Joey Badass says he isn’t a fan of Cardi B’s breakthrough single, “Bodak Yellow,” despite having nothing but love for his fellow New York rapper. Speaking with Method Man in an interview for Billboard, Joey explained that the track shouldn’t be labeled a “New York” anthem, considering the flow is from Florida’s Kodak Black.
“This is my disclaimer with ‘Bodak Yellow.’ First of all, I love Cardi B … But, for me, ‘Bodak Yellow,’ is literally a Kodak Black flow,” he argued. “Like, it’s a Florida flow, you know what I’m saying? … We having a conversation about New York anthems. While, okay, yes, I think that it definitely was an anthemic record for beyond New York, I think that it just has this DNA of not a New York song. Let’s be real about it. If Kodak Black didn’t exist we would have never have gotten ‘Bodak Yellow.’”
Joey Badass Attends “Power Book II: Ghost” Season 4 Premiere
Joey Bada$$ at the season 4 premiere of “Power Book II: Ghost” held at The Hammerstein Ballroom on June 6, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)
Cardi released “Bodak Yellow” back in 2017, interpolating Kodak Black’s iconic track, “No Flockin.” In doing so, she gave Kodak a credit on the song. It blew up and became the lead single from her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy. It also went on to earn Cardi nominations for both Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 60th Grammy Awards.
Joey Badass Speaks On “Bodak Yellow”
Other songs Joey and Method Man discussed from New York included “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” by Busta Rhymes, “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” by JAY-Z, “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” by DMX, and more. Check out Joey’s comments on Cardi B with Method Man below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Joey Badass on HotNewHipHop.
50 Cent has a near universal approval rating as a social media presence. He regularly posts hilarious memes, trolls the likes of Diddy, and links up with artists he likes. 50 Cent and Cardi B are both New York legends, and we’re happy to assure readers that there’s no beef brewing between them. Instead, the G-Unit mogul dug up behind-the-scenes footage of Cardi B’s breakout video “Bodak Yellow.” The footage sees Cardi B very clearly freaked out by wild animal she interacts with, and 50 thinks it’s hilarious.
50 Cent posted the footage on his Instagram. The quality is not top-notch, but Cardi B can clearly be seen trying to rap “Bodak Yellow.” As anyone who’s seen the official video can recall, Cardi is holding a leopard on a leash during one of the set-ups. It’s a cool visual, but it’s one that evidently stressed the rapper out. Cardi B raps a few bars before the leopard turns her way and hisses. The rapper is very clearly (and understandably) freaked out by the incident. “Okay, no, no, no,” she tells someone off screen. “Come hold him.” A man is then heard ordering someone to “take him” away from Cardi B.
Obviously, the rapper got through the shoot unscathed. Knowing this, 50 Cent found the footage to be absolutely side-splitting. “Yo this this sh*t had me crying,” he wrote on Instagram. “Cardi said no come get him.” The rapper had a good laugh, but he admitted that he would be just as freaked out to be close to a wild animal without protection. “Lol hahahahaha,” he added. “I be scared of that sh*t too f*ck that.” 50 Cent is no stranger to music video complications, either. In 2012, the rapper was hospitalized shortly after the release of the video for “Complicated.”
50 Cent’s bulletproof SUV was rear-ended by a Mack truck on New York’s Long Island Expressway mere hours after the video dropped. The rapper, along with his driver, were sent to the hospital around 3 a.m. Fortunately, neither man was seriously hurt. According to XXL, they were released within hours. When he’s not scrolling through Instagram, 50 Cent is busy making tons off the streaming profits to his classic single “Many Men (Wish Death).” The song became a meme after the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and streaming numbers have shot up a staggering 300%.
Cardi B has swiftly become one of the industry’s most influential and dynamic figures. Bursting onto the scene with her unapologetic attitude, Cardi B, real name Belcalis Almanzar, has captured the hearts of millions. Her rise from social media personality and reality TV star to Grammy-winning artist is a testament to her relentless work ethic and undeniable talent. With a string of chart-topping hits and a charismatic persona, Cardi B has not only dominated the charts but also influenced fashion, culture, and the music industry at large.
Cardi B’s music is characterized by her bold lyrics, versatile flow, and ability to infuse personal experiences into her songs, creating relatable and empowering tracks. From anthems of self-confidence and financial success to introspective and heartfelt ballads, her discography offers a wide range of themes that resonate with a diverse audience. As we explore Cardi B’s seven essential songs, we delve into the tracks that have defined her career, showcasing her journey from the streets of the Bronx to global superstardom. Each song encapsulates a different aspect of her artistry, highlighting why Cardi B remains a dominant force in hip-hop and beyond.
1. “Bodak Yellow” (2017)
“Bodak Yellow” is the track that catapulted Cardi B into mainstream success. It transformed her from a reality TV star into a bona fide rap sensation. Released in 2017, this breakout hit was the lead single from her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy. The song’s assertive delivery and confident lyrics made it an instant anthem. “Bodak Yellow” resonated with listeners for its unapologetic celebration of success and self-made wealth, encapsulating Cardi B’s rags-to-riches story.
The impact of “Bodak Yellow” was monumental. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first solo woman rapper to achieve this feat since Lauryn Hill in 1998. The song’s success also marked a significant moment in hip-hop. It signals the arrival of a new, powerful voice in the genre. “Bodak Yellow” received critical acclaim for its raw energy and authenticity, with many praising Cardi B’s ability to translate her personality into her music. The track established her as a leading figure in hip-hop and proved that Cardi B was here to stay.
2. “I Like It” With J Balvin & Bad Bunny (2018)
“I Like It” is another standout track from Cardi B’s debut album, Invasion of Privacy. Featuring Latin superstars Bad Bunny and J Balvin, this song brilliantly fuses hip-hop with Latin trap and reggaeton, creating an irresistible summer anthem. Cardi B’s vibrant personality also shines through in this track. Further, the success of “I Like It” was staggering. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, additionally solidifying Cardi B’s status as a global superstar. “I Like It” celebrates Cardi B’s roots and her rise to fame, with lyrics that exude confidence and joy. The song’s popularity was also boosted by its colorful, vibrant music video, which captured the essence of summer and Latin culture.
3. “Be Careful” (2018)
Diving into a more introspective and vulnerable side, “Be Careful” is a notable departure from Cardi B’s usual assertive and high-energy tracks. Featured on Invasion of Privacy, this song addresses themes of betrayal and heartbreak. Cardi drew from personal experiences and emotions. The track’s lyrics caution against infidelity and dishonesty, with Cardi B delivering a poignant message about trust and respect in relationships. “Be Careful” again showcases Cardi B’s versatility as an artist, proving she can tackle serious and emotional subjects just as effectively as her more celebratory anthems. The song was well-received by fans and critics, who praised its honesty and the maturity of its themes.
4. “Money” (2018)
“Money,” released as a standalone single in late 2018, is a triumphant anthem that encapsulates Cardi B’s love for luxury and success. The track celebrates wealth, independence, and the finer things in life. Produced by J White Did It, the song’s hard-hitting beat and Cardi B’s assertive delivery make it an undeniable banger that quickly became a fan favorite. With “Money,” Cardi B also reinforces her persona as a self-made woman. She revels in her achievements and isn’t afraid to flaunt her success. The track’s braggadocious lyrics capture the essence of her rise from humble beginnings to the music industry’s top. “Money” also highlights Cardi B’s ability to create memorable and impactful music videos. Its opulent visuals featuring extravagant outfits, powerful imagery, and bold choreography.
The song’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Cardi B’s commanding presence and the empowering message behind the track. “Money” peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying her status as one of hip-hop’s leading voices. This track not only celebrates financial success but also serves as an anthem for empowerment and self-reliance, embodying Cardi B’s journey and her indomitable spirit.
In 2020, Cardi B teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion to release “WAP,” a bold and provocative track that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The song’s unapologetic celebration of female sexuality sparked widespread conversation and controversy. It also solidified its place in pop culture. “WAP” dominated the charts, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking numerous streaming records. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s collaboration brought together two of the most influential female rappers of the time. They also created a powerful anthem that resonated with many. The song’s visually striking and extravagant music video amplified its success, featuring cameos from several prominent female celebrities.
6. “Up” (2021)
In early 2021, Cardi B delivered another high-energy hit with “Up.” This track showcases her confidence and knack for creating infectious anthems that dominate the charts. Lyrically, the song is packed with braggadocio and playful taunts. It reinforced her position at the top of the rap game. The single debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly ascended to the No. 1 spot. It demonstrated her continued relevance and appeal in the music industry. Moreover, he music video for “Up” is a visual spectacle filled with bold fashion choices, intricate choreography, and vibrant colors. Cardi B’s dynamic performance and the video’s creative visuals also perfectly complement the song’s energetic vibe, making it a hit.
7. “Press” (2019)
With “Press,” Cardi B tackles the relentless scrutiny of fame, delivering a fierce track addressing the invasive nature of media attention. Released in 2019, this single is characterized by its hard-hitting beat and sharp, assertive lyrics. Cardi B’s no-nonsense attitude shines through as she calls out her critics and reasserts her dominance in the industry. The song’s chorus, “Press, press, press, press, press / Cardi don’t need more press,” became an instant catchphrase, encapsulating her frustration with constant public attention and rumors. The track resonated with fans who admired her candidness and resilience. “Press” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, further proving Cardi B’s ability to turn personal challenges into powerful musical statements.
2023 was a year that saw female artists in the music industry rallying together and showing support, and while there’s still been some of that in 2024, tensions have been rising. The biggest femcee feud we’ve seen so far is between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj, and because they’re two of the biggest names in rap, it only makes sense that virtually all their contemporaries are dragged into the situation by Twitter stans too. In the past, the Queen of Rap and Cardi B have had their issues too, which is why some were surprised to see a close friend of Minaj’s supporting Bardi earlier this week.
While attending Jason Lee’s Hollywood Bash event, the Hustlers actress performed one of her first big hits, “Bodak Yellow,” much to fellow patron’s pleasure. Even Rih was feeling the track, singing along to some of Cardi’s lyrics while touching up her makeup with a Fenty pallet. As AllHipHop reminds us, this comes shortly after the New York native expressed her desire to make a “perfect” song for her and the Bad Gal to collaborate on. Plenty of other stars were in attendance, including heiress and reality starlet Paris Hilton.
“I love Rihanna’s music, but I don’t do music like that,” Cardi shared on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast earlier this month. ” I sound kinda [silly] trying to sing like that, trying [to] sound like that. So if I ever get that perfect record, I can not wait until I feel like, ‘This song… I know she’s going to like it.’ Because I don’t want to send her nothing like, ‘Ho, what the f**k is this s**t? Take this thing out of my face.”
Both Rihanna and Cardi B are making major moves while their fans await the new music they’ve been promising. One of the former’s biggest announcements this month was her Vogue China cover, which took a nod from Beyoncé’s recent love for Western wear. See stunning images from that shoot at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Cardi B’s major-label debut single, “Bodak Yellow,” has become the most-watched rap video from a solo female artist on YouTube. As of March 18, it officially has over 1.1 billion views on the platform. When it hit the mark and The Neighborhood Talk shared the news on Instagram, many fans noted it surpassed Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” to do so.
“Nicki BEEN hit 1.1 bill but now she’s 5k views more than Nicki, y’all post the achievement? LMAOOO I had to laugh,” one user commented. Another wrote: “I promise if my Cardi and Nicki collab they would break the internet harder than Beyonce, I honestly don’t understand the beef but women unite it’s 2024 and the ts draining.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Cardi B attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
Cardi has been hard at work on her long-awaited sophomore album, which she expects to release at some point in 2024. During a recent interview with Gillie and Wallo on Million Dollaz Worth Of Game, she explained that she doesn’t plan on collaborating with Rihanna, who has also kept fans waiting for new music for years. “I love Rihanna’s music. But, I don’t [make] music like that,” she explained. “I sound kinda stupid trying to sing like that. I sound stupid trying to make music like that. So, if I ever get that perfect record, I can not wait until I feel like, ‘This song…I know she’s going to like it.’ I don’t want to send her nothing like, ‘Ho, what the f*ck is this sh*t? Take this thing out of my face.’”
Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” Reaches New Heights
Revisit Cardi’s “Bodak Yellow” music video on YouTube above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Cardi B on HotNewHipHop.
If there’s one thing Cardi B has always had for herself, it’s vision. The 30-year-old felt called to superstardom from deep within, and so she set her sights and began acting accordingly. Of course, there have been speed bumps along the way – both legal and romantic – but now she seems more self-assured than ever before. As she prepares to share her sophomore album (a follow-up to the Grammy Award-winning Invasion of Privacy), Cardi seems to be in a reflective mood according to a tweet shared on Tuesday (June 20) morning.
“Fun fact: I [spent] $10,000 on the ‘Bodak Yellow’ music video,” the mother of two revealed. Along with the tidbit of hip-hop history knowledge, she shared a throwback photo taken while filming the visual. While wearing an elegant, deep red dress and stiletto heels, Cardi sits on the hood of a luxury whip. While her beauty budget and the expensive car likely took up a lot of that money, several members of the Bardi Gang were quick to ask their favourite artist how much she paid for the leopard who appears beside her on-screen throughout the footage.
As Uproxx reports, Cardi previously shared her inspiration for “Bodak Yellow” during an interview with Billboard. “I wanted to do a song that is, like, ‘You know what? I’m in a good place in my life right now, and I want to stun. I felt it in my soul — this song is going to be so popping.”
Despite the New Yorker’s obvious enthusiasm about the single, her label reportedly wasn’t feeling it. Staying true to her own vision, Cardi got the funds together on her own accord to put the video together. It’s since amassed well over one billion streams and was Diamond certified by the RIAA in 2022 after selling upwards of 11 million units.
Take a trip back in time with Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” music video below. Which of the rap diva’s songs from this era is your favourite? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Cardi B isn’t hurting for any cash. In fact, the “Put It On The Floor Again” rapper even gifted her son Wave with hundred dollar bills to play with. But before the Bronx native was a hip-hop star, she was responsible for raising the moment to fund her career in the industry.
Taking to Twitter, the recording artist recounted those moments, writing, “Fun fact: I spent ten thousand dollars on the ‘Bodak Yellow’ music video.”
After transitioning from being an independent artist to a major label, Cardi B shared the track as her debut in the big leagues. During an interview with Billboard, the musician talked about the inspiration behind the record, saying, “I wanted to do a song that is, like, ‘You know what? I’m in a good place in my life right now, and I want to stun. I felt it in my soul — this song is going to be so popping.”
It is rumored that Cardi B’s label did not believe in the track at the time. Therefore, Cardi B forked up the cash to pay for the video — an investment that shaped her career. The month following the song’s release, it earned a gold plaque from RIAA in August 2017. By January 2018, it was four-times platinum. Last year, it was certified diamond, with over 11 million units sold.
Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Cardi B made an exclusive appearance on The Jason Lee Show as its premiere guest and the “bloody shows” rapper explains how “so many people tried to connect me with Mr. Louboutin but it was Jason who connected me with Mr. Louboutin.”
As a fashion icon, Cardi has never publicly stated how she met the shoe designer who she playfully referred to his iconic heels as ‘Bloody shoes’ in the 2017 hit single that Billboard Magazine named a song that defined the 2010’s decade, “Bodak Yellow.”
Cardi B first became a household name in 2018 on the strength of her breakthrough hit, “Bodak Yellow,” as the song racked up plays and accolades on its way to becoming Cardi’s first No. 1 hit — and the first No. 1 record from a solo female rap artist since Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” twenty years earlier in 1998.
Today, the video for “Bodak Yellow” reached a milestone reserved for only the most popular clips on YouTube: reaching over one billion views. It’s Cardi’s first solo video to reach one billion, after her video for “I Like It” — her second No. 1 record featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin — and Maroon 5’s video for “Girls Like You,” which also went No. 1 and on which Cardi features, reached one billion views in 2019.
Cardi recently revealed that despite its popularity, “Bodak Yellow” was relatively inexpensive as far as music videos go. “Fun fact: ‘Bodak Yellow’ music video cost me 15 thousand dollars,” she tweeted back in January. “I was in Dubai and I said… I gotta fly Picture (videographer) out here… BOOM BOOM BANG! Ya know the rest.” By comparison, her more recent videos, like the ones for “Money” and “WAP,” cost astronomically more — $400,000 and $1 million, respectively.
Fun fact : Bodak yellow music video cost me 15 thousand dollars .I was in Dubai and I said ….I gotta fly picture (videographer) out here …BOOM BOOM BANG ! Ya know the rest .
More recently, Cardi B appeared in the video for Normani’s new single “Wild Side,” but was forced to tone down her performance as a result of her pregnancy. She’s also working on her second album as well as her second child.
Check out the video for “Bodak Yellow” above.
Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
“Bodak Yellow” was a huge moment for Cardi B, as the No. 1 single launched her career as a music superstar. The track quickly went on to become one of the most commercially successful hip-hop songs of all time, and now it has passed an amazing milestone: It is now the first single by a female rapper to ever achieve Diamond certification from the RIAA, which means it has reached at least 10 million sales in the US.
The RIAA confirmed the news this morning and Cardi alluded to it in a video she shared last night, in which she said, “I’ve been rehearsing all day today and I’ve been really stressed out and my body’s aching, yada yada yada. So then at rehearsal, they telling me, ‘Oh, you gotta go meet up with Atlantic.’ I’m like, ‘Yo, I’m f*cking tired. I don’t want to f*cking talk about no Grammys, I don’t want to talk about no album, I’m just tired. And then, I still got drove to a restaurant. I’m like, ‘Are you f*cking kidding me?’ I’m trying to go home, see Offset, f*ck him. Then I’m here and I just got this crazy surprise and I think you guys are going to find out tomorrow. And I just want to say thank you guys so much because without you guys, this wouldn’t have happened. This really made my day and really uplifted me for this crazy performance, and um… wow. I know you guys are going to be really happy, like really, really happy.”
It seemed like her fans already knew what was happening, though, as Cardi quickly followed up, “WTFFF !!! How the heiiilllll yall already [know] ???I can’t. I’ll be back later .DEUM YA BE KNOWING EERRTHANG !” She also added, “I need a moment guys… I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow and I’ll be reposting .I’m too emotional to see all these beautiful tweets.”
WTFFF !!! How the heiiilllll yall already now ???I can’t . I’ll be back later .DEUM YA BE KNOWING EERRTHANG !
single award! 