Cordae – “The Lost Boy” review

Cordae is 21 year old MC from Suitland, Maryland that came up as a member of the YBN collective just a few years ago. He first came on my radar last year with “Old N****s”, an immensely well written response to “1985” off of J. Cole’s last album KOD. That single alone earned Cordae a HUGE co-sign from none other than Dr. Dre as well as a deal with Atlantic Records. The kid even made it on this year’s XXL Freshman Class last month, so it’s only right for him to keep the hype for him going with his full-length debut over here.

The album starts off with “Wintertime”, where Cordae gives the listener a proper introduction to himself over a funky beat. The next song “Have Mercy” talks about the struggles of life over a flute-inflicted trap beat & after the “Sweet Lawd” skit, the next track “Bad Idea” with Chance the Rapper sees the 2 making a modern version of the iconic Scarface cut “My Block”.

The song “Thanksgiving” talks about bringing a girl home for the titular holiday over a mellow trap beat while the track “R.N.P. (Rich N***a Problems)” with Anderson .Paak sees the 2 over a bouncy J. Cole instrumental. The song “Broke as Fuck” angrily recalls his rough past over a piano-inflicted trap beat while the track “1,000 Words” talks about people who cap over a smooth beat. The song “Way Back Home” talks about being yourself over an intoxicating trap beat & after the “Grandma’s House” skit, the song “Been Around” is a tribute to those who’ve stuck by Cordae’s side since Day 1 over a summery instrumental.

The track “Nightmares are Real” with Pusha T sees the 2 talking about how the good guy always wins over a haunting instrumental while the song “Family Matters” is an heartwarming tribute to his loved ones with a relaxing beat. The penultimate track “We Gon’ Make It” with Meek Mill sees the 2 getting motivational over a chilled out instrumental & then the album ends with “Lost & Found”, where Cordae tells his rags to riches story over a blissful trap beat.

I’ve been waiting a minute for this & at the end, the kid really delivered. It’s focused, it’s well produced & I really feel like the listener really gets to know Cordae as a person.

Score: 3.5/5