Madden 2023

Cordae And Hit-Boy Run The Board In Their Triumphant ‘Checkmate’ Video

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Earlier this month, Cordae once again linked up with California producer Hit-Boy to contribute the triumphant new single “Checkmate” to the soundtrack for Madden 2023. Today, they shared a simple but effective video for “Checkmate,” which focuses on Cordae and Hit-Boy in the studio with a football game on the TV in the background, black-and-white crew shots, and naturally, close-up shots of a chess board in the middle of an intense match. The video feels very much like a throwback to the 2000s in the way that the track does, evoking the exuberant, rebellious energy of the Dipset takeover at the turn of the millennium.

“Checkmate” followed up Cordae’s second studio album, From A Bird’s Eye View, which dropped in January and has spawned the singles “Sinister” — which was also produced by Hit-Boy and features Lil Wayne — “Parables,” and “Chronicles” featuring HER and Lil Durk. He also got into better shape, gave an insightful TED Talk, and shined in his Coachella debut. He kept momentum going in August with a double single release featuring “Unacceptable” and “So With That,” and he’s already begun teasing a new mixtape to add to his growing, impressive catalog.

Watch the video for “Checkmate” above.

Cordae is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Cordae And Hit-Boy Secure The Victory In Their Triumphant New Single ‘Checkmate’

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Cordae sounds very triumphant in his new record “Checkmate,” in large part due to production by Hit-Boy. The record, featured in Madden 2023, shows the “Unacceptable” artist rapping with fury despite being a downtempo record. Hit-Boy laces him with thumping drums and powerful synths, and Cordae takes the handoff all the way to the endzone, blending introspection and confidence. “I feel unstoppable, odds are not probable,” Cordae says.

This record comes after what has been a big year for Cordae. The 25-year-old shared his sophomore album From A Birds Eye View at the start of the year. The album featured Lil Durk, Lil Wayne, HER, Gunna, Freddie Gibbs, Stevie Wonder, and more. Despite the young rapper’s clear confidence, he had a moment of clarity on a road trip where he played Birds Eye View and his debut solo album The Lost Boy, and noted that the former fell short of the latter.

The Lost Boy, released in 2019, included features from Meek Mill, Pusha T, Anderson Paak, Chance The Rapper, Ty Dolla Sign, and more. The album was nominated for Rap Album Of The Year at the 2020 Grammys, ultimately losing to Tyler The Creator’s Igor.

Cordae appears to already be working toward the next era of his career, as this record comes just months after his dual release of “Unacceptable” and “So With That.” There is no set release date for his next project, but given the aforementioned moment of clarity, it would not come as a shock if Cordae is putting the finishing touches on what he hopes will right the wrongs of From A Birds Eye View.

Check out Cordae and Hit-Boy’s “Checkmate” above.

Cordae is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.