Rap newcomer Cardi B scores a breakout hit with the uniquely titled “Bodak Yellow.” There’s no shortage of confidence on “Bodak Yellow.”

On “Bodak Yellow,” rap newcomer Cardi B isn’t playing around.  She’s as tough as any male MC throughout its course.  Furthermore, she’s just as confident.  The pre-chorus is the first section of the song (aside from the intro) bestowed upon the listener.  It goes a little something like this:

“Said, ‘Lil b*tch, you can’t f*ck with me if you wanted to’ / These expensive, these is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes / Hit the store, I can get ‘em both, I don’t wanna choose / And I’m quick, cut a n*gga off, so don’t get comfortable, look.”

What we learn from the pre-chorus is Cardi B has plenty of money.  She’s wearing expensive shoes that you can’t afford, and, she doesn’t have to choose – she can buy whatever she wants.

After her pre-chorus, she lays the chorus on us, continuing her flex-fest.

“I don’t dance now, I make money moves / Say I don’t gotta dance, I make money move / If I see you and I don’t speak, that means I don’t f*ck with you / I’m a boss, you a worker, b*tch, I make body moves.”

What’s significant about the hook is the first part – “I don’t dance now.” Cardi B was a stripper, but now, she doesn’t have to do that.  That’s definitely the case as “Bodak Yellow” gains popularity.

Backed by malicious production, Cardi B is on autopilot from the start.  On the first verse, she characterizes herself as a hard worker: “Dropped two mixtape in six months / What bitch working hard as me?”  In addition to referencing BAPE and Yves Saint Laurent, she also discusses her private parts. Yeah, why not? Speaking of private parts, she opens the second verse with a bang:

“If you a pussy, you get popped / You a groupie, you a opp / Don’t you come around my way / You can’t hang around my block.”

The second verse also mentions her private parts once more, as well as material things, namely the ever-popular Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Final Thoughts

So, how does “Bodak Yellow” stack up? As a banger, it’s a good one.  Cardi B doesn’t offer anything we’ve never heard, but her execution is spot-on.  She’s tough, rich, and showcases her potential.  Furthermore, “Bodak Yellow” is well-produced.

Cardi B • Bodak Yellow – Single • Atlantic • Release: 6.6.17 

Photo Credit: Atlantic