The Crossroads Cordae

Field Notes

In the early 2000s, rap music was at a turning point. The genre was evolving, but there was still a prevailing sense of what great rap should sound like—lyrical, thoughtful, and rich in production. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in the wake of a mumble rap era, where clarity and substance often took a backseat to catchy hooks and auto-tuned refrains. Into this landscape steps Cordae, offering a much-needed reminder of what a truly great rap album can be.

His latest project, The Crossroads, feels like a breath of fresh air. With sharp lyricism, dynamic production, and a genuine sense of artistry, Cordae has crafted a record that stands apart from the current musical zeitgeist. On standout tracks like No Bad News, the collaboration with Kanye West taps into that elusive "golden era" energy, drawing on Kanye's early sound while still feeling unmistakably modern.

It raises a question: Could The Crossroads be a signal that the era of Atlanta's mumble trap is starting to fade? Perhaps, but that's a conversation for another time. For now, what matters is that Cordae's album is a refreshing return to form, a perfect blend of beats, rhymes, and life that reminds us of the power and depth that hip-hop can still offer