Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Cardi B, "Up" [๐Ÿ“ท: Atlantic]Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B delivers another hard-nosed, unapologetic banger with โ€œUp,โ€ her first single of 2021.

โ€œIโ€œIf itโ€™s up, then itโ€™s up, then itโ€™s up, then itโ€™s stuck, huh!โ€ WOO! After a long wait, ๐Ÿ†Grammy-winning rap sensation ๐ŸŽ™ Cardi B is back with new music.ย  After she shocked the world with ๐ŸŽต โ€œWAPโ€ back in 2020, she kicks off 2021 with the short but sweet ๐ŸŽต โ€œUpโ€. For those who love them some Cardi, she definitely doesnโ€™t disappoint.ย  โ€œUpโ€ is set in a minor key and features relatively simple but banging production courtesy of ๐ŸŽ› DJ SwanQo, ๐ŸŽ› Sean Island, and ๐ŸŽ› Yung Dza. Itโ€™s perfect fuel for the fire to say the least

On โ€œUp,โ€ we get an aggressive, energetic performance by Cardi โ€“ she never disappoints in this regard.ย  She remains unapologetic AF, continuing to push the envelope being utterly risquรฉ โ€“ โ€œIf I had a dick, youโ€™d probably lick it like a lollipop.โ€ย  Weโ€™d have it no other way, obviously. As to be expected, she delivers some truly colorful rhymes that raise eyebrows and at times, make you either (1) open your mouth with in complete and utter awe or (2) giggle (โ€œHe nutted on my butt, I said, โ€˜Iโ€™m glad that you cameโ€™.โ€ The hook (appearing at the top) is quite simple, but also catchy, infectious, and incredibly effective. Of course, the hook is part of the controversy surrounding โ€œUpโ€ โ€“ plagiarism allegations.ย  Thatโ€™s a separate discussion, of course.


Final Thoughts ๐Ÿ’ญย 

Ultimately Cardi B gives us another banger with โ€œUp.โ€ย  Is it the greatest song youโ€™ll ever hear? No. Is it enjoyable? Yes, by all means.ย  The world wonโ€™t be changed but, many playlists will get a lift.

3.5 out of 5 stars


๐ŸŽ™ Cardi B โ€ข ๐ŸŽต โ€œUpโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Atlantic โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2.5.21
[๐Ÿ“ท: Atlantic]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.