Cardi B Claims "Bodak Yellow" Made Labels Put More Effort in Female Rappers

Cardi B has never been shy about acknowledging her impact on the music industry. In a recent discussion on X Spaces, the Grammy-winning rapper credited her breakout single, “Bodak Yellow,” as the moment labels started paying more attention to female rap artists.

“Labels have literally told me [to] my face, ‘We started female rappers because of the success that you have,’ Cardi said. She also mentioned that her peers, such as Kash Doll, noticed the shift in the industry's attitude toward female rappers once “Bodak Yellow” blew up.

According to Cardi, before “Bodak Yellow” hit the airwaves, many labels were hesitant to back female rap artists, regardless of their skill or talent. “It just wasn’t being done,” she explained. The massive success of her diamond-certified single proved to labels female rappers could not only generate hits, but also bring in significant revenue.

A Record-Breaking Moment

“Bodak Yellow” made history in 2021, earning Cardi the bragging rights of being the first female rapper with an RIAA diamond-certified single. This milestone was followed by two additional diamond certifications for her collaborations: “I Like It” from her debut album Invasion of Privacy and Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You.” Cardi’s achievements have since been matched only by Nicki Minaj, cementing both artists as trailblazers in the genre.

Facing Criticism

During her X Spaces session, Cardi expressed frustration with those who downplay her influence, saying, “All these b**ches will never admit it, but it’s the truth.” She suggested her contributions to hip hop often go unappreciated, despite their undeniable impact on the industry.

Looking Ahead

Cardi’s fans continue to wait for her long-teased sophomore album, which she has been hinting at since 2019. While no official release date has been confirmed, the project is expected to drop sometime in 2025.