CORDAE'S TED TALK IS ON ANOTHER "LEVEL"

Grammy-nominated rapper Cordae may be just 24, but he's lived—and achieved—more than a lot of folks twice his age. The Range-repped artist details the "Hi Level Mindset" that got him this far in life during his recent TED Talk, which you can check out below.

Cordae credits his mom with unwittingly imparting the tenets of discipline and positivity that inform this "Mindset," though he systematized it himself. It's more than a little heartening to see someone who's experienced such adversity radiate such alacrity and warmth, and it's a welcome reminder, during Black Music Month, that many, if not most, of the creators who lead in their fields had to overcome a helluva lot to get there.

Cordae is currently on the road, with stops including Hot 97's Summer Jam and Lollapalooza; a U.K./European tour kicks off in the fall. His new album, the Top 20 From a Birds Eye View (Art of War/WMG), boasts collabs with Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Freddie Gibbs, Eminem, H.E.R., Lil Durk, Gunna, Ant Clemons and Roddy Ricch.