Released on April 6, 2018, through Atlantic Records, Cardi B’s debut album left the world speechless. In recent reports of infidelity from fiance’ Kiari Kendrell Cephus, also known as rapper Offset from the Atlanta native group Migos, Cardi spoke her version of events before and after stardom.
Through 13 tracks, Cardi opens with a song much like ‘Dreams and Nightmares’ by Meek Mill. ‘Get Up 10’ goes from a smooth melody of Cardi talking about her life prior to fame, with lyrics like “they gave a bitch two options: strippin’ or lose, used to dance in a club right across from my school“, Cardi explains the trouble of having to make it out of her rough situations and multiple things that caused her to turn to such a job, most notably using it to escape an abusive relationship according to RapGenius. She also explains she is the only person in her family to see six figures and the responsibility she has to carry not only her family but also her city on her shoulders.
Cardi’s album features in the music industry like the Migos in second song ‘Drip’, ‘Best Life’ featuring Chicago artist Chance the Rapper, Bay Area’s Kehlani in number 8, ‘Ring’, hit song Bartier Cardi feat. 21 Savage, and closing album song ‘I Do’ featuring SZA.
The album takes you from boss bihh to bad bihh to sad bihh in a matter of 48 minutes.
Throughout the album, my personal favorites include ‘Best Life’, ‘I Do’, ‘Thru Your Phone’, and ‘Be Careful’. These four songs embody the good times and the bad. Cardi successfully portrayed what seems to be her feelings about her life, however, I was shook to find out her and Offset were still together even after she publicly addresses their relationship in various songs on the album. However, more or less, I can see how ‘Invasion of Privacy’ is a rap take on albums like Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’.
Many expected Beyonce to divorce Jay-Z for his infidelity, however, she spoke her feelings through her album and whatever happens in their relationship is their business. We can only imagine the status of Cardi and Offset’s relationship and hope the best for the two.
As for her breakout album, I personally did not expect much, however, when I listened to the tracks, I was surprised to hear Cardi singing on a few of them. The beats and melodies blended well and I enjoy the songs, however, Cardi is not an artist you listen to like J. Cole, but more like a ‘Lil Yatchy’.
I love Cardi as a person and can listen to her when I need to be in a better mood or I’m feeling a little ratchet, however, this is not an album I would listen to regularly.
The features definitely help the quality and for her to come up so quickly I am genuinely proud. Much success is on the way for Ms.B and as long as she continues to stays true to herself, there is no stopping this powerhouse of energy.
-HCXO!