Cardi B, hip-hop's missing female voice
April 24, 2018
Cardi B is the rapper we all need in 2018. In the era of the #MeToo movement, Hip-Hop has searched for a strong female voice unafraid to tell the world what is up, and bold enough to share her feminine experience. In her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, Cardi asserted herself as one of Hip-Hop's brightest stars.
If you doubted Cardi when her hit single, "Bodak Yellow," and features in songs such as "No Limit" by G-Eazy, "Finesse" by Bruno Mars and "Motorsport" by Migos set Billboard records, Cardi didn't forget. She channeled the negative energy and criticism into a masterpiece.
I won't sit here and write that I expected Cardi B to have top charting album — I'm just as bad as most critics. Personally, I'm always skeptical when an artist with a hit single announces that they're going to release an album. Internally, I'm always asking to myself, "What is this going to sound like? Are they ready for this leap?" I asked the same questions of Cardi B, before Invasion of Privacy was released on April 6.
When she raps, Cardi has a tendency of being highly energetic and loud. This style works well on singles and features, whose aim is often to make listeners and fans get amped. However, when you're working on an album, you need the perfect combination of loud hits, introspective pieces, and melodic tracks.
Given Cardi's aforementioned background, I didn't know what to expect from a Cardi B — and boy, was I in for a surprise. My verdict? Invasion of Privacy is THAT ALBUM. Cardi B snapped. The variety of flows, beats and flair that she showcases on the album absolutely blew me away. From the intro song, "Get Up 10," which emulated Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares," to "Drip" featuring Migos, "Bickenhead," which is a bop of its own, to "I like it," where Cardi sprinkles a taste of Dominican sabor onto the track, Cardi did her thing.
Not to mention hit singles "Bodak Yellow," "Bartier Cardi," with 21 Savage, and features from Chance the Rapper, SZA, and Kehlani!!
Note: song includes explicit language
Female rappers often get the short end of stick in Hip-Hop: "They don't have enough hits," "Who would listen to this," "Why is she so open about her sexuality," "I'm uncomfortable," "She's only good because she's a female rapper," but Cardi B is out to change that. Invasion of Privacy has already premiered at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200, with Cardi becoming just the fifth female rapper to achieve the feat. The other five? Lauryn Hill (1998), Eve (1999), Foxy Brown (1999), and Nicki Minaj (2012). Not bad.
I'll admit, Cardi B isn't for everybody, but then again, she doesn't have to be. Her music is for the numerous "nasty women" fighting for gender equity, safe work environments and respect in the field and daily lives. Cardi, I'm sorry I doubted you! You did that, sis. I hope your album influences more female emcees to step to the mic and share their narrative. Much love, Jeff.
Jeffrey Bissoy is a Twin Cities native by way of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Outside of reporting Hip-Hop for The Current, he's the host of Maintainin' and co-host of the NBA podcast, The Come Up. Got a suggestion or wanna leave a comment? Follow him on Twitter, @JeffEmbiid.
Resources
Cardi B - official site
