Many current fans of Cardi B, per the “Bodak Yellow” craze, believe she appeared over night. However, she has actually paid her dues prior to her debut studio LP. The 13 song set, Invasion of Privacy, was preceded by two mix tapes, Gangsta B!tch Vol 1 (2016) and Gangsta B!tch Vol 2 (2017). She is not ashamed to reveal her personal life and frequently talks about her days as a stripper. So, it seems that her debut album title is a bit inaccurate. Cardi B is about as real as they come. However, her appearance on SNL this past Saturday proved that she has even more to share.

Cardi B debuted the first performance of the quickly plucked fan favorite “Be Careful”, which samples Lauryn Hill’s “Ex Factor” on SNL. Social media has been set ablaze by the baby bump she also debuted from her fiance Offset, from the group Migos. Is there anything left for her to keep private now? Cardi B has catapulted to become Hip Hip’s “it” chic to be right now. She pays homage to her Afro Latina roots on songs like the spicy dance cut, “I Like It”. The song features Bad Bunny and J Balvin. She slams the naysayers on the gut punching intro, “Get Up 10”. While that song may be too street for radio play, “Best Life” is a pop friendly gem that offers inspiration to anyone trying to live a better life; not to mention a lyrically clever feature from Chance the Rapper. 

Migos was a shoe in for a collaboration, but it was definitely a worthy one. “Drip” is one of the slickest songs on the album. “Bickenhead” takes a page from the Three Six Mafia classic “Chickenhead”. The song is a nostalgic moment that gives detailed instructions on how to….well, you just have to hear it for yourself. Kehlani’s soft, melodic tones mesh perfectly with Cardi B’s aggressive lyrics on the pleading “Ring”. She shows her vulnerable side even more on the transparent, “Thru Your Phone”, featuring SZA. She’s hurt but scorned and warns her man that he may turn her into Left Eye. 

Cardi B’s appeal feels like she’s a woman that you already know really well. She’s that firecracker friend that will fight if she has to, but also has a soft heart. Songs like the infectiously ambitious “Money Bag” and the YG assisted bass thumping anthem, “She Bad” really showcase her rugged side. Oh and let’s not forget “Bartier Cardi” featuring 21 Savage. Try to listen to this one and not have it stuck in your head. She stands up for female empowerment on the album’s closer, “I Do” featuring SZA. She proclaims that her *ahem* is so good, she says her own name during sex. Don’t mistake it. She also signs her own checks too. 

Invasion of Privacy is well on its way to becoming next week’s No. 1 selling album in the country, with projected sales in upwards of 200,000. What’s your favorite song from her new album? Can she prove she’s much more than a one (monster) hit wonder? Looks like she will definitely be here to stay for a while.