“I don’t give a f**k” – Naomi Osaka’s rapper boyfriend Cordae goes off about his album a day after tennis player promotes his upcoming album

Naomi Osaka’s Boyfriend Cordae Opens Up About the Pressure of Album Sales: ‘First-Week Numbers Don’t Matter’

In a candid moment, Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend and acclaimed rapper Cordae shared his thoughts on the music industry’s obsession with first-week album sales. As he prepares to release his much-anticipated third album, *The Crossroads*, Cordae took to social media to express how streaming has transformed the way music is valued—and why first-week sales aren’t the best measure of an album’s success. The timing of his remarks followed Osaka’s supportive gesture, as the tennis superstar posted Instagram photos of herself at the beach in a striking bikini to help promote her partner’s upcoming release. The couple’s mutual support highlights their close relationship, as they both navigate high-profile careers in their respective fields.

Cordae’s new album, set for release on November 15, promises an exciting lineup of 16 tracks, with appearances by big names like Lil Wayne and Ye. It’s his third project, following *The Lost Boy* and *From a Bird’s Eye View*, both of which received critical acclaim. But rather than focusing on traditional metrics like album sales, Cordae emphasized that his main focus is on creating genuine, impactful music.

On his social media, Cordae reflected on how first-week album sales have lost meaning in today’s music landscape. “First-week numbers don’t mean what they used to,” he explained. “Streaming metrics are so different now—it’s not like in the 90s or 2000s when people bought physical albums.” The rapper recounted examples of artists who didn’t sell huge numbers immediately but went on to sell out arena tours, proving their influence despite modest early sales. “Some people were doubting my last album based on sales, but I ended up doing a sold-out headline tour,” he noted. For Cordae, numbers aren’t the end-all, and he believes it’s more important to gauge an artist’s impact by their reach and connection with fans.

Redefining Rap’s Role and Celebrating All Genres of Music

In addition to discussing album sales, Cordae used his platform to counter the common narrative that “rap is dying.” He pointed out that each music genre has unique strengths and challenges when it comes to popularity and revenue. Rap may perform well in streaming but struggles to match the touring success of R&B, while pop often brings in significant revenue. Cordae credited the recent resurgence in country music to its adoption of elements from rap, noting how some country artists have infused trap-style beats to appeal to broader audiences. “Every genre has its place,” Cordae said, celebrating the diversity of the music world and encouraging fans to stop measuring success by numbers alone.

He also spoke about the impact of numbers and finances on the purity of music. For Cordae, the constant focus on statistics risks overshadowing the artistic integrity that makes music meaningful. “Music isn’t just about numbers,” he stressed. “When people focus too much on stats, they lose sight of what makes music special.” His comments reflect a broader call within the industry to prioritize artistry over profit and metrics.

A Power Couple: Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s Journey Together

Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s relationship began in 2019, and the pair has supported each other through multiple milestones. Earlier this year, they welcomed their first child, Skai, an experience that Osaka has described as life-changing. Despite her role as one of tennis’s most recognized athletes, Osaka has faced significant challenges in her recent comeback to the sport. She returned to competition in January after her pregnancy, but injuries have hindered her progress.

To strengthen her game, Osaka enlisted the help of Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. The two debuted their partnership at the China Open, with Mouratoglou aiming to guide her back to her highest form. Unfortunately, Osaka’s season was cut short due to a back injury, but her determination to return to the top remains evident.

Cordae and Osaka’s supportive partnership showcases the bond they share. While Osaka champions Cordae’s music and his drive to be authentic, Cordae stands by Osaka as she navigates her own challenges in the demanding world of professional tennis. Their relationship is a testament to mutual respect and encouragement, as each pursues success in their own way. As The Crossroads nears its release, the spotlight is on Cordae to see how his perspective on fame, success, and artistry will resonate with fans.