YBN Cordae at the Fonda Theater. Photo by Genesia Ting for the Los Angeles Beat.
Cordae Dunston, better known by his stage name YBN Cordae, has had a whirlwind couple of months since dropping high-anticipated debut solo album, “The Lost Boy” in July 2019. Cordae opened on tour for both Logic and J.I.D., has a Grammy-nominated album, and is now headlining his own “The Lost Boy” tour.
I had the opportunity to catch YBN Cordae live at his second sold-out night in Los Angeles, kicking off “The Lost Boy” tour at the Fonda Theater. This was my third time seeing him live, and I remained just as in awe as the first. 18-year old 24KGoldN opened the set, performing songs like “Dropped Outta College” and “Valentino.”
YBN Cordae opened his set with “Wintertime,” seated, with smoke swirling around him. Directly after, he launched into fan-favorite “Have Mercy,” and rattled off interactive “My Name Is” Eminem remix. It was clear that the audience was invested, bouncing along to every rhythm and rhyme, and shouting lyrics loudly when Cordae motioned the mic towards them.
Both the fans and numerous celebrities in attendance had a blast – it was hard not to. The set ended with “RNP,” where Cordae invited an enthusiastic fan onstage to rap Anderson .Paak’s lines back and forth with the rapper.
It’s clear that Cordae has made his name known in the hip hop industry. Aside from high-profile features on his album by Chance the Rapper, Anderson .Paak, Pusha T, and even Meek Mill on his album, he effortlessly effuses masterful lyricism and thought-provoking rhymes hold up on his own. He discusses topics that are relevant to his life and light-hearted-like newfound riches, or even thanksgiving with his family – a far and welcome departure from hip hop peers.
To catch YBN Cordae on his tour, check out y-b-n.com/YBNCordae/ for tickets.
