Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – INTERVIEW: Cordae Talks New Music, Fatherhood, Lil Wayne's Influence, Avoiding Social Media + More
Release Date: December 18, 2024
In this engaging and insightful episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with rising hip-hop artist Cordae to delve deep into his latest project, personal life, influences, and perspectives on the evolving music industry. Skipping over the extensive advertisements, the conversation offers a comprehensive look into Cordae's journey as an artist and a young father.
1. Introduction and Welcome
The episode kicks off around [02:33] with DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God warmly welcoming Cordae back for his third appearance on the show. Cordae expresses his excitement and gratitude for being invited again.
Charlamagne Tha God:
"We got a special guest in the building. We got the brother Cordae. Welcome back."
[02:36]
2. Discussing the Album "The Crossroads"
Cordae introduces his third album, "The Crossroads," explaining the significance behind the title and its personal meaning.
Cordae:
"‘The Crossroads’ represents for me is, like, not necessarily knowing where I'm going. When I was making this album, I kept saying, 'I'm at a crossroads.'"
[06:04]
He further elaborates on the theme, emphasizing the uncertainty and excitement of being at a pivotal point in his life and career.
Cordae:
"It's the feeling of unknowing where I'm going next. It's exciting but also fucking scary."
[07:07]
3. Lil Wayne's Mentorship and Influence
Cordae shares his experiences collaborating with Lil Wayne, highlighting the invaluable lessons he has learned from the veteran artist.
Cordae:
"You have to treat every single song like it's people's first time hearing you. It makes you really want to give it your all."
[13:25]
He praises Wayne's work ethic and creative genius, comparing him to Michael Jackson in terms of his impact on hip-hop.
Cordae:
"Lil Wayne is hip hop's Michael Jackson. He teaches by doing. His work ethic is incredible."
[15:23]
4. Navigating Fatherhood
Becoming a father has profoundly changed Cordae's approach to his career and personal life. He discusses the discipline and time management required to balance being an artist and a young parent.
Cordae:
"Having a daughter has made me more disciplined with my time. I want to respect not only my time but others' time as well."
[09:05]
He explains how fatherhood has led to a more regimented studio schedule, enhancing his productivity without making his work feel like a job.
Cordae:
"Now I'm in the studio from 9am to 6pm six days a week, and it's more regimented, making me more productive."
[10:26]
5. Perspectives on Social Media
Cordae offers a candid take on the impact of social media, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from negativity and focusing on authentic creativity.
Cordae:
"People are always going to say something negative. I've learned not to give a fuck what people think."
[38:04]
He discusses the challenges of dealing with online criticism and the mental toll it can take, advocating for maintaining one's mental health by limiting social media consumption.
Cordae:
"Disconnecting from social media and focusing on your art without worrying about what anyone is saying is empowering."
[37:31]
6. Streaming vs. Physical Album Sales
The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of the music industry, particularly the shift from physical sales to streaming platforms.
Cordae:
"Back in the 90s, artists made more money from actual music sales. Today, it's different with streaming, touring, and brand endorsements."
[18:26]
He highlights the complexities of streaming metrics, noting how the equivalent of a sale has changed and its implications for artists today.
Cordae:
"You have to stream a song 1500 times to count as one singular unit, which is wild compared to physical sales."
[18:29]
7. Personal Life and Privacy
Cordae touches on his preference for maintaining privacy regarding his personal life, including his relationship and his daughter. He emphasizes the importance of keeping certain aspects of life away from the public eye to preserve personal happiness and stability.
Cordae:
"I'm a super private person. I try to keep my personal life as private as possible."
[28:32]
He briefly addresses rumors about his relationship, reaffirming that he prioritizes his family and chooses not to engage publicly in discussions about his private matters.
Cordae:
"When you allow outside opinions, it can get in the way of what's important to you. So, I keep it private."
[28:42]
8. Challenges in the Music Industry
Cordae delves into the pressures of success, the fear of not meeting expectations, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures.
Cordae:
"Competition can be harsh, but building a community and supporting each other is crucial in hip-hop."
[26:47]
He discusses the balance between maintaining authenticity and managing public perception, particularly when dealing with praise and criticism alike.
Cordae:
"If you let positive feedback inflate your ego, the next album might not meet those high expectations, affecting your confidence."
[38:04]
9. Dealing with Anxiety and Stress
The hosts explore the mental health challenges that come with fame and success. Cordae shares his strategies for coping with anxiety, such as retail therapy and focusing on his family.
Cordae:
"My family fills that void. Being around them helps me enjoy life and manage stress."
[24:33]
He acknowledges the heavy burden that comes with a platform and the continuous responsibility to maintain one's career and personal life.
Cordae:
"Heavy is the head that wears the crown. When you ask for big things, you have to be ready for the responsibility that comes with it."
[45:28]
10. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
As the conversation winds down, Cordae reflects on his journey and expresses gratitude for his growth and the support he has received. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to his creative vision.
Cordae:
"I'm in a space now of being a free creative, expressing what's on my mind without fear of being canceled."
[47:11]
He concludes by looking forward to continuing his artistic journey, committed to evolving and staying genuine in his craft.
Cordae:
"I've done a lot of things I wanted to do, but there's still much more to achieve. I'm blessed and ready to continue this journey."
[57:33]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Cordae on "The Crossroads":
"I'm at a crossroads. It's exciting but also fucking scary."
[07:07] -
On Lil Wayne's Influence:
"He teaches by doing. His work ethic is incredible."
[15:23] -
Regarding Fatherhood:
"Having a daughter has made me more disciplined with my time."
[09:05] -
On Social Media:
"People are always going to say something negative. I've learned not to give a fuck what people think."
[38:04] -
About Streaming:
"You have to stream a song 1500 times to count as one singular unit, which is wild compared to physical sales."
[18:29] -
On Privacy:
"I'm a super private person. I try to keep my personal life as private as possible."
[28:32] -
Mental Health and Stress:
"Heavy is the head that wears the crown. When you ask for big things, you have to be ready for the responsibility that comes with it."
[45:28]
Conclusion
This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a profound glimpse into Cordae's multifaceted life as an artist and father. From discussing the introspective themes of his album "The Crossroads" to the mentorship he received from Lil Wayne, Cordae provides listeners with a transparent and heartfelt narrative of his experiences. His candid conversations about the pressures of fame, the importance of community in hip-hop, and maintaining personal privacy add depth to his persona, making this episode a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.