Cordae has become one of the most promising voices in hip hop over the past few years. Known for blending the wisdom of old-school rap with a modern style, he has quickly gained recognition as both a talented lyricist and a socially aware artist. With a net worth of $7 million in 2025, Cordae’s journey from a teenager writing raps in Maryland to a Grammy-nominated rapper is a story of hard work, talent, and persistence.
Early Life and Education
Cordae Dunston was born on August 26, 1997, in Raleigh, North Carolina, before moving with his family to Suitland, Maryland. Growing up, he developed a love for classic hip hop, often listening to icons like Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem. By the age of 15, he was writing his own raps, drawing inspiration from the golden era of hip hop.
Although he attended Towson University after high school, Cordae dropped out in 2018 to pursue music full-time. That decision marked a turning point in his career. He believed in his talent enough to take the risk, and within just a few years, his gamble paid off with industry recognition, chart success, and a growing fanbase.
Breakthrough with YBN
Cordae’s first major breakthrough came after he connected with rappers YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay through social media. He joined their collective, YBN, and moved to Los Angeles to fully commit to music. His remixes of Eminem’s “My Name Is” and J. Cole’s “1985” went viral in 2018, establishing him as a serious new voice in hip hop.
The same year, YBN released YBN: The Mixtape, which included Cordae’s standout tracks “Kung Fu” and “Alaska (Scotty Pippen).” The mixtape peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200, and Cordae’s reputation as the lyrical force of the group began to spread. However, the collective disbanded by 2020, leading Cordae to establish himself as a solo artist.
Solo Success and Grammy Recognition
Cordae’s debut album The Lost Boy was released in July 2019, featuring collaborations with Meek Mill, Pusha T, and Chance the Rapper. The album was both a critical and commercial success, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard 200. Singles like “Have Mercy,” “RNP,” and “Bad Idea” gained strong attention. The album earned him two Grammy nominations: Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for “Bad Idea.”
In 2021, Cordae released the EP Just Until… with features from Q-Tip and Young Thug, which helped build anticipation for his next album. In January 2022, he dropped From a Bird’s Eye View, which again peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200. This project included features from Eminem, H.E.R., Stevie Wonder, and Gunna. Singles like “Super” and “Sinister” kept him in the spotlight, showcasing his ability to deliver socially conscious yet commercially appealing music.
Net Worth, Age, and Family
At 27 years old, Cordae’s estimated net worth in 2025 stands at $7 million. His wealth comes from music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, and brand collaborations. His ability to balance lyrical depth with mainstream accessibility has secured him a loyal fan base and steady financial growth.
Cordae’s personal life has also gained public interest. Since 2019, he has been in a relationship with Japanese tennis champion Naomi Osaka. The couple welcomed their daughter, Shai, in the summer of 2023. This new role as a father has given Cordae a deeper perspective on life, something he occasionally references in his music and interviews. Together, he and Osaka represent one of the most high-profile young power couples in sports and entertainment.
Collaborations and Featured Work
In addition to his solo projects, Cordae has worked with several big names across genres. He appeared on H.E.R.’s “Racks,” Nas’ “Life is Like a Dice Game,” and Stevie Wonder’s “Can’t Put it in the Hands of Fate.” His collaborations also include tracks with DJ Scheme, Aitch, and NF.
One of his notable 2023 releases was “Two Tens” with Anderson .Paak, which was praised for its old-school vibe and witty lyrical exchanges. He also joined Lyrical Lemonade and the late Juice WRLD for “Doomsday,” further cementing his place among respected collaborators in the industry.
Activism and Public Image
Cordae is more than just a musician; he is also known for his activism. He participated in the Black Lives Matter movement as early as 2016, where he used rap to express the struggles of his community. In 2020, he was arrested during a protest in Louisville following the police killing of Breonna Taylor, showing his commitment to standing up for social justice causes.
At the 2020 US Open final, where Naomi Osaka was competing, he wore a “Defund the Police” T-shirt, making his political stance clear on one of the world’s biggest sports stages. His willingness to merge artistry with activism has drawn admiration from fans who see him as both an entertainer and a voice for change.
Musical Style and Influences
Cordae’s artistry reflects his appreciation for hip hop’s golden era while staying fresh for modern audiences. He has often cited Nas, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, and Kendrick Lamar as his biggest influences. His ability to honor rap’s roots while pushing his own generation’s sound makes him a unique presence in today’s music industry.
Critics and fans alike often point to Cordae as a bridge between old-school hip hop and contemporary rap. His music avoids being overly commercial or overly underground, instead carving out a middle path that speaks to diverse audiences.
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