Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – Interview with Cordae on "Crossroads"

Release Date: November 15, 2024

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed rapper and artist Cordae. The discussion delves into Cordae's upcoming album "Crossroads," his perspectives on the evolving music industry, personal growth, social issues, and his experiences navigating fame. This detailed summary captures the essence of their dialogue, highlighting key insights, notable quotes, and the overarching themes explored during the interview.

1. Introduction and Current Career Status

Steven A. Smith welcomes Cordae to the show, expressing admiration for the artist's achievements at a young age.

• [02:06] Cordae: "I feel great, bro. Like, I'm really blessed."

Cordae reflects on his continual drive for improvement and balancing consistency with being present in his personal life.

2. Achievements and Recognition

Stephen highlights Cordae's impressive milestones, including record sales and award nominations.

• [03:33] Cordae: "My manager was just telling me, he's like, yo, you sold like 12 million records."

Cordae humbly attributes his success to gratitude and hard work, emphasizing the authenticity of his performances over streaming metrics.

3. Navigating the Music Industry

The conversation shifts to Cordae's approach to his craft amidst the changing landscape of music consumption.

• [04:48] Stephen A. Smith: "Did you take, and I say a break? I'm thinking mentally, yeah, of course."

Cordae explains his relentless commitment, highlighting the importance of intentionality and maintaining his brand's integrity.

4. The Podcast Epidemic and Content Quality

Cordae addresses his concerns about the proliferation of podcasts and the quality of content being produced.

• [08:20] Cordae: "We are in a podcast epidemic right now, okay? Like, we don't need that many more podcasts."

He criticizes the lack of research and originality in many new podcasts, advocating for meaningful and well-informed content creation.

5. Personal Growth and Mental Health

The duo discusses the importance of mental well-being and Cordae's strategies for handling negativity.

• [11:22] Cordae: "I try to keep that in mind. Like fortunately for me, it's been a lot more love than negativity."

Cordae emphasizes focusing on positive feedback and minimizing exposure to harmful criticism to preserve his mental health.

6. Social Issues and Activism in Music

Cordae elaborates on how social issues influence his music and the decisions behind his lyrical content.

• [24:57] Cordae: "Things that connect with me personally, you know what I'm saying? Things that connect with me and move me personally is what I try to speak on."

He underscores the responsibility of artists to address topics that resonate deeply with their experiences and communities.

7. Maintaining Authenticity and Low Profile

The conversation explores Cordae's intentional choice to maintain a low profile despite his rising fame.

• [26:00] Cordae: "I just sleep a lot better at night knowing that I put my all into it."

He discusses the balance between public presence and personal peace, opting for authenticity over oversaturation in media.

8. Insights on Sports and Personal Interests

Although primarily focused on music, Cordae shares his views on the sports world, reflecting his multifaceted interests.

• [32:16] Cordae: "Yeah, I'm tapped into the NFL. I see the Jets just got Deonte Adams. Yeah, Legion."

His analysis of team strategies and player performances showcases his deep engagement with sports, paralleling his analytical approach in music.

9. Challenges with Social Media and Public Perception

Cordae and Stephen discuss the impact of social media on artists' mental health and public image.

• [13:10] Cordae: "Because that's what I pay attention to. This is from my synopsis, you know what I'm saying?"

Cordae advocates for minimal engagement with social media to focus on creating quality content and maintaining personal well-being.

10. Upcoming Album "Crossroads"

Cordae provides a sneak peek into his much-anticipated album, highlighting his creative process and aspirations.

• [30:40] Cordae: "My best work yet, like my whole model, like I was telling you earlier, has just been pushing that pen."

He emphasizes the meticulous effort invested in songwriting and production, aiming to surpass his previous works with "Crossroads."

Conclusion

The interview between Stephen A. Smith and Cordae offers a profound look into the artist's mindset, his dedication to authenticity, and his thoughtful approach to both his music and personal life. Cordae's reflections on the current state of the music industry, his strategies for personal growth, and his commitment to addressing meaningful social issues underscore his role as a conscientious and impactful artist. As he gears up for the release of "Crossroads," listeners gain valuable insights into the driving forces behind his artistry and the principles that guide his continued success.

Notable Quotes:

• Cordae on Consistency: "[02:35] Cordae: It looks amazing. It was great to start off with. Don't get me wrong. It was already amazing, but now I was like, oh, shit."

• On the Podcast Epidemic: "[08:20] Cordae: We are in a podcast epidemic right now, okay? Like, we don't need that many more podcasts."

• On Social Awareness and Anger: "[10:11] Cordae: I'mma quote our good brother James Baldwin. He said to be black and politically, not politically aware, but to be black and socially aware is to be enraged all the time."

• On Authenticity in Music: "[16:07] Cordae: But I feel like what I bring to music is just authenticity. Me speaking my full truth and nothing but the truth, whether right or wrong."

• On Upcoming Album Efforts: "[30:40] Cordae: My best work yet, like my whole model, like I was telling you earlier, has just been pushing that pen."

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to Cordae's unwavering commitment to his craft, his thoughtful navigation of the complexities of fame, and his dedication to using his platform to foster positive change.