Cordae’s estimated net worth, which ranges from $4 million to $7 million, is evidence of his exceptional ability to strike a balance between authenticity, business acumen, and artistry. For a rapper in his twenties, that number embodies both financial success and artistic autonomy, which is uncommon in a field dominated by fads and short-lived celebrity.
He was raised in Maryland after being born Cordae Amari Dunston in Raleigh, North Carolina. His father loved hip-hop artists like Big L, Jay-Z, Rakim, and Nas. His reflective lyricism was influenced by these early sources, which distinguished him from contemporaries who prioritized shock value over content. He was already writing complex verses at the age of fifteen, fusing rhythm and introspection with remarkable maturity. He made the seemingly risky decision to leave Towson University in 2018 to pursue a career in music, which turned out to be very effective in establishing a long-lasting career.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cordae Amari Dunston |
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1997 |
| Age (2025) | 28 Years |
| Birthplace | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $4 Million – $7 Million |
| Known For | Grammy-nominated albums The Lost Boy and From a Bird’s Eye View |
| Record Label | Hi-Level / Atlantic Records |
| Former Partner | Naomi Osaka |
| Children | One daughter, Shai |
Cordae gained national recognition when he joined the YBN collective that same year. His response song “Old Niggas” and his remix of Eminem’s “My Name Is” went viral, showcasing his skill as a lyricist and keen social consciousness. In addition to being deft reworks, those songs served as a bridge between hip-hop generations in a way that felt especially fresh. Soon after, Cordae was playing at Rolling Loud and working on YBN: The Mixtape, which became a hit song on the Billboard 200 charts and signaled the emergence of a new rap artist.
In addition to enhancing his reputation, Cordae’s 2019 release of The Lost Boy, his first studio album, solidified his financial base. The album, which included collaborations with Anderson Paak, Chance the Rapper, and Pusha T, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song. Fans identified with its sincerity, while critics commended it for its reflection. With its strikingly successful fusion of traditional storytelling and contemporary production, Cordae received praise from critics and financial rewards.
The YBN collective broke up by 2020, and Cordae removed the “YBN” prefix from his name in a bold move that reflected his changing outlook. In a particularly calculated move that gave him ownership of his music and a larger portion of streaming profits, he soon established his own record label, Hi-Level. Since then, his business strategy has significantly improved, prioritizing sustainability over spectacle.
From a Bird’s Eye View (2022), his second album, demonstrated his development as a thinker and artist. His remarkable musical and intellectual versatility was demonstrated through collaborations with Eminem, H.E.R., Gunna, and Stevie Wonder. It proved that commercial restraint and cultural impact can coexist, even though it didn’t dominate charts as aggressively as mainstream trap albums. It struck a deep chord with fans who were looking for meaning.
Cordae’s artistic discipline is reflected in his financial model. His sources of income are varied and include songwriting credits, brand partnerships, streaming royalties, and concert tours. Since his live performances frequently sell out mid-sized venues across the U.S. and Europe, touring continues to be a particularly lucrative source of income. His carefully chosen partnerships show his subtle sophistication instead of his overindulgence in materialism.
In 2023, Cordae’s influence went beyond just music. “Two Tens,” his single with Anderson. Paak demonstrated his ability to transition between genres with his collaboration “Careful” with NF. Along with being creatively and financially rewarding, these projects helped him reach a wider audience online and increase his streaming numbers much more quickly than the industry average.
Cordae’s rising public profile was also influenced by his private life. Beginning in 2019, his relationship with tennis player Naomi Osaka generated interest and admiration. The couple upheld their privacy while representing a contemporary story of grounded intimacy and shared ambition. A new chapter in their lives began in 2023 when they welcomed their daughter, Shai. Cordae remained incredibly respectful of Osaka even after their friendly breakup in early 2025, referring to her as “one of the most disciplined human beings I’ve ever known.” Their story gave his image a level of emotional relatability that fans find refreshingly human in the chaos of fame.
As much as his lyrics define Cordae’s personality, so does his activism. He has used his platform with admirable clarity and bravery, actively participating in Black Lives Matter protests, including being arrested during a 2020 demonstration for Breonna Taylor. He has set himself apart from artists motivated only by visibility with his decision to speak truth to power while avoiding performative outrage.
