by Cardi B has taken the music world by storm since bursting onto the scene in 2017. What started as a social media personality and dancer has transformed into one of the biggest names in hip hop. In just a few short years, Cardi B has achieved massive commercial success with multiple chart-topping hits, won a Grammy for Best Rap Album, and cemented her status as a cultural icon. As one of her biggest fans, I’ve loved watching Cardi’s rise to fame and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into Cardi B’s musical career so far, her unique style and persona, and why she deserves the title of Queen of Hip Hop.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Belcalis Almanzar in 1992 in the Bronx, New York, Cardi B grew up listening to artists like Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown who would inspire her own bold and brash persona. In her early life, she worked various jobs including as a stripper to support herself. It was during this time that she began posting videos on Instagram talking about her daily experiences which gained her a large online following.
In 2015, she appeared on the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York to expand her brand. This increased exposure of her colorful personality on a major network helped skyrocket her popularity. She then began focusing more on her music career, releasing her first single “Cheap Ass Weave” in December 2015 which gained over 2 million views on YouTube.
Breakthrough Success with “Bodak Yellow”
While Cardi B had built buzz with earlier singles like “Lick” featuring Offset in 2017, it was “Bodak Yellow” that truly broke her into the mainstream. Released as the lead single from her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy, “Bodak Yellow” dominated the charts in the summer and fall of 2017. With its addictive beat and Cardi’s boastful lyrics about her rise to fame and wealth, it perfectly encapsulated her come up story.
“Bodak Yellow” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first solo female rapper to top the chart with a debut single since Lauryn Hill in 1998. It was a record-breaking hit that helped take Cardi’s stardom global. The success of “Bodak Yellow” proved that Cardi B had the star power, charisma and musical talent to become a household name.
Breakthrough Album Invasion of Privacy
Following the massive success of “Bodak Yellow,” anticipation was high for Cardi B’s debut studio album Invasion of Privacy upon its April 2018 release. The album did not disappoint, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning widespread acclaim.
Invasion of Privacy showed off Cardi’s evolution as an artist, incorporating elements of trap, Latin music and pop alongside her signature brash rap style. Standout tracks included the platinum singles “Be Careful” and “I Like It” featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny, as well as the empowering “Ring” featuring Kehlani.
Most significantly, Invasion of Privacy won Cardi B the Grammy for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female artist to win the award. The commercial and critical success of Invasion of Privacy cemented Cardi B as not just a breakout star, but one of the biggest names in music.
Unique Style and Persona
A major part of Cardi B’s appeal is her utterly unique style and persona. With her bold fashion sense, ever-changing hair colors, and unapologetically loud and proud personality, Cardi stands out from any other artist. She embraces her roots and proudly reppin’ the Bronx in everything she does.
Cardi B is also famous for keeping it incredibly real – she never holds back when expressing her opinions or sharing details about her personal life. Whether ranting about politics on Instagram or discussing her relationship with Offset, Cardi gives her authentic self in everything. Fans love that she stays true to herself and doesn’t conform to industry standards.
Her confidence and unfiltered nature have made Cardi B a role model for many, especially women who want to see strong, ambitious female artists owning their power and sexuality. She’s helped normalize things like women talking openly about sex that were once taboo subjects. Cardi B embraces her femininity while demanding respect, and fans find her empowering to watch.
Continued Chart Success
In the years since Invasion of Privacy, Cardi B has sustained her chart dominance with a string of hit singles. 2019’s “Money” reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her feature on the Blackpink song “Bet You Wanna” from their debut album helped expose Cardi to a huge global K-pop audience.
2020 saw two massive collaborations – “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and broke streaming records, as well as “Up” which reached number three. Both showed off Cardi’s chemistry with other female rappers. Most recently in 2022, “Hot Shit” with Kanye West and Lil Durk became another top 20 hit.
Across these smash singles, Cardi B has continued to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds and styles while retaining her signature flow and persona. She remains one of the most popular artists in any genre, headlining major festivals and selling out arenas on her tours. Fans can’t wait for the follow up to Invasion of Privacy, which will surely be another career-defining moment.
Cultural Icon Status
Beyond her music success, Cardi B has cemented herself as a true cultural icon. She’s appeared in major ad campaigns for brands like Reebok and has hosted Saturday Night Live. She’s become a style trendsetter whose outfits and accessories often sell out immediately.
On social media, Cardi is one of the most followed celebrities globally with over 150 million followers across Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and more. She uses her platform to advocate for political causes she cares about as well as give fans behind-the-scenes access into her life.
Most significantly, Cardi B’s impact can be seen in a new generation of artists who cite her as an inspiration. Her unabashed confidence and willingness to push boundaries have empowered many women in hip hop to embrace their sexuality and speak their minds. She’s singlehandedly changed the game for what fans expect from female rappers.
Conclusion – The Undisputed Queen
In just a few short years, Cardi B has achieved more than many artists dream of in their entire careers. From a social media personality to the biggest name in music, she’s proven that with pure talent and charisma, you can come from anywhere and rise to the top. As both one of her biggest fans and an observer of hip hop culture, I truly believe Cardi B deserves the title of Queen.
No one commands attention on a global scale like Cardi. She owns every room she walks into with a magnetic energy that draws you in. While staying authentic to her roots, Cardi B has expanded the possibilities of what a female rapper can achieve. She’s influenced pop culture in ways that will have impacts for years to come. For these reasons and so many more, Cardi B is unquestionably the reigning Queen of Hip Hop. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the legend as she continues breaking barriers and making history.
