by Cardi B is one of the biggest stars in music today. The Bronx-born rapper has achieved immense commercial success with multiple chart-topping singles and albums since breaking through in 2017. However, even as her fame and fortune have grown, Cardi B still feels homesick for her roots in New York City from time to time. As someone who came from humble beginnings in the Bronx, it’s understandable that Cardi B would experience bouts of nostalgia and longing for home. While touring the world and living the jet-setting lifestyle of a global superstar must be exciting, it’s also natural to miss friends, family, and familiar places.
For Cardi B, who is constantly on the move both professionally and personally, homesickness is something she likely deals with from time to time. Whether she’s missing the energy and character of New York City streets or longing for comfort food from favorite local spots, the pull of home can be strong. Of course, directly returning to New York may not always be possible due to her busy schedule. However, watching movies set in or about New York City could provide Cardi B with a taste of home whenever she’s feeling homesick. Films can beautifully capture the essence of places in a way that instantly makes viewers feel transported. With that in mind, here are 5 movies from over the years that could help Cardi B overcome homesickness by bringing her beloved Bronx and New York City closer whenever she needs a taste of home.
Paid in Full (2002)
Set and filmed entirely on location in the Bronx, Paid in Full is the perfect film to make Cardi B feel instantly connected to her hometown. The gritty crime drama tells the true story of three young men – Ace, Mitch, and Rico – who get involved in the cocaine trade in the late 1970s. Directed by Charles Stone III, the film authentically captures the Bronx landscape, culture, and lingo of the era in a way that transports viewers right back to that time and place.
For Cardi B, watching Paid in Full would be like taking a step back in time to walk the same Bronx streets she grew up on. The film’s Bronx aesthetic is so authentic it would no doubt trigger waves of nostalgia. Additionally, the characters and storylines feel very much of the Bronx, depicting the hustle and risks many young people in the community took to make money. Cardi B herself came from humble beginnings in the Bronx before finding fame, so she’d likely relate deeply to the film’s gritty portrayal of hustling to survive. Overall, Paid in Full offers Cardi B one of the most immersive Bronx experiences she could have from a movie to combat homesickness.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Another Spike Lee joint that perfectly captures the energy and spirit of New York City is 1989’s Do the Right Thing. While set in Brooklyn rather than the Bronx, the film oozes such authentic New York flavor that it would undoubtedly make Cardi B feel closer to home. Do the Right Thing paints a searing portrait of racial tensions coming to a head on the hottest day of the summer in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. However, it also celebrates Brooklyn culture and community with Lee’s signature stylistic flair.
With its colorful characters, pulsating soundtrack, and depiction of street life, Do the Right Thing transports viewers right into the heart of a NYC neighborhood. For Cardi B, it would be like slipping back into her beloved city, surrounded once more by its diversity, vibrancy, and clashes. She’d relate to the neighborhood camaraderie on display. Additionally, the film’s use of hip hop, break-dancing, and graffiti gives it an authentic late 80s NYC feel that would make Cardi B nostalgic. Overall, Do the Right Thing offers a quintessential New York experience that could satisfy any homesick pangs.
Hustlers (2019)
Released in 2019, Hustlers tells the true story of a group of former strip club employees who start drugging and robbing their wealthy Wall Street clients in the aftermath of the 2008 recession. The film received widespread acclaim for its performances, direction by Lorene Scafaria, and exploration of feminism, capitalism, and survival. It also holds significance for Cardi B because she has a small but pivotal role in the film portraying a character named Diamond.
For Cardi B, re-watching Hustlers would be a fun way to relive her on-screen acting debut. But it would also connect her to New York due to the film’s vibrant portrayal of Manhattan nightlife. From the neon-lit streets to the decadent interior of the strip club, Hustlers oozes big city glamour. Cardi B would undoubtedly feel nostalgic seeing familiar NYC locations and reliving her experience of filming. Additionally, the characters’ grit and hustle to survive would resonate with her own come up story from the Bronx. Overall, Hustlers offers Cardi B an entertaining homecoming experience mixed with pride in her own contribution to the film.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
For a wilder trip back to 1980s New York City, Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is hard to top. Based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, the film depicts Belfort’s career as a corrupt, cocaine-fueled stockbroker on Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio gives an electrifying lead performance as the hard-partying, morally bankrupt Belfort figure. From start to finish, Scorsese immerses viewers in a decadent world of drugs, sex, and excess.
While decidedly more debaucherous than her own lifestyle, The Wolf of Wall Street would make Cardi B feel instantly transported back to 1980s Manhattan in her nostalgic moments. The film captures all the signature energy, ambition, and hedonism of that time period in the city. She’d relate to the characters’ all-night partying and see glimpses of the old NYC in everything from the fashion to soundtrack. Additionally, Scorsese’s stylistic flair brings an over-the-top cinematic experience that’s pure entertainment. For Cardi B missing her beloved city, The Wolf of Wall Street offers a thrill ride back to 1980s New York that she’s sure to find nostalgic and fun.
New York, I Love You (2009)
For a lighter, more romantic view of New York City, the anthology film New York, I Love You hits the spot. Released in 2009, the film presents 11 short stories exploring love and relationships in the city. With segments directed by talents like Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, and Brett Ratner, each vignette offers a slice of life in a different NYC neighborhood. Some stories are poignant while others are comedic, but all are draped in the signature romance and charm of New York City.
Watching New York, I Love You would give Cardi B the perfect pick-me-up whenever she’s feeling homesick. With its portrayal of everyday New Yorkers falling in and out of love against the bustling city backdrop, the film oozes nostalgia and warmth. She’d see reflections of her own city adventures and relationships in each vignette. Additionally, simply hearing New York referenced with such affection throughout would lift her spirits. Overall, the film celebrates everything Cardi B loves about her hometown in a heartwarming way, making her feel closer to its people and places once more.
In Conclusion…
Whenever Cardi B starts to feel the pangs of homesickness for her beloved Bronx and New York City, any of these five films would make for the perfect remedy. From gritty crime dramas to romantic comedies, each one transports viewers directly into Cardi B’s hometown streets and captures its essence authentically. Watching films set in or about New York allows her to feel instantly connected to its energy, characters, and experiences whenever she’s missing home. With movies like Paid in Full, Do the Right Thing, Hustlers, The Wolf of Wall Street, and New York, I Love You in her queue, Cardi B will never be too far from the comforts and nostalgia of her roots.
