The world was first formally introduced to Belcalis Almanzar, universally known as Cardi B, on the reality TV show “Love and Hip Hop” in December of 2015. Cardi B quickly became a fan-favorite because of how transparent she was. Throughout her career and even prior to it, Cardi has been candid about where she’s from and has never been ashamed of any of it—which in my opinion is a necessary attribute in the making of a lasting artist. Though Cardi B wasn’t new to music when her first single, “Bodak Yellow,” smashed the charts in 2017, the song propelled her career to the next level. Radio stations and DJs began to play that song in heavy rotation, forcing everyone to anticipate when her first album would debut. We would later find out that the answer to that question was Friday, April 6, 2018.
The long-awaited album, “Invasion of Privacy,” gets straight to the point with its 13 original songs and a run time of only 48 minutes. Cardi uses her raw lyrics, beguiling beats and some familiar voices, including but not limited to Chance the Rapper, SZA and Migos to tell stories of tribulation, triumph and much more. With her confidence paired with her heavy Latino/Bronx accent and candid lyrics, Cardi effortlessly welcomes you into her domain as only she can, which is why it’s no surprise that her album went certified Gold immediately. It’s safe to say that the “trap Selena” has certainly earned a rightful space in the rap world.
The album starts with “Get Up 10,” a song that is very reminiscent of Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares” intro; however, I don’t believe that it will garner as much popularity. “Get Up 10” is a song about humility as she pays homage to her roots whilst simultaneously praising herself for her accomplishments.
“Invasion of Privacy” is jam-packed with both songs you can turn up to as well as songs that will make you reflect. The album is fun because you never know what you’re going to get next. The best song on the album in my opinion is “Bickenhead” because it’s an accurate portrayal of Cardi’s character. This song forces you to realize that she’s going to continue to push the envelope and reinforces the notion that female rappers, like male rappers, should have no boundaries. “Bickenhead” is an ode to female sexual liberation and also to getting money, two things I am a huge advocate for Cardi is just getting started and does not plan to slow down or stop any time soon.
Though the album did have some hits, I wouldn’t say that it’s going to be the best album of 2018. Her inaugural work is respectable and I believe that she has the potential to become a megastar. As aforementioned, the beats were astounding and she had some dope features. My only criticism is that her flow is still a little choppy and that she still has a lot of growing to do as an artist. However, I do believe that she will get there due to her talent, drive and committed fan base. Understandably so, she pays much homage to the greats that came before her, but I think it’s best that she holds off on referring to herself as, “Big Pop’ mixed with 2Pac, I’m like Makaveli,” as she did on “Get Up 10,” but her confidence is admirable and I wish her continued success.
Danaé Reid is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in African American studies. ✉ DR822867@wcupa.edu. 
@duhhnay_.