26 October 2026
Anderson .Paak and Cordae have joined forces to deliver a collaboration tape that truly showcases the best that both artists have to offer. We have seen the duo link up before on tracks like ‘RNP’ and ‘Summer Drop’ but does the chemistry we’ve seen from the pair on those tracks translate into a cohesive full-length project? Absolutely it does.
‘Heavy is the Crown’ doesn’t make either artist compromise their own identity to accommodate the other, but gives both the room to do what they do best. Cordae’s stellar rapping ability is showcased throughout, and .Paak shows that he has that ability in his wheelhouse as well, whilst also still leaving room to showcase is stunning vocals.
The opening track ‘58th floor’ immediately sets the tone for the project. Providing a real look at what the pair have created, with an interesting storytelling element to the track, with a back and forth ‘on the phone’ style introduction, that showcases the chemistry between the pair from the off.
That chemistry is arguably the projects biggest strength. Anderson .Paak brings his unmistakable charisma and versatility, while Cordae’s focused rap delivery effortlessly compliments his counterpart throughout the project. The pair bounce off each other in a ways that can not be forced or manufactured.
There is more to the project than the strength of its central pairing, though. The storytelling element that you notice throughout adds depth, and allows both artists to explore more personal territory, without losing the character that makes this project so enjoyable.
‘Days Like This’ has that element to it and is another standout track on the project. It highlights just how comfortable .Paak and Cordae sound working together across the tape.
The production deserves credit here as well. The beat selection throughout the project just makes perfect sense and takes the project up a notch. It provides a dependable foundation for both artists, allowing both their individual strengths to shine, but maintaining a cohesive sound across the tape.
With producer credits from Hollywood Cole (J Cole’s production alias), Conductor Williams, FNZ, 9thWonder, Caleb Oh – to name just a few – it is no surprise the attention to detail and the beat selection is of the level it is.
‘Heavy Is the Crown’ at no point feels like a collaboration that exists simply because it was commercially appealing to put two established artists together. There is a clear musical logic to the pairing, and the album benefits from that understanding. There is no need for .Paak and Cordae to reinvent themselves to make this work.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the project is trying to push either artist into completely new territory. The appeal with this project lies more in the execution, which is, in a word, effortless. But when the production is this consistent and the chemistry feels this natural, that is by no means a criticism. The album understands what it wants to be and delivers on that promise.
Overall, the project is a very, very solid rap project, showcasing technical ability, cohesion and chemistry between two artists who clearly love what they do. ‘Heavy is the Crown’ is proof that when the chemistry is right, a collaborative project can be the creation of something that feels greater than the sum of its parts.
Words: Tom Dingley