as YBN Cordae, is an American rapper, singer raised in Suitland, Maryland, Dunston began rapping at a young age under the stage name Entendre. He released three mixtapes under this name; "Anxiety" (2014), "I'm So Anxious" (2016), and "I'm So Anonymous" (2017) before becoming a member of the YBN collective in 2018. Dunston subsequently gained popularity by releasing remixes of popular songs, such as "My Name Is" by Eminem, and "Old N*ggas" which was a response to the song "1985" by J. Cole. Videos to both remixes were uploaded to the WorldStarHipHop's YouTube channel, which led to an immense and immediate positive response from both mainstream media and the online rap community.[3] His debut studio album, The Lost Boy was released on July 26, 2019.[4]

Early life and career

Dunston was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, but relocated to Suitland, Maryland. As a young child, he'd taken an interest in music as his father would always play classic hip hop around him, from artists such as Rakim, Nas, Big L, and Talib Kweli.[5] He began writing raps around the age of fifteen, but did not take it seriously, as it was only a hobby for him. Following the influence he gained from the music his father listened to, he would do research on certain artists through YouTube, attempting to find similar music and "getting lost" in the recommended videos section.[6] Dunston began gaining more interest in pursuing a rap career as he aged, but focused on his education first, although writing lyrics often distracted him from his studies. He released three mixtapes as a teenager under the name "Entendre" – Anxiety (2014), I’m So Anxious (2016), and I’m So Anonymous (2017).[7][8][9] He graduated from high school in 2015 and decided to go to college at Towson University, later dropping out in 2018, explaining that college was "bigger than him" as a first generation student, and he was mainly doing it for his mother. He moved to Los Angeles shortly afterwards.[10]

Dunston began taking his rap career seriously in the beginning of 2018. Although he hadn't been releasing any music with them, he'd often hang around YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay when visiting Los Angeles, whom he'd initially met through social media. Nahmir had taken interest in a song that Dunston had made with fellow rapper and brother Simba, and reached out to him.[11][12] Dunston is the only member of YBN that hadn't been introduced to everyone as a gamer, as he doesn't take gaming too seriously. He had already felt like he was a part of YBN, the only thing that hadn't solidified his presence being his social media handles, which he soon changed from Entendre, to YBN Cordae. He also stated that Entendre had been a name that he'd wanted to change for while, stating, "I was just always around Nahmir and shit, those were just like my brothers... And, I was thinking, yo, I need to change my shit to like, Cordae, and shit, my actual first name. I was already "YBN" without the social tag, you know what I'm saying?"[6] He released his first single, which he called his "introduction to the world", in May 2018. It was a remix of the 1999 song "My Name Is" by Eminem, which he released along with a music video via WorldStarHipHop on YouTube. Subsequently, he released "Old Niggas", as a response to "1985" by J. Cole, before releasing the tracks Fighting Temptations and Kung Fu, respectively.[13][14][15]

Dunston went viral during an interview with LA Leakers, where he freestyled over various instrumentals from popular songs, including Kendrick Lamar's "Duckworth", Lil Pump's "Esskeetit", and Method Man & Redman's "Da Rockwilder".[16][17] His debut live performance was at the annual Rolling Loud music festival in May 2018, in which he performed with both YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay. He performed with the duo again for the 2018 XXL Freshman Show in New York, after Nahmir was announced to be an inductee of the yearly freshman class.[18] Dunston was then announced to be joining Juice Wrld on his North American WRLD Domination tour from May to September 2018, along with Lil Mosey and Blake, ended up reaching 28 cities.[19] Soon after, it was announced that YBN would be going on a month-long tour in Europe as a collective.[20] Dunston then said he would release multiple singles up until his debut project is complete.[21] On August 2, 2018, both Nahmir and Cordae released a video for their single, "Pain Away".[22] On August 12, YBN Nahmir announced that an official YBN Mixtape, featuring the trio, would be released September 7, 2018.[23] He released the music video for his single, "Scotty Pippen", on August 23, 2018.[24]

On January 28, 2019, Cordae released a music video for a new song titled, "Locationships" on his YouTube channel before releasing another song titled, "Have Mercy" in March 2019, with the latter song becoming the lead single from his debut studio album, The Lost Boy.[25] He was later named as one of the members of XXL's "2019 Freshman Class" on June 20, 2019.[26] Cordae later released "Bad Idea" and "RNP" as the second and third singles from the album respectively.[27][28] The Lost Boy was released on July 26, 2019.[4]

Musical style and influences

Dunston lists, Nas, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Eminem, Capital Steez, J. Cole, Big L, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar as some of his biggest influences.[29] Shortly after the release of The Lost Boy, he revealed his top five favorite rappers (in no particular order) as Jay-Z, Nas, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Big L.[30] He has stated many times that, because of his musical background and understanding of both old school hip-hop and what hip-hop is evolving into, he can be the key in bridging the generational gap in hip-hop.[31][32][33]

Respect Magazine reiterated that Dunston was ahead of his time, as far as rapping goes, stating: "He is a mix of the old and new school, and the deliverance and perception of his music sets himself apart from the new generation of rappers these days. We get a clear glimpse of this in his music videos for “Old N*ggas,” 'My Name Is,' and 'Kung Fu,' which all have over 5 million views on YouTube. He is building a solid buzz for himself day by day, and letting the world know his bars and rhymes are ahead of his time. He has yet to drop a project proving such."[34]

Revolt TV explained, "There's always going to be artists who go against the grain and manage to generate conversation without being mundane or routine. YBN Cordae is the result of perfect timing, a need for change, and managing to bridge the gap between aesthetic and talent. He's the Gohan of the YBN collective, appearing docile and juvenile but displaying a “mastery” over words that seems at odds with old-school "hip-hoppers" belief about his age group. It is yet to be seen if his talent warrants the praise he’s receiving."[35]

Personal life

Dunston participated in a Black Lives Matter protest in 2016, rapping amongst the crowd about the struggles he faced, and the issues he'd been noticing in his community.[36] Before leaving college, he worked at a local T.G.I. Friday's in the DMV, explaining to Adam22 of No Jumper, that he "hated" it, and that he always knew he was destined for more.[37] He is currently dating Haitian-Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka.[38]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[39]
AUS
[40]
UK
[41]
The Lost Boy 13 27 85

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected chart positions and details
Title Details Peak chart positions Certification
US
[42]
US R&B/HH
[43]
US
Rap

[44]
CAN
[45]
Anxiety
(as Entendre)
I'm So Anxious
(as Entendre)
  • Released: August 7, 2016[47]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download
I'm So Anonymous
(as Entendre)
  • Released: August 15, 2017[48]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download
YBN: The Mixtape
(with YBN Almighty Jay and YBN Nahmir)
  • Released: September 7, 2018[49]
  • Label: YBN
  • Formats: Digital download
21 13 12 19
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

As lead artist

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Bub.

[51]
CAN
[52]
IRE
[53]
NZ
Hot

[54]
"Old N*ggas"[55] 2018 Non-album single
"Kung Fu"[56] YBN: The Mixtape
"Alaska (Scotty Pippen)"[57]
"Locationships"[58] 2019 Non-album single
"Have Mercy"[25] The Lost Boy
"Bad Idea"
(featuring Chance the Rapper)[27]
"RNP"
(featuring Anderson Paak)[28]
15 84 92 4
Title Year Album
"Blackjack (Remix)"[59]
(Aminé featuring YBN Cordae)
2019 Non-album singles
"Racks"[60]
(H.E.R. featuring YBN Cordae)

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NZ
Hot

[54]
"Broke as Fuck" 2019 22 The Lost Boy

Guest appearances

Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Make Me Feel"[49] 2018 YBN Almighty Jay YBN: The Mixtape
"Pain Away"[49] YBN Nahmir
"Tout ce que je sais"[61] Orelsan La fête est finie – Épilogue
"Multiply"[62] Problem, Mozzy S2
"Elevate"[63] DJ Khalil, Denzel Curry, SwaVay, Trevor Rich Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack)
"Mama / Show Love"[64] 2019 Logic Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
"Nothin' Less"[65] Curren$y, Statik Selektah Gran Turismo
"Let Me Down"[66] NBDY Admissions

References

  1. ^ https://uproxx.com/music/ybn-cordae-favorite-new-rapper/
  2. ^ a b YBN Cordae. allmusic.com
  3. ^ McKinney, Jessica (July 24, 2019). "Everything You Need to Know About YBN Cordae". Complex. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c "The Lost Boy by YBN Cordae". Apple Music. July 26, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  5. ^ "Bridging Rap's Generational Divide: An Interview With YBN Cordae". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Pigeons & Planes.
  6. ^ a b "Open Space: YBN Cordae". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Mass Appeal.
  7. ^ "Entendre – Anxiety [Mixtape]". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via "OK-THO" Blog.
  8. ^ "Entendre – I'm So Anxious (Mixtape)". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Music On The Dot.
  9. ^ "I'm so Anonymous". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via iTunes.
  10. ^ "YBN CORDAE IS FULLY PREPARED FOR HIS BRIGHT FUTURE". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Elevator Mag.
  11. ^ "YBN CORDAE MET NAHMIR AND ALMIGHTY JAY THROUGH XBOX LIVE". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Elevator Mag.
  12. ^ "YBN cordae is easily the best out of the group". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via kanyetothe.com.
  13. ^ "YBN Cordae, The Outspoken Artist Declaring The New Generation of Rap Has Promise". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via z-pov.com.
  14. ^ "The 10 best new rap songs right now". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via The Fader.
  15. ^ "YBN Cordae releases new track and video "Kung Fu"". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Revolt TV.
  16. ^ "They tried to throw me off switching beats..... this shit too easy S/O @lilpump". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "YBN Cordae Came Correct on LA Leakers Freestyle". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Lyrical Lemonade.
  18. ^ "HERE'S WHAT WENT DOWN AT THE 2018 XXL FRESHMAN SHOW IN NEW YORK". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via XXL Magazine.
  19. ^ "Juice WRLD Announces "WRLD Domination" Tour Dates". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via HotNewHipHop.
  20. ^ "YBN NAHMIR SHARES DATES FOR EUROPEAN TOUR WITH YBN ALMIGHTY JAY AND YBN CORDAE". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via XXL Magazine.
  21. ^ "YBN Cordae Is Bridging The Generational Rap Gap". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via HotNewHipHop.
  22. ^ "YBN's Nahmir & Cordae Connect on "Pain Away"". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Respect Magazine.
  23. ^ "YBN NAHMIR SETS RELEASE DATE FOR YBN MIXTAPE". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via XXL Magazine.
  24. ^ "Alaska YBN Cordae". Retrieved August 23, 2018 – via Digital Dripped.
  25. ^ a b Montes, Patrick (March 8, 2019). "YBN Cordae Delivers More Hard-Hitting Bars for New Single, "Have Mercy"". Hypebeast. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  26. ^ "XXL Freshman 2019 Cover Revealed". XXL. June 20, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  27. ^ a b "Bad Idea (feat. Chance the Rapper) – Single by YBN Cordae". Apple Music. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  28. ^ a b "RNP (feat. Anderson .Paak) – Single by YBN Cordae". Apple Music. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  29. ^ "The YBN Cordae Interview". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ "YBN Cordae Lists His Top 5 Rappers". Complex. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  31. ^ "YBN CORDAE IS BRIDGING HIP-HOP'S GENERATIONAL GAP". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Elevator Mag.
  32. ^ "YBN Cordae Attempts To Bridge Generational Gap In J. Cole Response Track, "Old Ni**as"". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Vibe.
  33. ^ "YBN Cordae Breaks Down "Old N*ggas" On Genius' Series 'Verified'". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Genius.
  34. ^ "Ahead Of The Game: YBN Cordae". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Respect Magazine.
  35. ^ "The 'industry plant' conversation no longer has a place in rap music". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Revolt TV.
  36. ^ "YBN Cordae at DMV Protests 2 years ago". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Reddit.
  37. ^ "Who is YBN Cordae? The rapper bridging 'old heads' with the new generation". Retrieved July 30, 2018 – via Kulture Hub.
  38. ^ "YBN Cordae Discusses Girlfriend Naomi Osaka's U.S. Open Success". Complex. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  39. ^ https://twitter.com/billboardcharts/status/1158395963742007296
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  41. ^ "YBN Cordae | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  42. ^ "Billboard 200 – September 22, 2018". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  43. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – September 22, 2018". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  44. ^ "Top Rap Albums – September 22, 2018". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  45. ^ "Canadian Albums Chart – September 22, 2018". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
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  47. ^ "Entendre – I'm So Anxious". Spinrilla. August 7, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  48. ^ "Entendre – I'm So Anonymous". Spinrilla. August 15, 2017. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  49. ^ a b c "YBN: The Mixtape by YBN Almighty Jay, YBN Cordae & YBN Nahmir". Apple Music. September 7, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  50. ^ "American certifications – YBN Cordae". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  51. ^ "Bubbling Under Hot 100: August 10, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  52. ^ "Canadian Hot 100: August 10, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  53. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  54. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 5, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  55. ^ "Old N****s – Single by YBN Cordae". Apple Music. May 16, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  56. ^ "Kung Fu – Single by YBN Cordae". Apple Music. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  57. ^ Montes, Patrick (August 27, 2018). "YBN Cordae Drops Cole Bennett-Directed "Scotty Pippen" Video". Hypebeast. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  58. ^ "Locationships – Single by YBN Cordae". Apple Music. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  59. ^ "BLACKJACK (feat. YBN Cordae) [Remix] – Single by Aminé". Apple Music. February 8, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  60. ^ "Racks (feat. YBN Cordae) – Single by H.E.R." Apple Music. June 28, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  61. ^ "La fête est finie – EPILOGUE by Orelsan". Apple Music. November 16, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  62. ^ "S2 by Problem". Apple Music. November 30, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  63. ^ "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From & Inspired by the Motion Picture) by Various Artists". Apple Music. December 14, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  64. ^ "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind by Logic". Apple Music. May 10, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  65. ^ "Gran Turismo by Curren$y & Statik Selektah". Apple Music. May 17, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  66. ^ "Admissions by NBDY". Apple Music. May 31, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.