Two Tens
| "Two Tens" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Cordae featuring Anderson .Paak | ||||
| from the album The Crossroads | ||||
| Released | January 25, 2023 | |||
| Genre | Jazz rap | |||
| Length | 2:32 | |||
| Label | Atlantic | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Cordae singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Anderson .Paak singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Two Tens" on YouTube | ||||
"Two Tens" is a single by American rapper Cordae featuring American rapper and singer Anderson .Paak. It was released on January 25, 2023 as the lead single from Cordae's third studio album The Crossroads (2024). Produced by J. Cole and Dem Jointz, the song is the second collaboration between the two rappers, following "RNP" in 2019.
Background
[edit]In an interview with Genius, Cordae and Anderson .Paak revealed they wrote the song in the studio using a beat from a pack sent by J. Cole. Paak stated, "We both were really trying to impress each other with each line. But also, we really want to make a good song. It's not just two dudes battling each other."[1]
Composition
[edit]The production of the song has been described as "jazzy" neo-soul in style,[2][3][4] over which the two artists trade four-bar sequences back and forth about the women they are attracted to and sexual exploits,[4][5][6] while debating on love and discipline in life.[7] Anderson .Paak, who performs the hook,[8] takes on the role of a man who is overly infatuated with a woman, while Cordae tries to talk some sense into him,[9][10][11] Although Cordae points out unwise decisions such as spending $10,000 on a Chanel bag and paying child support for ten kids,[9][11] considers the value of extra attention, time and money involved, and laments his friend's actions,[10] Paak is completely unbothered.[9]
Critical reception
[edit]Aron A. of HotNewHipHop wrote the song "marks another exceptional collaboration from the two rappers that will undoubtedly build more demand for a collaborative album."[2] Chris DeVille of Stereogum praised the song, commenting "It's way more entertaining than I expected."[3]
Music video
[edit]The music video was directed by Edgar Esteves and Juan Felipe Zuleta and released alongside the single. It finds Cordae arriving at a nightclub, where he meets Anderson .Paak, as he narrates: "Me and my nigga Anderson decided to pull up to the club, and I don't even like going out, but if my nigga tell me pull up, I pull up easy, you know?"[10] There, the rappers party with women,[4] popping bottles[8] and taking selfies with them,[6] and find a couple of ones from the group whom they attract to.[11] While Cordae "keeps things lowkey", Paak takes advantage of the surrounding luxuries and women,[7] and is also seen "enjoying a bathroom rendezvous".[6]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[12] | 74 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[13] | 8 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[14] | 25 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Cordae & Anderson .Paak Break Down The Meaning Of "Two Tens"". Genius. March 3, 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b A., Aron (January 25, 2023). "Cordae & Anderson .Paak Reunite Over J. Cole Production On "Two Tens"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b DeVille, Chris (January 25, 2023). "Cordae – "Two Tens" (Feat. Anderson Paak, Prod. J. Cole)". Stereogum. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Williams, Aaron (January 25, 2023). "Cordae And Anderson .Paak Go Back-To-Back With Their 'RNP' Collab Chemistry On The Mellow 'Two Tens'". Uproxx. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ Walker, Joe (January 26, 2023). "Cordae & Anderson .Paak's 'Two Tens' is Just a Preview of Possible J. Cole-Produced Project". HipHopDX. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Powell, Jon (January 26, 2023). "Cordae and Anderson .Paak reunite in "Two Tens" visual". Revolt. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Cordae & Anderson .Paak Go Back And Forth About 'Two Tens'". Soul Bounce. January 30, 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Cordae And Anderson .Paak Team Up On J. Cole-Produced Single 'Two Tens'". Rap-Up. January 25, 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Paul, Larisha (January 25, 2023). "Cordae and Anderson .Paak Reunite on J. Cole-Produced Song 'Two Tens'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Bowenbank, Starr (January 25, 2023). "Cordae & Anderson .Paak Hit the Club, Ponder Relationships in 'Two Tens' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Grant, Shawn (January 26, 2023). "Cordae is Joined by Anderson .Paak for New Single and Video "Two Tens"". The Source. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ "Canadian Hot 100: Week of February 11, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 6, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ^ "Bubbling Under Hot 100: Week of February 11, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2023.