After dropping massively successful singles and a number of high-profile collaborations, Cardi B delivers an enjoyable, impressive full-length debut with ‘Invasion of Privacy.’

Would it be accurate to call Cardi B the torchbearer for female as of late? It’s definitely not far-fetched.  Following the successes of singles “Bodak Yellow” and “Bartier Cardi,” the 25-year old Bronx rapper seems well-positioned for enduring success. Simply put, she ‘kills it’ on her highly-anticipated debut album, Invasion of Privacy.

“Get Up 10”

Cardi B kicks off Invasion of Privacy in fiery fashion on “Get Up 10.”  Filled with attitude and spitting nothing but bars, the four-minute hard-hitter showcases the rapper’s legitimate skill.  Migos join her for the cocky, competition-slaughtering banger, “Drip”.Like “Get Up 10,” she holds her own, matching the triplet-driven flows of her male counterparts. Between all MCs involved, the pop culture references run wild including name-dropping Kimbo Slice, Tina Turner (as Anna Mae), and fictional character Michael Myers. Safe to say, they “Came through drippin’ (drip drip).”

“Bodak Yellow”

Solo once more, Cardi B brings the heat on the banging Bloods anthem, “Bickenhead.” Naturally, the letter ‘C’ being replaced by ‘B,’ a characteristic of the gang. Ace-in-the-hole “Bodak Yellow” follows gloriously, “expensive bloody shoes” and all.  Perhaps it should be old news by now, but within the context of Invasion of Privacy, this gem still packs a sizable punch.  Initially a bit flat upon its release, “Be Careful” is a ‘grower’ that becomes better and better with each listen.  If nothing else, Cardi still exhibits ferociousness, while Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, and Vinylz cook up a compelling backdrop.

“Best Life”

A couple of superstar collaborations follow “Be Careful.”  The first is with Grammy-winner Chance the Rapper on “Best Life.” Ultimately, this is another enjoyable record, but fails to shine as bright as the juggernauts that precede it.  “I Like It” brilliantly samples the Pete Rodriguez classic, “I Like It Like That” bringing some serious Latin vibes into Invasion of Privacy.  Amplifying the brilliance even more are appearances from Puerto Rican rapper/singer Bad Bunny and Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin.  Kehlani kills it on her guest spot on “Ring,” continuing an upward career trajectory.  Cardi B isn’t the least bit fazed by smoother, urban contemporary projection work, continuing to exhibit bite and toughness.

“Money Bag”

Three consecutive bangers follow “Ring.”  The first is “Money Bag,” which could be nicknamed“Bodak Yellow 2.0.” They aren’t the same song to be fair, but the approach and cadence are similar.  Nonetheless, Cardi B is at her best when she’s hard-nosed. “Bartier Cardi”, another big-time hit single (featuring and ‘enthused’ 21 Savage), remains potent months after its release. YG brings some West Coast, Compton, Cali-style to the club-oriented “She Bad.” Given the title, it’s no surprise that Cardi is at her rawest.

Penultimate number “Thru the Phone” finds Cardi B angry at her ex. Angry would be an understatement, as her and Ali Tamposi “Saw some things I didn’t like,” after ‘investigating.’ One final superstar collaboration concludes Invasion of Privacy – “I Do” featuring SZA. Question: has SZA ever sounded so gangsta? Gangsta is the expectation for Cardi of course.

Final Thoughts

All said and done, Cardi B outdid herself on Invasion of Privacy. There are no notable missteps to be found as every song on the album has replay value.  Gritty, hardnosed, and tough to the nth degree, Cardi proves she’s “in it for the long haul” with her excellent, well-crafted debut.

Gems: “Get Up 10,” “Drip,” “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” “Money Bag” & “Bartier Cardi”

Cardi B • Invasion of Privacy • Atlantic • Release: 4.6.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic