Cordae: The Grammy-Nominated Rapper, Father, and Former Partner of Naomi Osaka

When you think of power couples that seamlessly blend sports and music, one name inevitably comes to mind: Cordae and Naomi Osaka. While the world knows Osaka as a tennis phenom with four Grand Slam titles, the man who stood beside her for nearly six years is a force in his own right. Cordae—born Cordae Amari Dunston—is not just “Naomi Osaka’s husband” (they were never actually married, but their long-term partnership captivated millions). He is a Grammy-nominated rapper, an Emmy-winning artist, a devoted father, and a voice for a generation navigating the complexities of fame, identity, and purpose.

His journey from a college dropout working at TGI Fridays to sharing stages with hip-hop royalty is the kind of story that reminds us why we love underdog narratives. But Cordae’s tale isn’t just about climbing the charts—it’s about resilience, self-belief, and the quiet determination to build a legacy that outlasts any headline. Let’s take a deep dive into the life of the man who turned his struggles into art and his art into impact.

Quick Facts About Cordae

Early Life: The Making of a Lost Boy

Long before Cordae was rubbing shoulders with billionaires and performing on global stages, he was a kid from Raleigh, North Carolina, trying to make sense of a world that often felt stacked against him. Born on August 26, 1997, to a 16-year-old single mother named Jennifer Dunston, Cordae’s entry into the world was anything but easy. His mother, still a teenager herself, faced immense economic and personal challenges, yet she worked tirelessly to provide for Cordae and his younger brother, Simba.

Cordae’s early years were marked by instability. His family moved frequently—he attended seven different elementary schools, an experience that forced him to constantly adapt and make new friends. By the time he was around nine or ten, the family had relocated to Suitland, Maryland, a working-class suburb just outside Washington, D.C., where he would spend most of his formative years.

Growing up without his father for a significant portion of his adolescence, Cordae stepped into the role of “man of the house” at a remarkably young age. He recalls waking up in the middle of the night as a kid just to check that the doors were locked, sleeping with a baseball bat under his bunk bed. His family even nicknamed him “Man”—a testament to the maturity he carried long before he was grown.

Despite his father’s absence day-to-day, Cordae cherishes the summers they spent together, riding in the car while his dad played hip-hop classics from the golden era—Nas, Andre 3000, Big L, and Jay-Z. These car rides were more than just father-son bonding; they were a crash course in lyrical excellence. Cordae soaked up every bar, every rhyme, every rhythm. Hip-hop wasn’t just music to him—it was a lifeline, a language that made sense of his surroundings. As he later reflected, “If you’re Black in America, hip-hop is not something you discover, it’s just there”.

By age 15, Cordae was writing his own raps. He converted his basement into a makeshift studio and began recording under the moniker “Entendre”—a nod to his love for wordplay. He released early mixtapes like Anxiety (2014) and I’m So Anxious (2016), but at that point, music was still more of a passion project than a career plan.

Education and the College Detour

Like many young people from challenging backgrounds, Cordae saw education as a pathway to a better life. He graduated from high school in 2015 and enrolled at Towson University in Maryland. As a first-generation college student, he felt the weight of his family’s hopes on his shoulders. He wasn’t just going to college for himself—he was doing it for his mother.

But college wasn’t the right fit. Cordae was juggling classes with shifts at TGI Fridays in Baltimore, and he was miserable. “I was just miserable as fuck at work,” he later told Billboard. Meanwhile, his passion for music was growing louder than any lecture hall could contain.

In 2018, everything changed. Cordae released a remix of J. Cole’s “1985” titled “Old Niggas,” and it went viral. The track showcased his sharp lyrical ability and his willingness to challenge the status quo. Suddenly, his face was recognizable, and showing up to class or clocking in at Texas Roadhouse (where he had also worked) became impossible. He made the bold decision to drop out and pursue music full-time—a gamble that would pay off in ways he could scarcely imagine.

The YBN Era and Rise to Fame

Cordae’s breakout moment came when he joined the YBN collective (short for Young Boss Niggas) in early 2018. The group, which also included YBN Nahmir and YBN JayDaYoungan, had already gained traction online, and Cordae’s addition brought a new layer of lyrical depth. He adopted the stage name YBN Cordae and quickly built a reputation for his technical prowess and thoughtful storytelling.

His remix of Eminem’s “My Name Is” further cemented his place in the hip-hop conversation. But it was his debut studio album, The Lost Boy, released in July 2019 via Atlantic Records, that truly announced his arrival. The album was a deeply personal project that explored themes of identity, family, struggle, and redemption. Tracks like “RNP” (featuring Anderson .Paak) and “Bad Idea” (featuring Chance the Rapper) became instant favorites.

The Lost Boy debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and earned Cordae two Grammy nominations at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards—Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for “Bad Idea”. Not bad for a kid who was serving tables just a year earlier.

In 2020, the YBN collective disbanded, and Cordae dropped the “YBN” prefix from his stage name, signaling his evolution as a solo artist. He was no longer just a member of a group—he was a force in his own right.

From a Bird’s Eye View: Building a Legacy

Cordae’s sophomore album, From a Bird’s Eye View, arrived in January 2022. The project featured an all-star lineup of collaborators, including Eminem, Nas, Roddy Ricch, Gunna, and H.E.R.. It was a bold, ambitious album that balanced introspection with grandeur, tackling everything from systemic injustice to personal growth.

The album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, matching the success of his debut. Critics praised Cordae’s evolution as a songwriter and his ability to weave complex narratives into accessible, hard-hitting tracks. As he told Billboard, “I actually have to live life and go through some s–t. Sometimes I have to go through tragedy, and I just transmute that through songs”.

In 2024, Cordae released his third studio album, The Crossroads, which debuted at No. 143 on the Billboard 200. The album was accompanied by a cinematic trailer and marked what he called “The Crossroads Era”—a period of reflection, growth, and artistic reinvention.

Awards, Accolades, and Industry Respect

Cordae’s trophy case is a testament to his talent and hard work. He has received three Grammy nominations, solidifying his place among hip-hop’s elite. But one of his most unique achievements came when he won an Emmy Award for his contributions to the children’s series We the People, which was produced by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Kenya Barris. The series aimed to educate young audiences about civics and government through music—a project that perfectly aligned with Cordae’s commitment to social awareness.

Beyond awards, Cordae has earned the respect of his peers. He’s collaborated with legends like Nas, Eminem, and Anderson .Paak, and his music has been praised for its lyrical depth and emotional honesty. He was also named to the XXL Freshman Class of 2019, alongside DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, and Megan Thee Stallion—a rite of passage for any emerging rapper.

The Naomi Osaka Years: A Love Story for the Ages

Cordae and Naomi Osaka first crossed paths in 2019 at a Los Angeles Clippers game. Their connection was immediate, but they chose to keep their relationship private for nearly a year before going public. Cordae later explained their approach to GQ: “We kind of move very reclusively. We don’t really post intimate moments, because I feel as though they’re sacred. A relationship is really a sacred thing”.

Their romance blossomed as they supported each other’s careers. Cordae became a familiar face in Osaka’s player’s box, cheering her on at the 2019 U.S. Open, the 2020 U.S. Open (where he famously wore a “Defund the Police” tee), and countless other tournaments. Meanwhile, Osaka celebrated Cordae’s musical milestones and appeared with him at events like the 2021 Met Gala.

In July 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter, Shai. Osaka later revealed that Shai’s name means “God’s gift,” explaining, “I wanted her to feel like she’s God’s gift to me and her dad”. Fatherhood transformed Cordae, giving him a new sense of purpose and grounding.

However, on January 6, 2025, Osaka announced on Instagram that she and Cordae had ended their relationship. She emphasized that there was “no bad blood at all,” calling him “a great person and an awesome dad”. Cordae has remained a devoted co-parent, and the two continue to prioritize their daughter’s well-being.

Personal Life, Beliefs, and the “Hi-Level Mindset”

Cordae is not just a musician; he’s a philosopher of sorts. He often speaks about what he calls the “hi-level mindset”—a philosophy of positivity, resilience, and self-belief. In a TED Talk, he explained how watching his mother overcome adversity—including having her car stolen twice in one week—taught him that circumstances don’t define you; your response to them does.

He’s also deeply committed to social justice. Cordae has been vocal about racial inequality, participating in Black Lives Matter protests and using his platform to advocate for change. His music often tackles systemic issues, and he’s not afraid to speak truth to power.

Spiritually, Cordae identifies as a Christian. He also practices mindfulness and meditation, which he credits with helping him stay focused and grounded amidst the chaos of fame.

Net Worth and Income Sources

As of 2025–2026, Cordae’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $7 million. His wealth comes from multiple streams:

Music Sales and Streaming: Cordae’s albums and singles generate significant revenue from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.

Touring and Live Performances: Before the pandemic, Cordae toured extensively, and he continues to perform at festivals and concerts worldwide.

Merchandise and Endorsements: Like many artists, Cordae earns from branded merchandise and partnership deals.

Songwriting and Features: He’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, earning royalties and feature fees.

In one of his songs, “Super,” Cordae boasts about earning $7 million in a single year without even performing shows—a testament to his business acumen.

Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement

Cordae is active on social media, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his life and work. You can find him on:

Instagram: @cordae

Twitter/X: @cordae

YouTube: Cordae Official

He uses these platforms to promote new music, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with his audience on a personal level. His posts often reflect his thoughtful, introspective nature, and he’s not afraid to address serious topics or share vulnerable moments.

Recent Updates and Future Projects

As of 2026, Cordae is focused on his music career and fatherhood. He recently teased new music and hinted at upcoming projects, including a potential surprise release. His third album, The Crossroads, marked a new chapter in his artistic journey, and fans eagerly await what comes next.

Despite the end of his relationship with Osaka, Cordae remains a supportive co-parent, and the two are committed to raising their daughter Shai with love and stability.

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

Cordae’s story is one of transformation—from a kid in Suitland, Maryland, who slept with a baseball bat under his bed, to a Grammy-nominated artist who has shared stages with legends and won an Emmy for his work with a former president. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the courage to bet on yourself when the odds are stacked against you.

But perhaps what makes Cordae truly inspiring is his refusal to be defined by any single label. He’s not just a rapper, not just a father, not just an activist, and not just Naomi Osaka’s ex-partner. He’s all of those things and more—a complex, multifaceted human being who continues to evolve and grow.

As Cordae continues to pave the way for future generations, his story stands as a reminder of how resilience and purpose can shape a meaningful legacy. Whether through his music, his activism, or his role as a father, Cordae is building something that will last long after the spotlight fades. And that, perhaps, is the most powerful statement of all.

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FAQs About Cordae

1. Is Cordae married to Naomi Osaka?
No, Cordae and Naomi Osaka were never married. They were in a long-term relationship from 2019 to January 2025 and share a daughter named Shai.

2. What is Cordae’s real name?
His full name is Cordae Amari Dunston, though he is also known as Cordae Amari Brooks.

3. How old is Cordae?
Cordae was born on August 26, 1997, making him 28 years old as of 2026.

4. What is Cordae’s net worth?
Cordae’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $7 million as of 2025–2026.

5. Does Cordae have children?
Yes, Cordae has a daughter named Shai, born in July 2023, with Naomi Osaka.

6. What are Cordae’s most famous songs?
Some of his most popular tracks include “RNP” (feat. Anderson .Paak), “Bad Idea” (feat. Chance the Rapper), “Super,” and “Old Niggas”.

7. Has Cordae won any awards?
Yes, Cordae has received three Grammy nominations and won an Emmy Award for his contributions to the children’s series We the People.

8. What is Cordae’s “hi-level mindset”?
It’s a philosophy he promotes that emphasizes positivity, resilience, and self-belief—the idea that you can overcome any obstacle by maintaining a high level of thinking and action.

9. Is Cordae still making music?
Absolutely. He released his third studio album, The Crossroads, in 2024 and continues to work on new projects.

10. Where can I follow Cordae on social media?
You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter/X at @cordae, and on YouTube at Cordae Official.