Cardi B is officially back in the rap game with her first solo record in three years, “Like What (Freestyle),” and it’s already making waves. The track, which samples Missy Elliott’s 1999 hit “She’s a Bitch,” not only marks Cardi’s triumphant return but also appears to reignite her long-standing feud with Nicki Minaj. Released on Friday, March 1, the song has fans dissecting every line for potential references to her rival and other figures in the rap industry.
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A Loaded Return to Music
Cardi B, 31, has been absent from the solo music scene since her last standalone hit, “Up.” Her latest track, however, signals her intent to reclaim her spot at the top of the charts. The freestyle opens with a bold energy, setting the tone for a song that mixes biting commentary with moments of homage.
The rapper doesn’t shy away from controversy, delivering lyrics that many believe are aimed at her industry adversaries. One particular line, “First, that b**** hate me, then this b**** hate me / And somehow, they link up and they become friends, like, how?” has sparked a flurry of speculation online. Fans quickly theorized that this jab was directed at JT of City Girls, with whom Cardi had a public falling-out in 2022.
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Their feud escalated when Cardi referred to JT as Nicki Minaj’s “lap dog,” while JT fired back, telling Cardi to “fetch a real talent.” The animosity seemed to cool over time, but this new track has reignited rumors of lingering tension.
Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Jabs at Nicki Minaj
While the line about JT caused a stir, fans believe Cardi saved her sharpest words for Nicki Minaj. In another verse, she raps: “You dumb, you slow, you wildin’ / Got your first pair of Ricks [Rick Owens shoes], now you stylin’?” This is followed by the boastful: “Everything you got, I had five years before / I put it on the ‘Gram (haha, haha) ‘fore it even hit the store, look.”
The verse is being interpreted as a direct comparison between the two rap queens, particularly given their history. Nicki Minaj, 41, achieved her first solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “Super Freaky Girl” in 2022, five years after Cardi’s breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” topped the charts. The two have sparred over accolades and chart success in the past, and these lyrics seem to reignite their rivalry.
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Homage to Lil’ Kim
Despite the fiery disses, “Like What (Freestyle)” also contains moments of respect. In the song’s music video, directed by Cardi’s husband Offset, Cardi wears a chinchilla coat over a revealing bikini, reminiscent of Lil’ Kim’s iconic look in her 2003 “Came Back for You” video. Fans quickly picked up on the homage, praising Cardi for honoring one of the trailblazers in female rap.
This nod to Lil’ Kim aligns with Cardi’s pattern of celebrating the women who paved the way in hip-hop. Lil’ Kim has also had her share of tensions with Nicki Minaj, making Cardi’s tribute even more pointed in the eyes of fans.
Hints of a New Era
The release of “Like What (Freestyle)” comes with a promise of more to come. At the end of the video, Cardi teases fans with the message, “This is just the beginning.” This has reignited hope that her long-awaited sophomore album is finally nearing completion.
Cardi has been teasing the follow-up to her Grammy-winning debut album, Invasion of Privacy, for years. In an interview with Vogue México y Latinoamérica in August 2023, she revealed that she was finishing the album and planning to release a new single soon. However, she also admitted that the pressure to match the success of her debut has caused delays.
“Everyone always tells me I should put the record out now,” Cardi said. “But I always let them know I’m not going to wait long after all these singles. So stay tuned because it’s coming out very soon.”
The Pressure of Perfection
During a conversation with radio personality Ebro Darden, Cardi opened up about the anxiety she feels regarding her sophomore album. “For this album, I’m just holding it because I feel like I’m missing a couple of things,” she explained. “Then on top of that, everything just has to be, like, perfect from everything because I feel like people are expecting so much.”
Her debut, Invasion of Privacy, was a monumental success, earning her a Grammy Award and making her the first female rapper with every song on an album certified platinum or higher by the RIAA. Understandably, the bar for her second album is high, and Cardi seems determined to meet—or exceed—it.
Fan Reactions
Fans have had mixed reactions to “Like What (Freestyle)” and its apparent shade. While many applauded Cardi for her boldness and lyricism, others speculated whether reigniting feuds was the right move. Still, the overall excitement for her return to solo music has overshadowed any controversy.
On social media, fans praised the Missy Elliott sample and Cardi’s homage to Lil’ Kim. “This is the Cardi we’ve been waiting for!” one fan tweeted. Another commented, “Her wordplay is unmatched, and the video is 🔥.”
What’s Next for Cardi B?
With “Like What (Freestyle),” Cardi B has made it clear that she’s ready to reclaim her throne. The song is both a statement and a setup for what’s to come, building anticipation for her next chapter. While the exact release date for her sophomore album remains unknown, Cardi’s fans are eager to see how she will evolve as an artist and navigate the competitive world of hip-hop.
As she balances her role as a mother, a wife, and one of the most prominent rappers in the game, Cardi’s return to music feels like a declaration of her resilience and commitment to her craft. Whether she’s shading rivals or honoring legends, Cardi B continues to command attention—and “Like What (Freestyle)” proves she’s not done making waves.
