Daily Dose is your daily source for the song you absolutely, positively need to hear every day. Curated by the Paste Music Team.
After releasing a few memorable solo tracks throughout 2018—such as the trap-heavy “Kung Fu” and somewhat-controversial call-out “Old N****s”—and a mixtape with the YBN rap collective, YBN Cordae has made his way onto a handful of best new artist and best of hip-hop year-end lists.
Reflecting on his year on the rise and closing out 2018, Cordae has released one final single for the year, titled “What’s Life.”
Scaled-back production, soulful backing vocals, a piano and horns each get their own moment to shine before Cordae takes the spotlight. Throughout the track, he raps about the year he’s had, trying to isolate what truly matters (“What’s life without friends / Who remain genuine / Don’t care about the money / Or what type of crib you in / Who can withstand the test of time?”) while getting ready to head into 2019.
The video follows a similar theme, showing Cordae with friends in the studio and out. Focusing on relationships, we see him meeting new people, greeting old friends, and building and cherishing those connections.
Check out the single below.