by Cardi B’s Vulnerable Side: 5 Sad Songs by the Queen of Rap
Cardi B has rightfully earned her title as the Queen of Rap thanks to her bold personality and unapologetic lyrics. Known for hits like “Bodak Yellow”, “I Like It”, and “WAP”, Cardi B is rarely shy about flaunting her success, sexuality, and confidence. However, beneath her brash exterior lies a more sensitive side that shines through in some of her lesser-known, sadder songs. While Cardi B’s music is usually upbeat and brazen, she does have a handful of tracks that peel back the layers to reveal deeper emotions of sadness, heartbreak, and vulnerability. Here are 5 melancholic Cardi B songs that show her ability to tap into raw feelings of love, loss, and struggle.
“Be Careful” (featuring Offset)
Released in 2018, “Be Careful” features Cardi B’s husband Offset and explores the complexities of relationships. On the surface, the song boasts about success and material things. However, it also addresses darker themes of infidelity and betrayal that come with navigating relationships in the spotlight. Cardi raps “I know you’re tired of being alone, I’m tired of being alone too/But that don’t mean we gotta rush into you.” She acknowledges the loneliness that comes with fame but warns that rushing into things won’t solve deeper issues. Offset echoes this sentiment, rapping “I done put you through some ish that you would never experience/So for that I’m sorry, please forgive me.” The song acknowledges the challenges of maintaining trust within a high-profile marriage. Beneath the bravado are hints of vulnerability as Cardi and Offset work through issues together in the public eye.
“Ring”
Released in 2018, “Ring” takes a more introspective turn as Cardi reflects on a past relationship. Over a melancholic beat, she sings “I wonder if he ever thinks about me/Does he ever dream about me?” The song highlights Cardi’s softer vocal delivery as she ponders whether an ex ever looks back fondly on their time together. “Ring” strips back Cardi’s usual bravado to reveal a more sensitive side as she works through lingering feelings of heartbreak. The lyrics “I know you probably f**king moved on/But I’m still thinking ’bout the way it was” offer a rare glimpse into Cardi’s ability to feel regret, sadness, and longing after a breakup.
“She Bad”
While “She Bad” from 2018 maintains Cardi’s signature swagger, it explores a breakup with surprising nuance. Rather than anger, the song expresses deep loneliness in its chorus “Since you left me, I feel so empty/I’m so lonely, I’m Mrs. Lonely.” Cardi reflects on how independent and strong she appears on the outside but feels lost within after losing a partner. The lyrics “I put my business out on the streets, now they all up in my sheets/I’m a boss bitch, yeah, that’s me/But I’m lonely as can be” highlight her ability to feel isolated despite career success. Underneath the boasts is a sense of sadness that comes from having her heart broken.
“Honestly” (featuring PNB Rock)
Released in 2018, “Honestly” sees Cardi collaborate with rapper PNB Rock to discuss relationship struggles through honest lyrics. Both artists acknowledge being imperfect partners who have hurt their significant others at times. However, they also express a desire to be open about mistakes and grow from them. Cardi raps “I ain’t perfect, but I’m workin’ on it/Tryna hold you down and get up on it.” The song highlights her willingness to be self-aware about flaws and work on emotional growth. It offers a more somber look at navigating honesty, trust, and communication within intimate bonds.
“Plea Deal”
Released in 2019, “Plea Deal” takes a turn from Cardi’s typical bravado with a raw reflection on her upbringing. Over a somber beat, she recalls struggles with poverty and legal issues as a teenager. Cardi raps about making tough choices like accepting plea deals to avoid riskier court cases that could jeopardize her future. The lyrics “I had to plead, I had to plead guilty/I had to plead, I had to plead guilty/They gave me a plea, I had to take it” offer a window into hardships she faced before fame. The song highlights her resilience in overcoming obstacles, as well as a willingness to be emotionally vulnerable about past struggles.
These deeper cuts show Cardi B’s ability to tap into raw emotions beneath her bold persona. While she’s best known for anthemic songs oozing with confidence, these 5 tracks reveal her skill at addressing complex feelings like heartbreak, loneliness, regret, and personal growth. They provide a nuanced look at Cardi as not just a brash rapper, but also a multi-dimensional artist capable of melancholy musings on love and life. Even the self-proclaimed “bad bitch” has softer sides, as these sad songs beautifully illustrate. They highlight her range and emotional depth beyond bravado – proving Cardi B is much more than just her hype hits.
