If anyone embodies the phrase “music runs in the family,” it’s Cordae. During his recent Tiny Desk Concert, the DMV rapper transformed the stage into a heartfelt family affair, leaving fans both surprised and touched.
Cordae, at just 27 years old, made waves with his debut on NPR’s famous Tiny Desk Concert series. Yet, the standout moment came when he invited a special guest to perform alongside him—his mom. She shared the spotlight with Cordae during his performance of ’06 Dreamin’ from his latest album, ‘The Crossroads.’ The track holds a special place in Cordae’s heart as it samples a song his mother recorded back in the mid-2000s when she was pursuing her own dream of becoming a singer.
The mother-son duet resonated deeply with fans and was a moment of pride and joy for the rapper’s family. Cordae later expressed his sentiments on social media, noting that performing with his mom fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams. His genuine support for his mother was evident in his post on X, which read, ‘Brought my momma on to my tiny desk! It was always a dream of hers to be a singer, so I wanted to share this moment w her!’ The joy and pride in his words were palpable.
Cordae’s Tiny Desk session was a treat beyond the emotional duet. The rapper delivered crowd favorites like ‘RNP’ and ‘Nothing’s Promised,’ energizing the audience with his signature style. However, his music wasn’t the only talk of the town. Personal news also made waves, with the recent announcement of his split from tennis star Naomi Osaka.
Osaka, who shared the news on Instagram Stories, reassured fans there was no bad blood between her and Cordae. She emphasized that despite their separation, their time together resulted in their dearest blessing, their daughter, Shai. ‘Honestly really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together ❤️,’ she shared candidly.
Despite personal challenges, Cordae remains focused on his music. His album ‘The Crossroads,’ released in November 2024, faced its own hurdles, struggling to climb the charts. Yet, Cordae remains undeterred. Critics labeled the album a ‘flop,’ but he addressed these claims head-on. On ‘The Breakfast Club,’ he dismissed the negativity, pointing out that the criticism often comes from those detached from the music world.
Cordae’s resilience in music and life is undeniable. With star-studded collaborations from industry giants like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Anderson .Paak, Cordae continues to showcase his undying passion and commitment to his craft. Even with personal and professional ups and downs, his determination to honor family and artistry never wavers.
In the world of music and life changes, Cordae is charting his own path. By bringing his mother on stage, he not only made her dream a reality but also showcased his commitment to family and authenticity. In doing so, Cordae solidified his place not just as a rapper, but as a son fulfilling a promise.
