Nationwide — Cardi B made history at the 2019 Grammys after winning the best rap album for her album, Invasion of Privacy – she is the first solo woman to win it. Not only was she the fifth woman to ever be nominated in the category, but she beat out albums by Pusha T, Travis Scott, and the late Mac Miller. Here’s a quick look into what events made Cardi B the talented rapper she is now, and the tracks that put her in the Grammy history books.
Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, was born and raised in The Bronx. She spent most of her time at her grandmother’s home in Washington Heights, which accounts for her thick accent. At the age of 16, Cardi B became a member of the Bloods — a notorious gang in her area. Her time with the Bloods is what gave her the thick skin and courageous personality that would lead to her success later in life.
When she was 19, she turned to stripping after her employer at an Amish supermarket recommended it to her. Stripping worked for her—it helped her escape poverty and her relationship at the time, in which she was a victim of domestic violence. Not only that, but it also provided her with enough funds to afford to go back to school.
In 2015, she joined the cast of the VH1 reality TV series Love & Hip Hop: New York and was considered the breakout star of the show’s sixth season. The show furthered her recognition and gave her the boost she needed to pursue a career in music. She went on to release two mixtapes, and in 2017 she signed her first major record label recording contract with Atlantic Records. Her career skyrocketed after that.
Invasion of Privacy
Released on April 6th, 2016, Invasion of Privacy received critical acclaim from music critics around the globe. The album reached number one in the United States, and she became the first female artist to chart 13 entries simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100. Here are a few of the tracks that helped Cardi B win Best Rap Album.
“I Like It”
One of the best songs of summer 2018, “I Like It” is a Latin trap song that incorporates a salsa beat. It also features two of reggaeton’s biggest stars—Bad Bunny and J Balvin. Full of fun lyrics, repetitive verses, and hypnotic beat, it’s no wonder the song has done as well as it has.
“Bodak Yellow”
The lead single off the album, “Bodak Yellow” topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks. It also won Favorite Song Rap/Hip Hop Song at the 2018 American Music Awards.
“Best Life”
Featuring Chance the Rapper, this song focuses on Cardi B’s successful career and how much more rewarding it is because of what she went through in her past. She’s turned all of her “L’s into lessons,” and is now living her best life.