Cordae has revisited the abrupt collapse of his former rap collective YBN, offering a candid perspective on the internal struggles that led to their split. Speaking during a livestream with DMV content creator Peaks100, Cordae peeled back the layers of YBN’s rise and fall, reflecting on the dynamics that shaped the group’s brief but impactful journey.
YBN, originally composed of Cordae, YBN Nahmir, and YBN Almighty Jay, once seemed destined for greatness. However, when asked about his departure, Cordae didn’t shy away from the reality of group dynamics. “There were so many reasons, bro,” he admitted. “Groups don’t last—name one that has. Not even the Jackson 5, and they were family.” As Peaks100 countered with examples like Wu-Tang Clan, Cordae pointed out that even legendary collectives often splinter into solo endeavors. “Wu-Tang did their own solo stuff too,” he replied. “Ain’t nobody really together.”
Delving deeper, Cordae revealed that YBN’s cohesion was fraught from the beginning. “We never recorded a song with all three of us,” he confessed. “The business side was super messed up, honestly. We had a huge argument in Europe, and people said things you just can’t take back.” While Cordae emphasized there’s still love among the members, he acknowledged lingering tensions. “Namir’s still my homie. Jay, I still mess with him. But some things stick, you know?”
Despite the fallout, Cordae expressed gratitude for the platform YBN provided. He credited Nahmir with giving him an early boost in his career. “Namir threw us that alley-oop,” he said. “I’ll always be thankful for that.”
Cordae also offered insight into the financial realities of launching a music career. “When you’re starting out, it’s all about putting in,” he explained. “You might not see a return on the money you invest—studio time, all of that. But it’s worth it, and you can write it off on taxes.”
YBN, which stood for “Young Boss N****s,” originated from an online bond over gaming and music. The trio first connected during Grand Theft Auto sessions. In 2020, Cordae dropped the YBN tag from his name, citing ownership concerns.
“I can’t preach about ownership while pushing a brand we don’t even own,” he said. Before making the change, he sought Nahmir’s blessing. “That was what mattered most to me,” he added. “There’s no love lost.”
Reflecting on YBN, Cordae acknowledged the inevitable growth that can drive friends in different directions. “Sometimes, as friends, you grow apart and have different visions. And that’s OK,” he said. “Nahmir and Jay will always be my brothers.”
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