North Carolina’s Cordae has comfortably carved out a lane in underground hip-hop, often cited in conversations surrounding the younger generation of lyricists still “keeping the energy” alive from past golden ages. We’ve gotten another extended look at his bonafides in that regard through the promo effort for his upcoming third studio album, The Crossroads. As its official release looms, Cordae enlisted Joey Badass for “Syrup Sandwiches,” the final single in the lead-up for the project. Here’s everything you need to know about his latest release.
Joey Badass And Cordae Have Rock Solid Interplay On “Syrup Sandwiches”
Woozy, throwback production is the choice instrumentally. At the same time, structurally, Cordae again clears out space for his trademark brand of weighty similes and metaphor: “My bro move bass like Thundercat / Every two weeks, the n**** make a hundred racks.” It’s not a criticism by any means, but “Syrup Sandwiches” essentially functions as another day at the office for the once-YBN MC, officially come into his own as a top-tier lyricist.
Joey Badass, instead, takes the opportunity to truly dazzle. His multi-syllabic, dense style perfectly contrasts with the more straightforward fare that Cordae provides. “Me and Cordae, back to back, identical V’s / Two M’s on the keys, so she ready to leave / And do whatever I please, wear her heart on her sleeves / I got a God complex, so she down on her knees.” It feels almost like a return to the 1999 era for the NYC multi-hyphenate, yet with the mature edge that runs throughout his recent catalog.
Looking Ahead To What The Crossroads May Bring
While it may be peripheral compared to the music itself, the release of “Syrup Sandwiches” made us wonder if the launch window for Cordae’s The Crossroads shifted at some point. Almost all of the material from the project we’ve heard showcases a decidedly summery spin, be it the single at hand, the aptly named “Summer Drop” with Anderson .Paak or the nostalgic, sun-soaked “Saturday Mornings” alongside Lil Wayne. To be clear, the music is still quality at its very heart. But ahead of the LP’s release, its off-season overtones to date may affect its overall impact.
That said, each of those singles also puts a fine point on a precisely executed rollout for Cordae, in focus again with his latest drop. The Crossroads releases on November 15th. In the meantime, check out “Syrup Sandwiches” and all of the Cordae songs mentioned here wherever you stream your music.
Elsewhere in our coverage, we got an up-close look at an AOTY contender with the surprise Tyler, The Creator CHROMAKOPIA Brooklyn show.
