Cordae Asked YBN Nahmir For His Blessing Before Changing Name

BY Erika Marie 8.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Steven Ferdman / Contributor / Getty Images
Cordae
He says he didn't pay the backlash any mind as long as his friend gave his stamp of approval before dropping "YBN" from his name.

It was just over a year ago when Cordae started making some changes to his moniker. The rapper dropped "YBN" from his name, earning whispers that the "YBN" clique was experiencing difficulties. He would later state that YBN Nahmir and Almighty Jay would continue to be like his "brothers," but it was clear that Cordae was ready to enter the new phase of his career.

He has always emphasized that he is a student of the game, and after announcing a new album and record label in addition to his charitable efforts, it was suspected that a few Rap moguls have taken Cordae under their wings. The rapper recently sat down with Genius and explained why he ditched "YBN."

Kevin Mazur/MG21 / Contributor / Getty Images

"I remember when I dropped YBN," he said. "It wasn't a popular thing at the time. I was gettin' killed online. And I got tough skin, like, this just what come with the game. I don't be trippin' off anything." Cordae said that none of the members of YBN owned the trademark, so he "can't be talkin' to kids about ownership and all of this when we pushin' this brand that we don't even own."

"Obviously, it goes without saying, it ain't nothin' against Nahmir and Jay. Before I came to the conclusion that I was gon' drop the three letters, I called Nahmir and I asked for his blessing. That was what was most important to me, I don't care what anybody else thinks." That was all that he needed and Cordae said he is eternally grateful to Nahmir for standing by his decision.

Watch Cordae explain it all for himself below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.