A few months back we talked about how Lil’ Kim paved the way for female empowerment in the largely male-dominated world of hip hop, and it’s clear from the outset that Cardi B is an obvious benefactor of Lil’ Kim’s trailblazing ways. Much like Lil’ Kim, Cardi B combines an undeniably dynamic vocal flow alongside lewd lyrics that could double as simple shock artistry if they weren’t so damn compelling and clever. It’s no coincidence that Invasion of Privacy broke records on multiple fronts– it was the best-selling female hip album of the 2010’s, was the first album by a female artist to ever to chart thirteen songs simultaneously on the Hot 100, and stands as the only album ever in music history to have all its tracks certified platinum or higher by the RIAA.
Put another way, Cardi B completely changed the game for artists everywhere in the streaming era, and did so with a digital only release. The vinyl and CD versions of the album didn’t come out for a whole eight months after the album first dropped on digital services.
Most know the massive uptempo hits on Invasion of Privacy (“I Like It”, “Bodak Yellow”, and “Money Bag” being certified bangers worthy of all the hype they generated), but this album really shines in some of its more tender moments. The autobiographical story of her upbringing in “Get Up 10” is an excellent album opener that draws back the curtain in front of all the bravado, and the standout “Be Careful” and “Thru Your Phone” which both deal with all the self-doubt and sadness that comes with being in a relationship with a partner who is unfaithful tugs at the heartstrings in a way that is almost unexpected considering the rest of the album’s context.
All in all, Invasion of Privacy is a well-rounded album that covers the gamut from trap, Latin, R&B, and hip hop. And it’s an enjoyable ride every step of the way.
Standout Songs: “I Like It”, “Be Careful”, “Get up 10”, “Money Bag”, “Thru Your Phone”
