Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak and Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum rapper Cordae have officially released their highly anticipated collaborative album, Heavy Is the Crown. Available now via APESHIT / Hi Level / EMPIRE, the joint project taps into the duo’s soulful sound and magnetic chemistry, turning their proven track record of hit collaborations into a definitive statement on brotherhood, resilience, and creative legacy.
A Heavyweight Tracklist and Star-Studded Production
Spanning 11 tracks, Heavy Is the Crown seamlessly blends two of hip-hop’s most distinct voices as they trade sharp, witty verses alongside deeply reflective bars. The album boasts a premium lineup of legendary producers, featuring J. Cole on “Karma Taxx,” Swizz Beatz on “Godfather II,” Conductor Williams on “Crown,” 9th Wonder on “You’re Mine,” and FNZ on both “Helpless” and “I’m On” (co-produced by Hollywood Cole).
The project generated immense global buzz ahead of its release, earning early spotlight coverage from major music authorities like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Complex, The FADER, and Hypebeast.
Playful Chemistry Inspired by ‘Step Brothers’
Rooted in a genuine, long-standing friendship, the album strikes a perfect balance between elite musicianship and a great sense of humor. The official album artwork pays a hilarious homage to the cult classic comedy film Step Brothers, establishing the playful energy that defines the entire project.
This lighthearted spirit was first teased through a comedic trailer for the lead single “A Good Day.” The track’s official music video, starring actress Jennifer Freeman, has already racked up over 4 million views on YouTube, propelled the song into the Top 25 on Rhythmic Radio, and earned critical acclaim from Billboard, XXL, and Stereogum.
Regional Activations and a New Hip-Hop Era
To celebrate the launch in Southeast Asia, massive out-of-home interactive marketing campaigns have rolled out across Manila and Jakarta, featuring larger-than-life album posters where local fans can take photos and share them across social media.
This full-length album marks an exciting new era for the dynamic duo, expanding on their signature blend of West Coast funk, neo-soul, live instrumentation, and top-tier lyricism. Building on the massive commercial success of their previous collaborative hits—including 2019’s “RNP” (over 260 million Spotify streams) and “Two Tens” (over 75 million streams)—Heavy Is the Crown solidifies .
Paak and Cordae’s status as one of modern hip-hop’s most exciting musical pairings. For collectors, the duo is also dropping a special alternate-cover vinyl edition showcasing exclusive original artwork by celebrated contemporary artist Lauren Halsey.
‘Heavy Is The Crown’ Tracklisting:
1. 58th Floor
2. Airbender
3. I’m On
4. A Good Day
5. You’re Mine
6. Days Go By
7. Crown
8. Days Like This
9. Karma Tax
10. Helpless
11. Godfather II
Stream ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ here
Watch the “A Good Day” music video here
