Nearly two years after their high-profile separation, rapper Cordae is offering a rare, vulnerable glimpse into his past relationship with tennis champion Naomi Osaka. In his latest musical release, the 29-year-old musician reflects on the complexities of co-parenting their young daughter and the emotional weight of a family dynamic that did not unfold as he once expected.
The track, titled “Helpless,” is featured on Heavy Is the Crown, a newly released collaborative album with Anderson .Paak. Throughout the song, Cordae moves away from the more guarded public persona he has maintained since the couple announced their split in January 2025. The lyrics delve into the reality of raising their daughter, Shai, across separate households—a situation Cordae suggests was far from the future he had once envisioned for his family.
Beyond the logistical challenges of co-parenting, “Helpless” carries a tone of personal accountability. Cordae appears to acknowledge mistakes made during the relationship, providing a layer of introspection that fans had not previously heard. While the song paints a picture of emotional difficulty and regret, it does not appear to contradict the amicable public stance the former couple has maintained since their separation. Osaka and Cordae have generally avoided public conflict, with Osaka previously describing her former partner as a great person and an involved father.
One of the more striking elements of the track comes when Cordae drops a detail suggesting he may be preparing for fatherhood once again. While the rapper has not officially confirmed a pregnancy or identified a partner, the lyrics hint at another child on the way. This revelation adds a new dimension to his reflections on family and his evolving role as a parent.
Osaka and Cordae first began dating in 2019 after meeting at a Los Angeles Clippers game. Their relationship quickly became a fixture at the intersection of professional sports and the music world, with the pair often seen supporting one another at major tournaments and award shows. In January 2023, Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, announced she was expecting her first child. Their daughter, Shai, was born that July.
The public was surprised when Osaka confirmed the end of their romantic relationship in January 2025. At the time, she took to social media to share the news, making it clear that there was no public feud between them. She emphasized Cordae’s positive qualities and his dedication as a father, a sentiment that has defined their public narrative ever since.
Despite the emotional weight found in Cordae’s new lyrics, the relationship between the two stars appears to remain supportive. Osaka recently signaled her approval of Cordae’s latest professional milestone by liking a social media post promoting the release of the new album. This gesture aligns with the respectful tone she established during the initial announcement of their split.
For Cordae, “Helpless” serves as an artistic processing of a chapter of his life that has largely played out behind closed doors. By addressing his own regrets and the shift in his family structure, the rapper provides context to the quiet transition from a high-profile romance to a focused co-parenting partnership that continues to shape their lives.
