Cordae and Lil Wayne’s ‘Sinister’: A Bold Statement of Lyrical Excellence and Ambition
January 22, 2025
“Sinister,” released on December 3, 2021, is a dynamic collab between American rappers Cordae and Lil Wayne. Serving as the second single from Cordae’s sophomore album, From a Birds Eye View, the track showcases the lyrical prowess of both artists over a production crafted by Hit-Boy, with co-production from Audio Anthem.
The song opens with Cordae’s assertive chorus, where he declares his intent to remain a significant figure in the rap industry for at least two decades. He emphasizes the depth of his music, stating, “This ain’t rap music, this straight literature,” and acknowledges Hit-Boy’s contribution by mentioning, “Call Hit-Boy for beats, ask for ten of ‘em.” Cordae’s verses reflect on personal growth, challenges with his father, and his commitment to his craft, highlighting his evolution as an artist.
Lil Wayne’s verse adds a layer of complexity to the track, featuring intricate wordplay and metaphors. He delivers lines like, “Lil’ Tune flow sinister, I’ma finish ya,” and “Enemies, I’m the enema, I’ma shit on them,” showcasing his seasoned lyrical skills. Wayne’s contribution complements Cordae’s introspective narrative, blending seamlessly to create a cohesive piece.
The accompanying music video, directed by Edgar Esteves, draws inspiration from the Black Panther Party, portraying Cordae and Lil Wayne as leaders of a revolutionary movement. In the visual, Cordae assumes the role of an activist, while Lil Wayne appears as a guest speaker. Together, they stand before a group of followers, symbolizing the rise of Cordae’s record label, Hi-Level.
Critically, “Sinister” has been well-received. Jon Powell of Revolt praised Cordae for delivering some of his most compelling bars to date, while Wongo Okon of Uproxx noted that both rappers “strike fire for an impressive lyrical onslaught.”
In terms of chart performance, “Sinister” made an appearance on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart, peaking at position 40.
Overall, “Sinister” stands as a testament to Cordae’s growth as an artist and his ability to collaborate effectively with industry veterans like Lil Wayne. The track’s introspective lyrics, combined with its revolutionary-themed visuals, offer a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners, solidifying Cordae’s position in the contemporary hip-hop landscape.
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