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Anderson.Paak and Cordae perform in their A Good Day music video
Music

Anderson.Paak And Cordae Flip Bill Withers Classic For 'A Good Day' Video

The rap duo pay homage to 'Friday' in their new Dave Meyers-directed video ahead of joint album 'Heavy Is The Crown.'

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 1 min read

Anderson.Paak and Cordae are officially taking their longtime creative brotherhood to the next level. The frequent studio partners have announced a full joint album titled *Heavy Is The Crown*, and they are kicking off the official rollout with a bright new single called "A Good Day." The track delivers a warm, traditionalist hip-hop vibe that relies heavily on the duo's effortless rapport. Built around a bright, uplifting sample of Bill Withers' iconic 1977 soul hit "Lovely Day," the song blends buttery melodies with crisp, classic rap verses. This latest offering expands on a collaborative relationship that stretches back several years, dating back to when Cordae was still making music under his original moniker, YBN Cordae.

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To match the sunny, feel-good energy of the track, the pair enlisted legendary music video director Dave Meyers to helm the visual treatment. The cinematic video serves as an explicit homage to the 1995 cult classic comedy film *Friday*, bringing the iconic porch-side neighborhood antics back to life. The throwback aesthetic gets an extra boost of star power with a special appearance by actress Jennifer Freeman. Beyond the *Friday* nods in the video itself, the promotional art for the single playfully parodies the iconic poster for the movie *Step Brothers*, showcasing the duo's shared sense of humor.

Anderson.Paak and Cordae announce joint album Heavy Is The Crown
Anderson.Paak and Cordae announce joint album Heavy Is The Crown

When is the Heavy Is The Crown album release date?

Hip-hop fans will not have to wait very long to get the full project in their rotation. *Heavy Is The Crown* is scheduled to land next month, representing the pair's first official full-length release as a co-headlining act. With veteran director Dave Meyers behind the camera, a timeless soul sample anchoring the beat, and a nostalgia-filled video starring Jennifer Freeman, "A Good Day" sets a stylish tone for the upcoming record. The single confirms that.Paak and Cordae are ready to deliver a standout collaborative era.

The photos · 5

Anderson.Paak and Cordae perform in their A Good Day music video
Anderson.Paak performing on stage at a concert event
Anderson.Paak and Cordae announce joint album Heavy Is The Crown
Anderson.Paak and Cordae in a comedic Step Brothers inspired video.
Anderson.Paak and Cordae posing together for their collaborative album Heavy Is the Crown.

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Cordae: The breakout, the YBN split and the solo years

Viral verses put Cordae on the map. Grammy nominations, an arrest at a justice protest and a break from YBN shape what follows—with Anderson.Paak becoming a repeat collaborator.

  1. A J. Cole response gets him heard

    Cordae — A J. Cole response gets him heard

    Recording as YBN Cordae, he draws attention with a response to J. Cole’s “1985,” challenging its generational critique of younger rappers. His take on Eminem’s “My Name Is” also spreads online, establishing him as a lyric-focused presence alongside YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay.

  2. The debut delivers—and.Paak enters the picture

    Cordae — The debut delivers—and.Paak enters the picture

    Cordae releases his debut album, “The Lost Boy,” on July 26. Anderson.Paak joins him on the J. Cole-produced “RNP,” establishing their on-record partnership. That November, the album earns a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album, while “Bad Idea,” featuring Chance the Rapper, lands a Best Rap Song nomination.

  3. 2020-07-14Flashpoint

    A Breonna Taylor protest ends in arrest

    Cordae — A Breonna Taylor protest ends in arrest

    Police arrest Cordae during a demonstration outside Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s Louisville home. He is among 87 people arrested as protesters demand action over the police killing of Breonna Taylor.

  4. 2020-08

    The YBN prefix comes off

    After YBN Nahmir publicly signals the collective’s split, Cordae drops YBN from his professional name. The change separates his solo identity from the crew that helped introduce him.

  5. 2022-01-14

    The second album tests the solo identity

    Cordae — The second album tests the solo identity

    Cordae releases “From a Birds Eye View,” his second studio album and his first without YBN in his billing. Eminem, Lil Wayne and H.E.R. are among its guests, placing established stars around the rapper as he builds beyond his debut.

  6. 2024-11-15

    Another album, another.Paak reunion

    Cordae — Another album, another.Paak reunion

    His third studio album, “The Crossroads,” arrives with “Summer Drop,” another collaboration with Anderson.Paak. Their musical connection now stretches across releases, rather than resting on “RNP” alone.

  7. 2025-01-06

    Osaka confirms their split

    Cordae — Osaka confirms their split

    Naomi Osaka announces that she and Cordae are no longer in a relationship. The tennis player and rapper share daughter Shai, born in July 2023; Osaka’s announcement makes clear that their romantic partnership has ended without presenting the separation as a feud.

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People also ask

What song does Anderson .Paak and Cordae's A Good Day sample?
The track is built around a sample of Bill Withers' classic 1977 soul song "Lovely Day."
What is the release date for Heavy Is The Crown?
The collaborative album Heavy Is The Crown from Anderson .Paak and Cordae is scheduled to drop next month.