What makes The Lost Boy by Cordae notable?

The Lost Boy received critical acclaim, being nominated for Best Rap Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. It peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Cordae's presence in the industry and influencing the new wave of conscious hip-hop artists. Released on January 1, 2019, The Lost Boy is Cordae's debut studio album following his previously acclaimed EP, I’m So Affected. At this point, he was transitioning from a rising star to a prominent voice in hip-hop, building on the momentum gained from his viral freestyle and collaborations with established artists.

Who is The Lost Boy for?

The Lost Boy works well if you're into introspective storytelling journeys, reflective late-night listening and steady emotional builds.

How many songs are on The Lost Boy?

The Lost Boy has 15 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

The Lost Boy

Cordae · 2019

45 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A reflective and poignant blend of introspective lyrics over soulful beats that showcases the struggles of youth in modern America.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Have Mercy — This track serves as a confident declaration of Cordae's talent and perspective, addressing personal struggles while showcasing his lyrical prowess.
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RNP — Featuring a catchy hook and vibrant energy, RNP highlights Cordae's ability to balance fun with serious themes, making it a standout single.
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Nightmares Are Real — This track delves into mental health and societal pressures, demonstrating Cordae's vulnerability and depth as a storyteller.
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We Gon Make It — A motivational anthem that encapsulates resilience and hope, this track emphasizes Cordae's message of perseverance amidst adversity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal narratives with soulful production, though its pacing is uneven due to skits.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate soulful samples and melodic hooks, particularly evident in 'RNP' and 'Bad Idea'.
The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and societal issues, with a narrative style that varies between introspection and storytelling.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective storytelling journeys
reflective late-night listening
steady emotional builds
short, engaging narrative arcs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2019, The Lost Boy is Cordae's debut studio album following his previously acclaimed EP, I’m So Affected. At this point, he was transitioning from a rising star to a prominent voice in hip-hop, building on the momentum gained from his viral freestyle and collaborations with established artists.
Stylistic neighbors: JID· Saba· Isaiah Rashad