by Cardi B has taken the music world by storm since bursting onto the scene in 2017. With chart-topping singles like “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” and “WAP,” she’s proven herself as one of the biggest rap stars in the game right now.
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However, beyond her mainstream success, Cardi’s albums are full of lesser-known tracks that deserve more attention. While she may be known for her infectious hooks and catchy beats on her radio hits, her deeper cuts showcase her versatility and raw talent in ways fans may not expect. Here’s a look at some underrated songs in Cardi’s discography that are worth revisiting.
“She Bad” (Invasion of Privacy, 2018)
One of the standout tracks from Cardi’s debut studio album Invasion of Privacy, “She Bad” is a sassy, confident anthem celebrating female empowerment. Over a pulsing, dancefloor-ready beat, Cardi declares “I’m that bitch, I’m that ho/All these niggas know” with her signature swagger and charisma. Released prior to the album as a promotional single, “She Bad” gained some traction but was ultimately overshadowed by bigger hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It.” However, it remains one of Cardi’s most fun and feel-good songs to date with its catchy hook and lyrics celebrating a woman in full control of her sexuality and success. Its energy and message of being unapologetically “bad” make it a perfect pick-me-up song.
“I Do” ft. SZA (Invasion of Privacy, 2018)
A stark contrast from her more bombastic singles, “I Do” featuring SZA shows a more melodic and introspective side to Cardi. Over soulful guitar strums, Cardi reflects on a past relationship with honesty and vulnerability in her lyrics. She questions whether she should have tried harder to make things work, singing “Maybe I should change, maybe I was wrong/Maybe I was too young to keep you from movin’ on.” Featuring a guest verse from SZA, the track allows both artists’ distinct vocal styles and rap abilities to shine through. Its raw emotional depth sets it apart from Cardi’s more upbeat club tracks and gave listeners a glimpse into her artistry in a different light.
“Best Life” (Invasion of Privacy, 2018)
Driven by a smooth, sample-heavy beat, “Best Life” sees Cardi celebrating her success and rise to fame. With signature bravado, she raps about living her “best life” and ascending from humble beginnings, spitting lines like “I was in the streets, now I’m eatin’ lobster every day.” While not as overtly flashy as some of her other songs, “Best Life” has a laidback, feel-good vibe perfect for cruising down the highway with the windows down. Its soulful soundscape and Cardi reflecting on her come-up story make it one worth revisiting any day.
“Get Up 10” ft. Kodak Black (Invasion of Privacy, Deluxe 2018)
As a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Invasion of Privacy, “Get Up 10” featuring Kodak Black brings high-energy fun. Over a hard-hitting, percussion-heavy beat, Cardi and Kodak trade bars and playful banter back and forth with chemistry. From Cardi declaring “I don’t gotta twerk for these niggas, these niggas twerk for me” to Kodak coming in hot with his signature flow, their dynamic keeps listeners engaged throughout. While not a major single, “Get Up 10” showed Cardi’s ability to command attention on a track alongside a featured artist through her punchy delivery and witty lines. Its upbeat nature makes it a perfect addition to any turn-up playlist.
“Motorsport” ft. Nicki Minaj & Migos (Culture II, 2018)
Technically a Migos song featuring Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, “Motorsport” deserves recognition as one of the standout female rap collaborations of recent years. With its hard-hitting beat switchups and each artist bringing intensity in their verses, the track became an instant club staple upon release. From Cardi declaring “I’m on top and these bitches bottom feeders” to Nicki spitting “Now my money long like the neck of a giraffe,” their bars and chemistry elevate the song. While Cardi had a supporting role, her scene-stealing presence helped secure “Motorsport” as one of the biggest songs of 2018. Its energy makes it the perfect soundtrack for any girls’ night or hype playlist even today.
“She Got It” (Gangsta Boo ft. Cardi B, 2017)
Released before Cardi achieved major success as a solo artist, “She Got It” featuring Gangsta Boo showed early signs of her raw talent and wordplay abilities. Over an ominous, bass-heavy beat, Cardi holds her own alongside the legendary Gangsta Boo with impressive flow and rhyme schemes. Lines like “I’m in the streets but I’m too hood for these hoes/I’m in these streets but these streets ain’t for these hoes” displayed her gritty storytelling skills. While a lesser-known loosie rather than an album cut, “She Got It” serves as an interesting time capsule of Cardi flexing her rapping muscles in her early come-up phase alongside an established veteran.
Beyond her radio smashes, Cardi B’s albums house many deeper cuts that deserve more spins. From confident anthems and emotional collaborations to turn-up bangers, she continues to showcase her range and growth as an artist with each new release. While her mainstream success is undeniable, revisiting some of her lesser-known songs provides an opportunity to appreciate Cardi in different lights. Her knack for crafting infectious songs across diverse genres and moods is what has cemented her status as one of today’s leading voices in hip hop. Diversifying playlists to include some of her deeper cuts only serves to further highlight Cardi B’s multidimensional talents.
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