Two Tens Explained

Two Tens
Cover:Cordae - Two Tens.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Cordae featuring Anderson .Paak
Released:January 25, 2023
Genre:Jazz rap
Length:2:32
Label:Atlantic
Chronology:Cordae
Prev Title:Feel It in the Air
Prev Year:2022
Next Title:Doomsday
Next Year:2023

"Two Tens" is a single by American rapper Cordae featuring American rapper and singer Anderson .Paak. It was released on January 25, 2023 and produced by J. Cole and Dem Jointz. The song is the second collaboration between the two rappers, following "RNP" in 2019.

Background

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

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,[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, considers the value of extra attention, time and money involved, and laments his friend's actions, Paak is completely unbothered.

Critical reception

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." Chris DeVille of Stereogum praised the song, commenting "It's way more entertaining than I expected."

Music video

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?" There, the rappers party with women, popping bottles and taking selfies with them, and find a couple of ones from the group whom they attract to. While Cordae "keeps things lowkey", Paak takes advantage of the surrounding luxuries and women, and is also seen "enjoying a bathroom rendezvous".

Charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[12] 74
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[13] 8
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[14] 25

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cordae & Anderson .Paak Break Down The Meaning Of "Two Tens" . . 1 June 2023 . March 3, 2023.
  2. Web site: A. . Aron . Cordae & Anderson .Paak Reunite Over J. Cole Production On "Two Tens" . . 1 June 2023 . January 25, 2023.
  3. Web site: DeVille . Chris . Cordae – "Two Tens" (Feat. Anderson Paak, Prod. J. Cole) . . 1 June 2023 . January 25, 2023.
  4. Web site: Williams . Aaron . Cordae And Anderson .Paak Go Back-To-Back With Their 'RNP' Collab Chemistry On The Mellow 'Two Tens' . . 1 June 2023 . January 25, 2023.
  5. Web site: Walker . Joe . Cordae & Anderson .Paak's 'Two Tens' is Just a Preview of Possible J. Cole-Produced Project . . 1 June 2023 . January 26, 2023.
  6. Web site: Powell . Jon . Cordae and Anderson .Paak reunite in "Two Tens" visual . . 1 June 2023 . January 26, 2023.
  7. Web site: Cordae & Anderson .Paak Go Back And Forth About 'Two Tens' . . 1 June 2023 . January 30, 2023.
  8. Web site: Cordae And Anderson .Paak Team Up On J. Cole-Produced Single 'Two Tens' . . 1 June 2023 . January 25, 2023.
  9. Paul . Larisha . Cordae and Anderson .Paak Reunite on J. Cole-Produced Song 'Two Tens' . . 1 June 2023 . January 25, 2023.
  10. Bowenbank . Starr . Cordae & Anderson .Paak Hit the Club, Ponder Relationships in 'Two Tens' Video: Watch . . 1 June 2023 . January 25, 2023.
  11. Web site: Grant . Shawn . Cordae is Joined by Anderson .Paak for New Single and Video "Two Tens" . . 1 June 2023 . January 26, 2023.
  12. Canadian Hot 100: Week of February 11, 2023. Billboard. June 1, 2023.
  13. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. February 6, 2023. June 1, 2023.
  14. Bubbling Under Hot 100: Week of February 11, 2023. Billboard. June 1, 2023.