by Cardi B has established herself as one of the biggest stars in hip hop over the past few years through a string of massive solo hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “WAP.” However, she has also proven herself to be a gifted collaborator, consistently delivering smash collaborations with some of the top names in music. While Cardi hasn’t explicitly stated her dream collaborators, the success of her past collaborations offers clues to the artists she enjoys working with. Here’s a look at some of Cardi’s most memorable collaborations to date and what made them click.
Bruno Mars – “Finesse (Remix)”
One of Cardi’s earliest high profile collaborations came in 2017 with pop superstar Bruno Mars on the “Finesse” remix. The track was originally released as part of Mars’ “24K Magic” album but got a new lease on life once Cardi was added to the mix. Her fiery verse brought fresh energy to the track and helped elevate it to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The collaboration showed Cardi could hold her own next to one of pop’s biggest hitmakers. Mars is known for his slick production and performances, but Cardi more than kept up and proved a worthy partner in crime. Their styles blended effortlessly over the infectious beat. Both brought their unique brands of swagger and charisma, creating irresistible synergy between their verses.
The success of “Finesse” demonstrated Cardi’s ability to slide comfortably into different genres beyond just hip hop. Partnering with Mars opened her up to a wider pop audience as well. It was a crossover moment that cemented her as a major new force in the industry. The track also hinted that Cardi thrives when bouncing off a big personality like Mars’, finding new dimensions to her flow. Their chemistry was undeniable and set the stage for more hits to come.
Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Cardi’s most acclaimed collaboration to date is undoubtedly 2020’s “WAP” with fellow rap sensation Megan Thee Stallion. The track was an instant smash upon release, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawning countless memes and think pieces. It also cemented Cardi and Megan’s statuses as two of the biggest names in hip hop.
What made “WAP” such a success was the electric chemistry between Cardi and Megan. Both came with ferocious flows celebrating their sexuality in unapologetic fashion over a slinky beat. But more than just the lyrics, their delivery played off each other with infectious energy. You could feel them bouncing off the walls together in the studio, finding new depths in each other’s verses through call and response.
The track showed how well Cardi and Megan’s styles complemented each other. Cardi brought her trademark bravado while Megan matched it with sass and swagger of her own. But they also knew when to let the other shine, passing the baton seamlessly back and forth. It was a true duet that elevated both of their talents together rather than competing against each other. Their synergy lit up the track and captivated audiences worldwide.
Selena Gomez – “Taki Taki”
While not strictly a singer, Cardi’s collaboration with DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Selena Gomez on the global smash “Taki Taki” in 2018 proved her versatility. The reggaeton-inflected track showed off Cardi’s ability to slide effortlessly between genres like pop and Latin music. She delivered a fiery verse in Spanish to match her collaborators.
Partnering with a pop star-turned-actress like Selena Gomez also helped introduce Cardi to a new audience. Gomez brought her massive fanbase while Cardi contributed her signature flow. Their styles blended seamlessly over the pulsing beat. Though a relatively brief feature, Cardi left an impression and held her own against high profile collaborators like Ozuna and DJ Snake.
The blockbuster success of “Taki Taki,” which topped charts worldwide, demonstrated Cardi’s knack for elevating material from diverse genres and cultures into global hits. She proved a chameleon who could adapt to any style. Partnering with a multi-talent like Gomez only expanded her reach further. The track hinted that Cardi could find magic with collaborators from any field so long as the material clicked.
Maroon 5 – “Girls Like You”
Pop rock stalwarts Maroon 5 tapped Cardi for their massive 2018 hit “Girls Like You.” On the surface, a collab between the veteran pop band and brash newcomer Cardi B seemed an unlikely pairing. But their collaboration showed how well Cardi could slide into different genres beyond just hip hop.
Cardi brought her signature flow and charisma to the feel-good anthem without overpowering Maroon 5’s sound. She locked in perfectly with Adam Levine’s vocals, matching his energy hook for hook. The track demonstrated Cardi’s knack for knowing when to hold back or let loose depending on the vibe. She let Maroon 5 lead without overshadowing them but still left her distinct stamp.
Reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, “Girls Like You” was another crossover smash for Cardi. It proved she could be a team player, enhancing established artists without compromising her own star power. Her chemistry with Levine felt genuine rather than forced. The collab grew both of their fanbases by appealing to different demographics. It hinted Cardi thrives when pushing boundaries by fusing disparate styles.
City Girls – “Twerk”
While not achieving the same commercial heights as her other collaborations, Cardi’s feature on City Girls’ “Twerk” showed off her chemistry with fellow female rappers. Released in 2019, the track was a welcome return to form for Cardi focusing on her strengths over a banging beat.
Partnering with City Girls, a rising act out of Miami, gave Cardi’s verse new context. Playing off each other’s energy, Cardi and the City Girls found new dimensions to their flows bouncing between verses. Their lyrics celebrating their sexuality with confidence felt authentic, girl-powered, and like a sisterhood rather than objectification.
The track hinted that Cardi has a knack for collaborating with other women by bringing out the best in each other rather than competing. She knows how to pass the baton seamlessly between verses to keep the energy high. Her chemistry with City Girls felt like a passing of the torch to the next generation of female rappers. While not a huge crossover smash, “Twerk” proved Cardi can deliver heat partnering with peers as much as superstars.
In Summary…
Through these collaborations and more, Cardi B has proven herself a gifted collaborator capable of finding magic with artists from any field. Whether partnering with pop titans, established acts, or up-and-comers, she consistently delivers infectious chemistry and hits. Cardi thrives most when playing off big personalities that bring out new dimensions in her flow. She also knows how to adapt her style to different genres without compromising her flair.
While Cardi hasn’t explicitly stated dream collaborators, based on her track record, she seems to enjoy artists that match or surpass her star power like Bruno Mars and Megan Thee Stallion. But she’s also shown knacks for elevating material from diverse cultures, sliding into pop seamlessly, and empowering other women. In the end, great collaborations for Cardi come down to instinctive chemistry and pushing creative boundaries – qualities she’s shown with collaborators from all walks of music. Fans can likely expect more smashes from Cardi no matter who she partners with next.
