“Bodak Yellow” Reshaped the Hip-Hop Landscape
In a groundbreaking statement that has sent ripples through the music industry, Cardi B recently declared that her chart-topping hit “Bodak Yellow” proved to record labels that female rappers are “the new wave” in hip-hop. This bold assertion highlights Cardi’s meteoric rise and shines a spotlight on the changing dynamics within the rap game. Let’s delve deep into why Cardi believes this, examine the impact of female rappers in the industry, and explore whether her opinion holds water in today’s music landscape.
The Cardi B Effect: Redefining Success for Female Rappers
When “Bodak Yellow” hit the airwaves in 2017, it wasn’t just another rap song but a cultural phenomenon. The track’s raw energy, unapologetic lyrics, and Cardi’s magnetic personality propelled it to the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first female rapper to achieve a solo No. 1 hit since Lauryn Hill in 1998. This 19-year gap speaks volumes about female rappers’ challenges in the male-dominated hip-hop industry.
Cardi B’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. “I think labels started signing new female rappers after I got signed,” she told Rolling Stone. “People from every single label have told me this.” This statement underscores the ripple effect of “Bodak Yellow” on the industry’s perception of female rappers’ commercial viability.
The New Wave: A Renaissance of Female Rap Talent
Cardi B’s success didn’t occur in a vacuum. It was part of a more significant movement that has seen female rappers ascend to new heights in recent years. This new wave of talent includes artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Saweetie, and many others who have dominated charts and captured audiences worldwide.
Megan Thee Stallion, who collaborated with Cardi on the hit “WAP,” echoes similar sentiments about the rise of female rappers. There’s no way that you can deny it now,” Megan told NME. We’re here, we’re doing it, and we’re killing it.” This confidence and camaraderie among female rappers have been instrumental in pushing the genre forward.
Industry Recognition: More Than Just Numbers
The impact of female rappers goes beyond chart positions and streaming numbers. It’s about changing perceptions and breaking down barriers. In 2019, Missy Elliott, a pioneer in the field, became the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This recognition honors Elliott’s contributions and paves the way for future generations of female rappers.
Nicki Minaj, who dominated the female rap scene for much of the 2010s, has also acknowledged the shift. “In any field, women must work twice as hard even to get half the respect her male counterparts get,” Minaj tweeted in 2017. The success of artists like Cardi B and others is chipping away at this disparity.
Verifying Cardi’s Claim: The Numbers Don’t Lie
To determine if female rappers are indeed “the new wave,” we need to look at the data. In recent years, we’ve seen an unprecedented number of female rappers achieving mainstream success:
1. Cardi B’s “Invasion of Privacy” won Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
2. Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé won Best Rap Performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
3. Doja Cat’s “Planet Her” spent six months in the top 10 of the Billboard 200.
4. Nicki Minaj became the first female rapper to amass 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
These achievements suggest that female rappers are not just participating in the hip-hop landscape – they’re reshaping it.
Industry Perspectives: Voices from the Inside
To gain a deeper understanding of whether female rappers are truly “the new wave,” let’s hear from industry insiders:
1. Joe Budden, rapper turned podcaster, stated on his show: “Y’all ain’t gonna want to hear it from me, but the girl rapper wave is over”. However, this controversial take was met with significant backlash, highlighting the strong support for female rappers in the industry.
2. Chuck Creekmur, CEO of AllHipHop.com, offers a more positive perspective: “The rise of Cardi B is really remarkable. I know a lot of rap purists have issues with her, but I think she is funny, relatable, engaging and even sweet to a certain degree”.
3. Dr. Kyra Gaunt, a professor at the University at Albany SUNY, notes: “Hip-hop is a microcosm of society. The patriarchy we see in society, we see it in the hip-hop industry as well”. This observation underscores the significance of the current rise of female rappers in challenging long-standing industry norms.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
While female rappers are undoubtedly experiencing a renaissance, it’s crucial to acknowledge the trailblazers who paved the way. Artists like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Missy Elliott, and Lauryn Hill broke barriers and set the stage for today’s success stories.
Queen Latifah, for instance, was one of the first female rappers to address issues affecting Black women in her music. Her influence can be seen in the socially conscious lyrics of many contemporary female rappers.
MC Lyte, another pioneer, became the first female rapper to release a full-length album with “Lyte as a Rock” in 1988. This groundbreaking achievement opened doors for future generations of female rappers.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the undeniable success of female rappers, challenges remain. The industry still grapples with issues of sexism, double standards, and unequal treatment.
Megan Thee Stallion highlighted this ongoing struggle in an interview with NME: “A man can be as mediocre as he wants to be but still be praised. A man can talk about how he’s about to do all of these drugs and then come and shoot your house up. But as soon as I say something about my vagina, it’s the end of the world?”
This sentiment echoes the experiences of many female rappers who feel they’re held to different standards than their male counterparts. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for sustaining the momentum of female rappers as “the new wave” in hip-hop.
Sustaining the Wave
As we look to the future, the question remains: Can female rappers maintain their current momentum and truly become “the new wave” in hip-hop? The signs are promising:
1. Increased Collaboration: Female rappers are increasingly working together, creating powerful alliances that amplify their collective voice.
2. Diverse Styles: From Cardi B’s raw energy to Doja Cat’s genre-blending approach, female rappers are showcasing a wide range of styles and influences.
3. Social Media Savvy: Many female rappers have mastered the art of social media, connecting directly with fans and building strong, loyal followings.
4. Breaking into New Markets: Female rappers are finding success in international markets, expanding their reach and influence globally.
A New Era for Hip-Hop?
Cardi B’s assertion that “Bodak Yellow” proved female rappers are “the new wave” is more than just bravado – it’s a reflection of a significant shift in the hip-hop landscape. The success of Cardi and her contemporaries has opened doors, changed perceptions, and created opportunities for a new generation of female rap talent.
While challenges remain, the momentum behind female rappers seems unstoppable. As more women find success in the industry, they’re not just participating in the culture – they’re actively shaping it. The rise of female rappers represents more than just a trend; it’s a long-overdue correction to the gender imbalance in hip-hop.
As we move forward, it’s clear that female rappers are not just the new wave – they’re an integral part of hip-hop’s past, present, and future. Their voices, stories, and talents are enriching the genre and pushing it in exciting new directions. In the words of Cardi B herself, “These labels weren’t interested in new rap artists. People from every single label have told me this. They started signing new female rappers after I got signed”. It seems the wave that Cardi B started with “Bodak Yellow” has become a tsunami, reshaping the landscape of hip-hop for years to come.