by Cardi B has taken the music world by storm since bursting onto the scene in 2017. With her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” spending three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, she proved herself as a force to be reckoned with. However, there’s more to Cardi B than just her outspoken personality and catchy songs. Upon closer examination, she reveals herself as a multi-talented artist who has overcome adversity to achieve success through hard work and business savvy.
While Cardi B is undeniably outspoken on social media and in interviews, expressing herself freely, her true talent lies in her skills as a songwriter and rapper. Beneath the brash exterior is a thoughtful lyricist with an ear for crafting catchy hooks and witty lyrics. On tracks like “I Like It” featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny, she showcases her ability to ride beats while delivering lyrics in both English and Spanish with flair. Her wordplay and flow have drawn comparisons to legends like Lauryn Hill for their skillfulness.
Many critics have praised Cardi B’s songwriting abilities. In a review of her 2018 debut studio album Invasion of Privacy, Rolling Stone wrote “Cardi’s gift is her ability to craft supremely sticky, singalong hooks without sacrificing bars.” Her lyrics tackle topics like relationships, sexuality and female empowerment with a sense of humor and authenticity. On “Money Bag” for example, she raps about the pitfalls of love and money with clever double entendres. Beyond just catchy choruses, Cardi B’s songwriting skills prove she’s a talented rapper capable of crafting full, cohesive songs and albums.
While Cardi B may seem like a overnight success, her path to fame was actually years in the making and didn’t come easy. Born in New York to Dominican immigrants, she grew up in the Bronx and dropped out of high school to work low-wage jobs. Struggling to make ends meet, she worked as a stripper for years before gaining fame on Love & Hip Hop: New York. Her time in reality television and past struggles working multiple jobs have given Cardi B a sense of authenticity and realness that resonates through her music.
In interviews, she has been open about past hardships like an abusive relationship. These life experiences add layers of depth and emotion to her songwriting. On tracks like “Be Careful” featuring Offset, she raps candidly about the dangers of toxic relationships while advocating for women to value their self-worth. Her rise to stardom is an inspiration for others who have also faced adversity, proving that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can be achieved. Beyond just her personality, Cardi B’s music touches fans because it feels grounded in the struggles and joys many can relate to.
While Cardi B is a talented artist, she also reveals herself as a savvy businesswoman through her entrepreneurial ventures. Even before achieving mainstream success, she leveraged her growing social media following into brand deals and endorsement opportunities. Since hitting it big, she has partnered with major companies like Pepsi, Reebok, Balenciaga and more. Cardi B understands the value of her celebrity and isn’t afraid to negotiate lucrative deals for herself. She also founded her own record label, Washpoppin, in a bid to gain more control over her career.
Through strategic brand partnerships and business savviness, Cardi B has cemented herself as not just a musician but a mogul. Forbes estimated her earnings in 2018 to be $28 million, proof that she understands how to monetize her fame beyond just music sales. With future business prospects like her own line of merchandise in the works, it’s clear Cardi B has entrepreneurial ambitions that extend far beyond the scope of a traditional recording artist. She’s paving the way for others to leverage their platforms in the digital age and take ownership of their careers.
While some see Cardi B as “just” a brash personality, she also functions as a role model for many, especially younger women. Her unapologetic embrace of her sexuality and outspoken nature challenge traditional ideas of femininity. In an era where female artists are hypersexualized and objectified, Cardi B owns her sexuality on her own terms through songs like “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. Her celebration of sex positivity resonates with fans who see her reclaiming her body and pleasure for herself rather than to satisfy the male gaze.
Beyond sexuality, Cardi B refuses to conform to expectations of how a woman should behave or present herself. Whether rapping about money, relationships or female empowerment with an edgy style, she encourages fans to embrace their authentic selves unabashedly. On social media especially, she advocates for body positivity and has been candid about cosmetic surgeries she underwent for herself. Cardi B’s boldness inspires many, especially marginalized groups, to feel pride in who they are. While controversial to some, she functions as a role model to a generation seeking less restrictive representations of femininity.
However, Cardi B’s brash personality and music aren’t for everyone. Her unapologetic embrace of sexuality, along with her sometimes crass or profanity-laced lyrics, turn off more conservative listeners. That’s understandable, as different tastes exist and not all art will appeal to all demographics universally. Part of what makes Cardi B so compelling an artist is also what makes her polarizing – she refuses to temper her authentic self to mass appeal. That willingness to be unabashedly herself is what draws ardent fans, even if it simultaneously turns off others seeking more subtle representations.
Ultimately, Cardi B’s multi-dimensional talents extend far beyond her bold personality. She’s proven herself a gifted songwriter capable of crafting catchy hits, a savvy businesswoman who understands monetizing her brand, and a role model for many seeking less restrictive definitions of womanhood. While her brash nature divides opinions, it’s this authenticity that resonates most with her fanbase. After overcoming struggles, Cardi B’s rise to fame shows the power an individual has when they fully embrace their abilities and refuse to conform to expectations. She’s cemented herself as not just a flash in the pan but rather a force in music and popular culture for years to come through her diverse skills and talents.
