by Cardi B’s Musical Inspiration: An Ode to “The Message”
Cardi B recently revealed that Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s classic 1982 hip hop track “The Message” holds a special place in her heart. As a Bronx native just like Grandmaster Flash, Cardi grew up listening to “The Message” and credits it as a song that gave her confidence and made her feel powerful as a young girl.
As Cardi’s biggest fan, I completely understand why this song resonates so deeply with her. From its iconic melodic hook to its poignant lyrics, “The Message” is not only a fantastic song but an important cultural artifact. In this article, I’ll break down why Cardi B loves “The Message” so much, its influence on hip hop, and why it remains relevant today.
The Song That Made Cardi Feel “Powerful”
Cardi has described how empowering it felt for her as a child to listen to “The Message” with her mother and grandmother. And it’s easy to understand why – the song exudes strength and determination in the face of struggle.
From the driving rhythm to the commanding raps, “The Message” sounds like a rallying cry. The lyrics voice frustration and anger at the social problems facing the inner city, but ultimately send a message of resilience and hope. When Cardi heard those aggressive rhythms and defiant lyrics as a young girl in the Bronx, it’s no wonder she felt inspired and unstoppable.
For a child growing up in 80s inner city America, this song was an anthem of what it meant to be proud of where you came from, even in the face of hardship. Cardi has undoubtedly carried that spirit of determination and power from “The Message” with her as she’s risen to fame.
The Soundtrack of Cardi’s Childhood in the Bronx
Beyond just feeling inspired by it, Cardi B has nostalgic memories of listening to “The Message” in her youth. As one of the most influential early hip hop songs, it soundtracked a generation of kids growing up in the 80s.
Cardi has vivid memories of playing the track on vinyl with her mom and grandmother in their apartment in the Bronx. For Cardi, the song is inextricably linked with cherished memories of her childhood and her roots.
From the distinctive scratching DJ effects to Grandmaster Flash’s smooth rapping, the song clearly made an impression on her as a little girl. It’s no wonder that hearing it now takes her back to those more carefree younger days dancing around with her family.
The Meaning and Impact of the Lyrics
But beyond just being a catchy tune, “The Message” had a profound impact due to its lyrical message. Grandmaster Flash and his fellow Furious Five MC’s assembled a raw, poetic text about impoverished inner city life in the 80s.
Painting a vivid picture of violence, desperation and addiction, the song exposed the harsh realities of the streets. Lines like “Broken glass everywhere, people pissing on the stairs you know they just don’t care” evoked the bleakness and hopelessness of the ghetto.
But the song also sent a message of perseverance and courage to keep going in troubled times. The chorus of “Don’t push me cos I’m close to the edge, trying not to lose my head” became a mantra of defiance and strength.
For kids like Cardi growing up in that environment, the song was relatable and real. But it also offered inspiration to overcome obstacles and make it out of poverty. Clearly those messages resonated deeply with Cardi from a young age and stayed with her.
It Makes Cardi Feel Connected to Her Roots
Now that’s she’s a huge global hip hop star, Cardi B doesn’t take her humble beginnings for granted. She stays connected to her roots in the Bronx, and “The Message” helps her do that.
The song takes her back to childhood memories in her neighborhood. But it also reminds her of the struggle and adversity she faced coming up. It helps keep Cardi grounded and true to her origins.
Despite now living a lavish celebrity lifestyle, Cardi wants to hold on to where she came from. She’s proud to be from the Bronx, and “The Message” helps her stay in touch with those origins.
That’s why she keeps the song close to her heart – it strengthens her connection to her past and her community. It inspires her to remember people like her family and neighbors from the old days.
The Legacy and Influence of “The Message” in Hip Hop History
“The Message” occupies an esteemed and important place in hip hop history. When it was released in 1982 it was a revelation – one of the first socially conscious rap songs addressing real urban problems.
With its grim lyrics and distinctive old-school beat, it set the template for conscious hip hop. It showed rappers they could be more than just party-starters – they could be thoughtful storytellers spreading truth.
Hits from 2Pac, Nas, Kendrick Lamar and many more owe a debt to the foundation laid by “The Message”. Cardi recognizes that legacy, which adds meaning when she listens to the track.
But its influence was felt much wider than just hip hop – it became one of the first rap songs to gain mainstream popularity. It proved hip hop had mass appeal beyond just urban audiences.
The song paved the way for rap music to grow from its underground roots into the global force it is today. Cardi B’s own career has undoubtedly benefited from the boundaries pushed by “The Message”.
Why “The Message” Remains Relevant Today
Some might think a track about 80s ghetto life would no longer be relevant in 2022. But Cardi believes the themes and lyrics still resonate strongly in today’s world.
While society and technology have evolved, income inequality in inner cities hasn’t improved much. The song’s portrayal of poverty and violence still echoes modern urban struggles.
Lines like “Ain’t nothing going on but the rent” sting just as much now as decades ago. “The Message” gave a voice to the voiceless – something many still need today.
Cardi relates and wants her fans to feel the solidarity in the song’s message of unity and strength through adversity. In that sense, “The Message” remains as vital as ever.
It shows hip hop at its best – not just catchy beats but lifting up marginalized people. Like Cardi, a new generation can gain courage and hope from Grandmaster Flash’s masterpiece.
The Song Cardi Wants New Fans to Discover
Because of its continued relevance and power, Cardi has voiced her desire for her fanbase to discover “The Message”. Though it’s now considered classic hip hop, many younger listeners may be unfamiliar with it.
Cardi undoubtedly believes that the track she holds dear could inspire and motivate new audiences. The song’s indomitable spirit and profound lyrics remain potent today.
That’s why Cardi wants her fans to seek out the song and let its messages resonate with them. For anyone currently facing difficult circumstances, “The Message” is still able to uplift and comfort.
Hopefully Cardi can convince her vast fanbase to appreciate this quintessential old school gem. With her platform, she may be able to introduce “The Message” to a new generation that can find hope in its words.
The Message Reminds Cardi That People Are Not Alone
Above all else, I think what Cardi B loves about “The Message” is its reminder that people struggling are not alone. The song vocalized the hardship and oppression that inner city residents faced in the 80s. It helped people realize that others could relate to and understand their plight.
From crime and poverty to drug addiction and police harassment, the song highlighted issues that many ghetto youth faced at the time. But it also let them know they weren’t fighting those battles in isolation.
Through “The Message,” people realized that others shared their experiences and frustrations. The song helped foster a sense of community and bond during difficult times.
Even all these years later, Cardi hopes the song can continue giving people feeling marginalized and overlooked a sense of commonality and camaraderie. She wants her fans now to listen and be reminded they are not alone in their struggles, just like “The Message” did back in the early 80s.
That universal spirit of solidarity and empathy is a huge part of what Cardi B loves so much about this Grandmaster Flash classic.
The Timelessness of “The Message”
It’s incredible that a song released in 1982 can still feel so poignant and relevant in 2022. But that’s testament to the timeless power of “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
When Cardi B listens to the track, it transports her back to childhood. But the song resonates just as much with audiences today as 40 years ago.
That’s thanks to its honest portrayal of inner city struggles and the fighting spirit of the oppressed. Those themes sadly never go out of fashion. There will always be people living through hardship and inequality.
“The Message” gave a bold voice to that suffering combined with determination to overcome obstacles. That inspiring narrative is eternally powerful, which is why Cardi B still looks to the song when she needs motivation.
The song’s production also has a timeless immediacy and energy. The looped hook grabs your attention, while the funky bassline and scratch DJ effects create an urgent rhythmic base. Melle Mel’s rapid fire delivery sounds as raw and cutting-edge now as decades ago.
Ultimately, “The Message” transcends eras because its call for justice and equality remains relevant across generations. Cardi B hopes her fans can gain the same strength from its words as she has throughout her life.
The Anthem Cardi Needs in Challenging Times
Right now the world is facing challenging and uncertain times amidst a global pandemic. But Cardi B knows exactly what song she needs to get her through – the uplifting and empowering melodies of “The Message.”
Whenever she feels low or discouraged by current events, Cardi puts on Grandmaster Flash to lift her spirits. The song instantly takes her to a place of comfort and defiance.
She knows that once again the world needs to hear the resolve in lyrics like “Don’t push me ’cause I’m close to the edge.” We have to summon that determination and keep fighting through the darkness.
“The Message” gives Cardi reassurance that better days lie ahead as long as we support each other. Its themes of unity and perseverance ring out as loudly today as in 1982.
That timeless anthem of resistance gives Cardi B the strength she needs during difficult days. Though times are tough now, like “The Message” proclaims, we must keep our heads up.
The Song Cardi Will Never Forget
It’s abundantly clear that “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five will forever hold a special place in Cardi B’s heart. That classic track shaped her childhood and forever influenced her outlook.
The empowering lyrics made Cardi feel tough and capable at a young age, qualities she carries with her today. The song reminds her both of where she came from and the obstacles she’s overcome.
Like any favorite song from our youth, it transports Cardi back to happy childhood memories whenever she hears it. But it goes deeper for Cardi, connecting her to her roots and heritage.
Whether she’s feeling nostalgic or needing motivation, Cardi knows she can always count on “The Message” to lift her up. Decades later, it still sounds as epic and anthemic as the first time she heard it.
Very few songs stand the test of time quite like this one. It cemented hip hop’s ability to give a voice to marginalized people and spark change. The song made an indelible impression on Cardi B from a young age.
Without a doubt, Grandmaster Flash’s masterpiece will remain etched in her heart and continue inspiring her. She hopes her fans listen deeply to discover why “The Message” will always be Cardi’s special song.
