It’s been less than a year since the popular summer bop, “Bodak Yellow,” won a lot of attention from the public. The song itself is certified 5x platinum in the United States by the RIAA. Additionally, Cardi B, a proud former stripper and reality TV star, is probably one of the most relatable people in the Hollywood industry simply because she just loves to keep it real and be herself. Her satirical and explicit, yet very honest, social media posts definitely keep her audience and followers entertained. Because her hit song did so well so fast, many people were skeptical that she wasn’t anything different than your average one-hit wonder. Cardi had much to prove in order to secure her position at the top of the music industry.
(Image via Genius)
She showed no signs of slowing down in between the release of her first single and this album release. She kept herself prominent in the music industry, releasing two more singles from the album and being featured on songs with various artists including Bruno Mars’ “Finesse [Remix]”, Migos’ “Motor Sport”, and Latin trap singer, Ozuna’s “La Modelo”. She made various appearances and performances at several well-known award shows and even made a cameo in Amazon’s Super Bowl commercial. She had a great team behind her to keep her relevant in the industry. And I don’t think her album disappointed.
Invasion of Privacy is already certified gold by the RIAA which was clarified less than 24 hours after its release. I wouldn’t be surprised if it receives another certification within the next week. I can already see the captions for the summer scrolling through my Instagram feed. Cardi B had a lot to prove, and prove to us she did. Although I love every song in its own way, I’ll be reviewing three songs from the album that really caught my attention.
(Image via Cardi B on Twitter)
The album is a thirteen-song tracklist that keeps her traditional street style from “Bodak Yellow” in most of the tracks. Featured artists include Migos, 21 Savage, Kehlani, Chance the Rapper, YG, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and SZA. My current personal favorite, “Money Bag,” is very reminiscent of her first hit single, “Bodak Yellow”. It has no features and has a very similar flow. The hook is what makes it hard for me to keep it off of repeat, “I do the Maybach on Monday, Ferrari Friday / This is sweet p— Saturday, that’s just what Plies say / I said ‘Bae it’s a snack,’ He said it’s a entree / With them pretty ass twins you look like Beyonce.” I’ve already exasperated my fair share of plays with this song and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “He can tell from the front I got ass behind me / And I park my Bentley truck on my Versace driveway.” (I’m too regular to even know there was such thing as a Versace driveway).
I think what I really like most from the album is the surge of boss-like lyrics that she gives. Cardi B has never described herself as a feminist, and I don’t mean to attach it to her name, but I felt a whole wave of feminist feelings from this album. From telling all the “broke hoes to get a job or get a bag” to making slight references to her relationship with the rapper Offset from Migos, I can’t do anything but feel some kind of empowerment.
The lead single, “Get Up 10,” starts with a hard-serving verse that is basically a description of her drive to keep going based on where she’s been. “I went from rag to riches, went from WIC to lit n—- / Only person in my fam to see six figures.” She’s never been shy about sharing her come up and she is always letting her followers know how different her life is now compared to a few years ago. And her struggles have been real. “We gon’ win / Knock me down nine times but I get up ten.” And I course love all the boss-like lyrics, “I came here to ball, is you nuts? / I don’t want your punk ass man, I’m too tough.” “And we all know you ain’t that type. / I’ll smack you and the bitch that you act like. / I started getting money, bitches upset / They remind me of my p—-; bitches mad tight.” Cardi B is a prime example of how her haters keep her motivated and she made sure to let us know how they all feel in this song, too.
A definite girl power song, “I Do,” featuring SZA is another one of my favorites. When Cardi B said “I think us bad bitches is a gift from God,” my soul left my body and has yet to return. This song is basically my life right now. As SZA sings, “No wonder, wonder why I do whatever I like, / I do what I like, I do.” A popular phrase from the song has already made its way into a few of my followers’ captions, “Broke hoes do what they can / Good girls do what they told / Bad bitches do what they want / That’s why a bitch is so cold.”
(Image via giphy)
I think the album title itself describes her feelings toward having fast-paced success. She’s no stranger toward sharing her feelings about what’s she’s seen in the industry, good and bad. But I also think she has a phenomenal team behind her that will not only keep her grounded but keep her here for years to come. Plus, she already has the self-motivated drive. I don’t think she’s going anywhere any time soon.
What do you think of Cardi’s new album? Do you think she’ll stick around for a few more years? I love to engage in conversation, so hit me up on Twitter (@mearesea) and we can discuss! Also, don’t forget to listen, stream, and/or buy Cardi’s new album, Invasion of Privacy!