Last issue test

CARDI B CONTINUES TO MAKE “MONEY MOVES”

Logan Potter | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

I’ll never claim to be an expert in rap or hip-hop music—period. That said, I was elated when I found out that Cardi B was releasing a debut album. She roped me in with “Bodak Yellow” and made me become a fan of female rappers, and as a result, I even gave Nicki Minaj a shot. Historically, I’ve always been a frequent listener of Top 40 pop, and I never related to my friends who preferred Kendrick Lamar over Ed Sheeran. Since then, “Invasion of Privacy” made a fan out of me, and Cardi should be proud of the success she is garnering on and off the charts.

“Be Careful” is one of the rawest tracks on the album, and even this one has a signature Cardi B attitude behind it. The lyrics of the soon-to-be rap hit are focused on her relationship and past with now-fiancé Offset, who caused quite the controversy when he cheated on her, nearly ending their relationship. Telling him through song that she “could’ve did what you did to me to you a few times” but that it isn’t her “M.O.,” her feelings about the history of her continuing relationship with Offset are abundantly clear. The track is my personal favorite for its rawness and honesty; more than anything, it shows listeners that Cardi has no intention of holding back, especially in her music.

While the album also features chart favorites like “Bodak Yellow” and “Bartier Cardi,” Cardi B also collaborates with some of the top hip-hop and rap artists on the map. In her song “Best Life” featuring Chance the Rapper, she describes the thrill and lavishness that comes with fame, calling herself her “own competition.” In other tracks like “I Do” featuring SZA, details such as her self-love are brought to the table while simultaneously coming together into a track that pulls the entire album together as a whole. Collaborations may not be everything, but Cardi knows how to take them in strides.

Technically considered a rising artist herself, it’s incredible the album sounds

much more like the product of a seasoned performer. This, however, comes as no surprise after Cardi racked in two nominations in her first year of eligibility at the GRAMMY Awards. With that in mind, it’s important to note that this woman is no newcomer to shock factors. On the April 7 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” Cardi B unveiled her pregnancy while performing the aforementioned track “Be Careful.” While rumors had been circulating for weeks, she revealed the pregnancy on her own terms while delivering a jaw-dropping

performance. With the release of “Invasion of Privacy” coming so recently, fans (now including myself) will be waiting for the announcement of an upcoming tour. Let’s go Baby B we can’t wait any longer.

All in all, Cardi’s debut may not be the album to watch in 2018, but it is certainly the one that will bring female rappers back into the spotlight this year. With 13 songs all collectively on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, she is breaking records that even Beyoncé hasn’t surpassed, and that is an achievement to cherish for the rest of her

career as an artist. Regardless of how one feels about her personal life and decision making, the consensus is clear—“Be Careful,” and don’t cross Cardi B, because she will find a way to make you pay for your mistakes. Coming from a strong woman who is looking to the horizon to become an even stronger artist, Cardi B doesn’t disappoint in her debut. Check out “Invasion of Privacy” and try to remind yourself why you didn’t listen to rap; you won’t remember.