From ‘Bodak Yellow’ to ‘WAP’: The Chart-Toppers That Made Cardi B Unstoppable

Cardi B’s journey from a Bronx-born reality TV star to a Grammy-winning rap icon is one of grit, determination, and undeniable talent. Over the years, her music has not only topped charts but also resonated with millions around the world. These songs showcase her ability to blend humor, confidence, and raw storytelling into tracks that redefine rap and pop culture.

1. Bodak Yellow (2017): The Breakthrough Anthem

No list of Cardi B’s greatest songs is complete without Bodak Yellow. Released in 2017, the track was a cultural reset. With lines like “I don’t dance now, I make money moves,” Cardi boldly declared her arrival in the rap game. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first female rapper to do so with a solo track since Lauryn Hill in 1998.

The song’s infectious beat and Cardi’s unapologetic delivery turned it into an anthem for empowerment, particularly among women. Bodak Yellow didn’t just put Cardi B on the map—it cemented her place in music history.

2. I Like It (2018): A Latin-Inspired Hit

Cardi B proved her versatility with I Like It, a bilingual smash hit featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin. Sampling the 1967 boogaloo classic I Like It Like That, the song seamlessly blends Latin trap with reggaeton beats. It became a global sensation, dominating dance floors and summer playlists alike.

The track’s success showcased Cardi’s ability to merge cultures and reach audiences beyond rap. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, earning her another historic milestone as the first female rapper to achieve multiple #1 hits on the chart.

3. WAP (2020): A Cultural Phenomenon

WAP, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, is more than a song—it’s a movement. The 2020 single sparked endless debates, memes, and TikTok challenges while solidifying Cardi’s status as a provocateur in pop culture. Its unapologetically explicit lyrics and bold production set a new standard for female empowerment in the music industry.

Despite controversy, WAP became an instant hit, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking streaming records. Cardi B’s ability to spark conversation while delivering a banger demonstrates her unparalleled influence.

4. Money (2018): A Celebration of Success

With Money, Cardi B delivered a high-energy track that’s both a flex and a celebration of her hard-earned success. The song’s iconic opening—“I was born to flex, diamonds on my neck”—captures her larger-than-life persona while reflecting her journey from the Bronx to global stardom.

Money became a fan favorite, receiving critical acclaim for its braggadocious lyrics and infectious beat. It remains a testament to Cardi’s ability to create music that empowers listeners to own their confidence.

5. Up (2021): A High-Energy Club Hit

Up is a quintessential Cardi B track—bold, confident, and undeniably catchy. Released in 2021, the song became a TikTok sensation, with its dance challenges going viral. The high-energy anthem debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 before climbing to the top spot.

With Up, Cardi once again proved her ability to dominate both music charts and social media, keeping her finger firmly on the pulse of pop culture.

6. Be Careful (2018): A Vulnerable Side of Cardi

In Be Careful, Cardi B steps away from her usual bravado to show a more vulnerable side. The track addresses themes of heartbreak and infidelity, rumored to be inspired by her relationship with Offset. It resonated with fans for its emotional honesty and relatability.

Be Careful showcased Cardi’s range as an artist, proving that she could balance hard-hitting rap with introspective storytelling.

7. Press (2019): A Fiery Clapback

Press is Cardi B’s response to critics and media scrutiny. The track’s confrontational lyrics and aggressive beat highlight her no-nonsense attitude toward those who try to bring her down. Lines like “Press, press, press, press, press / Cardi don’t need more press” became a rallying cry for fans who admired her resilience.

While not her most commercially successful song, Press stands out as a declaration of independence and strength.

8. Drip (2018): A Collaboration Triumph

Featuring her husband Offset and Migos, Drip is a trap-heavy banger that showcases Cardi’s ability to collaborate with rap heavyweights. The song’s hypnotic beat and playful lyrics made it a standout track from her debut album, Invasion of Privacy.

The Legacy of Cardi B’s Music

What sets Cardi B apart from other artists is her ability to create music that’s not only catchy but also deeply personal and culturally significant. Her hits have become anthems for empowerment, resilience, and self-expression. Whether she’s flexing her success in Money or challenging societal norms in WAP, Cardi’s music resonates across demographics.

Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, made history, becoming the first album by a female rapper to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Many of the songs listed above contributed to its massive success, proving Cardi’s range and staying power in an industry known for its fleeting trends.

What’s Next for Cardi B?

With her ability to churn out hit after hit, Cardi B’s future in the music industry is as bright as ever. Fans eagerly anticipate her next album, collaborations, and viral moments. If her past is any indication, Cardi will continue to dominate charts and redefine what it means to be a rap superstar.

As she puts it in Bodak Yellow: “They see pictures, they say goals.” Cardi B isn’t just making music—she’s making history.