Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” becomes first song by a female rapper to earn over 2 billion streams in US
Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” surpasses 2 billion streams
Over the past seven years, Cardi B has evolved from a viral sensation to one of the biggest names in music. From her explosive debut with “Bodak Yellow” to becoming a global icon, Cardi’s rise to superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. And now, her breakout track has reached an incredible milestone: “Bodak Yellow” is the first song by a female rapper to earn over 2 billion on-demand streams in the United States, per Chart Data.
Cardi B’s Rise to Fame: From Reality TV to Music Dominance
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, first became a household name through her presence on Instagram and as a cast member on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York. Known for her bold personality and unapologetic attitude, Cardi quickly gained a massive following. However, her transition from reality TV to music was what truly launched her into superstardom.
In 2017, Cardi made her mark in the music industry with “Bodak Yellow.” The single, an unapologetic anthem of confidence and self-assurance, immediately caught fire. It climbed the charts, eventually reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and making Cardi the first solo female rapper to achieve this feat in nearly two decades. At the time, she was only 24 years old, and her rise was meteoric.
What made “Bodak Yellow” stand out? It was a perfect blend of catchy lyrics, hard-hitting beats, and Cardi’s unmistakable charisma. The song captured the essence of her persona—bold, independent, and unapologetically herself. But more than that, it resonated with fans who were drawn to her authenticity.
The Historic 2 Billion Streams Milestone
Fast forward to 2024, and “Bodak Yellow” has now reached a new historic milestone: it has become the first song by a female rapper to hit 2 billion on-demand streams in the United States. According to Chart Data, this achievement places Cardi in an exclusive club of artists whose music has earned this level of recognition. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, as the 2 billion stream mark is a rare feat in the music industry.
To put this into perspective, “Bodak Yellow” not only remains a major hit, but it has had lasting power in an era where music trends change rapidly. Therefore, the fact that it continues to break records years after its release speaks to its impact and Cardi’s staying power in the music industry.
Cardi B’s Debut Album: Invasion of Privacy and Its Lasting Impact
While “Bodak Yellow” remains one of Cardi B’s most iconic songs, it was only the beginning of what has been an incredibly successful career. In 2018, Cardi released her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy. The album showcased Cardi’s versatility as an artist, combining elements of rap, reggaeton, and pop, with appearances from artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, SZA, Kehlani, and more.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and was widely praised for its mix of raw, personal lyricism and catchy hooks. The project quickly cemented Cardi as one of the most dominant voices in hip-hop and pop music.
Notably, Invasion of Privacy also earned Cardi B her first Grammy Award in 2019 for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female artist to win in that category. The album featured hits like “I Like It” with J Balvin and Bad Bunny, which also topped the charts, and “Be Careful,” which displayed Cardi’s emotional depth as an artist.
The success of Invasion of Privacy wasn’t just about commercial sales or awards—it also helped redefine the role of women in hip-hop. Cardi proved that a female rapper could not only compete with the best in the game, but also dominate mainstream pop culture.
What’s Next for Cardi B? Anticipation for the Sophomore Album
With Invasion of Privacy already being a massive success, fans have eagerly been waiting for Cardi B’s next move. Originally, she planned to release her sophomore album by the end of 2024, but it now seems likely that the album will arrive in 2025. Although the title has not been officially announced yet, the anticipation for this follow-up project is palpable.
So what can fans expect from Cardi’s second album? Based on her previous releases, it’s clear that Cardi B is always evolving. She has already teased new music on social media, hinting at a more refined sound that blends her signature style with fresh influences. In a recent interview, Cardi mentioned that she’s experimenting with different genres and sounds for this next phase of her career. Given her past success with blending hip-hop with Latin, reggaeton, and pop, fans can expect even more genre-defying hits.
Furthermore, Cardi has also been busy with other ventures, including her thriving business career, fashion collaborations, and activism. Her social media presence, which boasts millions of followers across platforms, continues to grow, making her one of the most influential figures in entertainment today.
The Influence of Cardi B: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Success
Cardi B’s influence goes beyond music. She has become a cultural icon, known for her outspoken personality, bold fashion choices, and ability to speak candidly about important issues, from social justice to women’s empowerment. Cardi’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of social media and how artists can use platforms like Instagram and Twitter to shape their own narratives and connect with fans in unprecedented ways.
Her influence also extends into the business world. Cardi has launched successful ventures in fashion and beauty, and her entrepreneurial spirit has inspired countless young women, especially in the world of hip-hop, where female artists often face additional challenges.
Cardi B has also become a key figure in the broader conversation around representation in hip-hop. As a Latina woman in a genre that has often been dominated by Black men, she has carved out her own space and used her platform to highlight important issues, including racial and gender inequality.
Cardi B’s Legacy: What the Future Holds
It’s clear that Cardi B is far more than just a rapper. She’s a trailblazer who has helped shape the modern landscape of hip-hop and pop music. From breaking streaming records to winning Grammys, Cardi has proven time and time again that she is one of the most influential and innovative artists of her generation.
As fans continue to await her sophomore album, the legacy of “Bodak Yellow” will undoubtedly remain a defining moment in her career. Not only is it a historic hit, but it’s a reminder of how far Cardi has come since her early days on social media. With her ability to break records and shape culture, Cardi B’s journey is just getting started, and the future holds even greater things for the chart-topping star.
As a result, Cardi B’s achievement of 2 billion streams for “Bodak Yellow” is a monumental moment in her career, reinforcing her status as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. From Invasion of Privacy to the upcoming album, Cardi continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a successful artist in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing music industry. As she prepares to release her second studio album, fans can expect more bold moves, fresh sounds, and an artist who isn’t afraid to break the mold.