Breakout female rapper Cardi B continues to flex on her new single, simply titled “Money.” While it’s respectable, the rapper offers nothing ‘brand-new.’

“I was born to flex (yes) / Diamonds on my neck / I like boardin’ jets, I like mornin’ sex (woo) / But nothing in this word that I like more than checks (money).” Sigh, Cardi B has proven she’s the current face of female rap.  Sure, there’s room for debate, but commercially, 2017 (“Bodak Yellow”) and 2018 (Invasion of Privacy, number one hits) have been big for the Bronx MC.  She returns with a new single, “Money,” which generally falls in line with the music she’s released to date.

The production work on “Money” is hard-nosed, set in a minor key, definitely fueling her fire.  Speaking of fire, Cardi B continues to be tough in her own right, eschewing being the least bit ladylike.  “Look, my bitches all bad, my n***as all real / I ride on this dick in some big tall heels.” Da-yum. As always, Cardi is profane to the nth degree, not to mention chocked-full of confidence.  Her flow is compelling, while her rhymes are familiar, but nothing ‘brand-new.’ She focuses on money, material, and sex, all rap clichés.  She does so well, of course, but at this point, we’ve ‘been there, done that.’

Final Thoughts 

Is “Money” another successful cut by Cardi B? Yes. Does she reinvent the wheel or win over a new demographic or fan base with this record? Absolutely not.  We all know material, money, and sex are all things that she’s accomplished at, or at least her rhymes suggest.  All in all good, but not great.

Cardi B • Money – Single • Atlantic • Release: 10.22.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic