"Two Tens" is a single by American rapper Cordae featuring American rapper and singer Anderson .Paak. It was released on January 25, 2023 and produced by J. Cole and Dem Jointz. The song is the second collaboration between the two rappers, following "RNP" in 2019.
Background
In an interview with Genius, Cordae and Anderson .Paak revealed they wrote the song in the studio using a beat from a pack sent by J. Cole. Paak stated, "We both were really trying to impress each other with each line. But also, we really want to make a good song. It's not just two dudes battling each other."[1]
Composition
The production of the song has been described as "jazzy" neo-soul in style,[2][3][4] over which the two artists trade four-bar sequences back and forth about the women they are attracted to and sexual exploits,[4][5][6] while debating on love and discipline in life.[7] Anderson .Paak, who performs the hook,[8] takes on the role of a man who is overly infatuated with a woman, while Cordae tries to talk some sense into him,[9][10][11] Although Cordae points out unwise decisions such as spending $10,000 on a Chanel bag and paying child support for ten kids,[9][11] considers the value of extra attention, time and money involved, and laments his friend's actions,[10] Paak is completely unbothered.[9]
Critical reception
Aron A. of HotNewHipHop wrote the song "marks another exceptional collaboration from the two rappers that will undoubtedly build more demand for a collaborative album."[2] Chris DeVille of Stereogum praised the song, commenting "It's way more entertaining than I expected."[3]
Music video
The music video was directed by Edgar Esteves and Juan Felipe Zuleta and released alongside the single. It finds Cordae arriving at a nightclub, where he meets Anderson .Paak, as he narrates: "Me and my nigga Anderson decided to pull up to the club, and I don't even like going out, but if my nigga tell me pull up, I pull up easy, you know?"[10] There, the rappers party with women,[4] popping bottles[8] and taking selfies with them,[6] and find a couple of ones from the group whom they attract to.[11] While Cordae "keeps things lowkey", Paak takes advantage of the surrounding luxuries and women,[7] and is also seen "enjoying a bathroom rendezvous".[6]
