When I first listened to Cordae’s album “The Crossroads,” I didn’t expect it to hit as hard as it did. I only knew one song by him  “Careful” with NF. But after hearing this, I was instantly pulled in. The album dropped on Nov. 15, 2024 and came with a tour that got fans hyped. With 17 tracks and a runtime of 48 minutes, the album blends the energy of his earlier work with fresh new sounds.

“The Crossroads” is one of those albums that really hits when you take the time to listen closely. From the very first track, I could tell that Cordae has been through some things he mentioned in his lyrics, and he’s ready to talk about it. It’s honest, personal and somehow relaxing to listen to. The vibe bounces between introspective and hard-hitting tracks 

The album features artists like Lil Wayne, Anderson .Paak, Joey Bada$$ and even Kanye West; however none of them outshine Cordae. The tracks “06 Dreamin’” and “All Alone” are reflective of his past, but then there are also songs like “Back on the Road” that reminded me how versatile he is with his flow and delivery. Cordae shows a good mix of styles across the album and proves he can switch up his flow when he wants to.

This album tells a great story, blends some of his classics with new material and the featured artists really elevate the tracks. There’s a solid variety in both tone and delivery from hard-hitting rap to more relaxed, mellow songs. Overall, I’d give this album an eight out of ten.