Cordae’s Tiny Desk Debut Features a Heartwarming Moment With His Mom
Cordae’s debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert has delighted fans, but no one was more moved than his mother, Jennifer Dunston. During his 20-minute set, the DMV rapper performed “06 Dreamin,” a standout track from his latest album, The Crossroads. The song holds special significance as it samples a track his mother recorded in the mid-2000s when she was an aspiring singer.
Bringing the heartfelt moment full circle, Cordae invited his mother on stage to perform her parts of “06 Dreamin” live. The touching duet added an emotional depth to the performance, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Reflecting on the moment, Cordae took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude: “Brought my momma on to my Tiny Desk! It was always a dream of hers to be a singer, so I wanted to share this moment w her!”
Cordae’s Tiny Desk Setlist
Alongside “06 Dreamin,” Cordae’s Tiny Desk Concert featured several fan-favorite tracks, including “RNP,” “Nothing’s Promised,” and “Saturday Mornings.” Though Lil Wayne was absent from the performance, the energy and musicianship on display showcased Cordae’s artistry and connection with his audience.
Cordae and Naomi Osaka Split
Beyond his musical endeavors, Cordae has recently been in the headlines for personal reasons. In January, tennis star Naomi Osaka revealed on Instagram that she and Cordae had ended their relationship. Despite the split, Osaka emphasized that there was no bad blood between them and that she remains grateful for their time together, especially since it resulted in the birth of their daughter, Shai.
“Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship,” she wrote. “No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad. Honestly really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together.”
The couple had been together since 2019 before welcoming their daughter in 2023.
The Crossroads and Its Commercial Performance
Cordae’s most recent album, The Crossroads, was released in November 2024. Despite boasting an impressive lineup of guest features—including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Anderson .Paak, Ty Dolla $ign, and Joey Bada$$—the album struggled commercially. It peaked at number 143 on the Billboard 200, leading to discussions about its commercial performance.
When asked on The Breakfast Club whether he considered the album a flop, Cordae dismissed the notion, attributing online criticism to negativity-driven content creators.
“No,” he said. “Because, probability of that, it’s [written by] some white boy in Indiana. Not that it’s a race thing, but it’s the truth of the people that run those. If you look at channels like that, their whole channel subscribes to a bunch of negativity. That’s what they’re about. Every artist in music, you can find something negative and nitpick at where they lack in some department.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite The Crossroads’ modest chart success, Cordae remains a respected artist with a dedicated fanbase. His Tiny Desk performance reaffirmed his talent and authenticity, while his heartfelt tribute to his mother showcased a more personal side of the rapper. With a strong support system and undeniable skill, Cordae is poised for continued artistic growth and success.
