Cardi B continues to ‘ride the wave’ on her brief, confident banger “Press.” It’s respectable, but more ‘tried and true’ than innovative.

Post-Grammy victory, Cardi B continues to release new music.  Sure, no full-blown project has arrived at press time, but delivering a hit without an album the caliber of “Please Me” (featuring Bruno Mars) is notable. She’s back once more with a brief single, “Press.” This round, it’s all Cardi.

One of the first things the listeners will note about “Press” is the production.  Like some of Cardi B’s most electrifying tracks, she’s backed by malicious, minor-key production.  Key Wane and Slade Da Monsta make this possible with hard-hitting beats and fierce, rhythmic synths.  Naturally, Cardi runs with it, delivering a biting chorus:

“Press, press, press, press, press

Cardi don’t need more press

Kill ‘em all, put them hoes to rest

Walk in, bulletproof vest

Please tell me who she gon’ check

Murder scene, Cardi made a mess

Pop up, guess who, bitch?

Pop up, guess who, bitch?”

The script is honesty about what you expect at this point. Early on, Cardi B essentially solidifies her status as the HBIC, and how other “Bitches be made when they see [her] step in the spot.” Like so many of the braggadocious male rappers, she steals other female’s men – “Fuckin’ your nigga, I got him on lock.” She does reference her daughter on the second verse (“And a new crib for my daughter / You know a bad bitch gon’ spoil her”), not to mention her private parts (“Pussy still wet like Florida”).  Keeping it sexual, she asserts her ‘freak’ status at the end of the second verse, “Ridin’ that dick like I’m Cardi Andretti” while the “little hoes” are “Suckin’ on [her] dick with no teeth.” Say what?

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Press” is enjoyable enough.  Cardi B doesn’t reinvent the wheel or her style, but she sells it by all means.  The bigger question is, how long does she ride the wave?

Cardi B • Press [Single] • Atlantic • Release: 5.31.19

Photo Credit: Atlantic