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Writer's pictureFierce Flows

It's A Thin Line Between Love And Hate: Hip-Hop Fans & Cardi B's Success


I don't typically do disclaimers cause I'm entitled to my opinion, even the one's that no one asked for, however, considering the sensitive nature of the topic and the fact that I just binge watched SVU, why the hell not.

The following is not coming from a bad place at all, just an observant one.

Released in 1998, Lauryn Hill's “Doo Wop (That Thing)" became the 10th single to debut at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100, the first by a rap artist. As much as 90's Hip-Hop is gloried today, compared to now recognition on such a large scale was far and few between. For a rap artist's debut single to debut on the Hot 100, not just the Hip-Hop/R&B chart, would be a hell of an accomplish now and was iconic then.


This young black woman who taught herself how to rap in the bathroom had everyone tuned in.

Now how is that any different from Cardi B? Why is it so horrible that she's winning?


While this observation doesn't apply to everyone, it does hold true for some. I'm not talking about the internet trolls that hate for no reason, but the Hip-Hop fans that just don't see 'it' in her.


They don't dislike Cardi B specifically, but the shift in Hip-Hop that she represents. Some people just don't like change, even though the things happening for her are completely out of her control.


It's said that you should never judge a book by it's cover, but we do it anyway. Whenever we come across something outside of what we deem to be 'normal' or 'acceptable', more often than not, we judge it... we assume...however you want to dress it up. One thing that life has taught me is that in doing the above, you often miss out on a good story, so I make a conscious effort to not count anyone out. When Cardi B became the second female rapper to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with no features. I celebrated this. I was genuinely excited. For people that watched her evolution over the years, seeing her win was/is everything, it's both encouraging and motivational.


Then I had a conversation with my older sister, who as she put it 'doesn't get the hype'. For her, it's not about Cardi's personality or how unfiltered she is. It's strictly about the music...she doesn't like it.

The music just isn't what she grew up listening to or defines as real Hip-Hop. Here is where I began to understand her perspective.


Whether people admit it or not, Cardi B is apart of the New Wave of Hip-Hop, i.e, the Lil's (Yachty, Uzi, Pump), Migos, etc.

Women often speak on how horrible double standards are, but rarely acknowledge the benefits that do come with them. If Cardi B were male, criticizing her music would be more socially acceptable than it is. Joe Budden would be on her ass...


Again, I'm not speaking for the trolls, but for the Hip-Hop fans. My sister is to Cardi what Joe is to Yachty. Neither are haters, they just can't get jiggy with the music.


I can't say that I 100% disagree with the criticism that Cardi B's music gets, mainly cause I understand it. But as a follower of hers, I've seen her post speaking on how much she wants to perfect her skill, remember the records she was featured in with local NY talent, and watched her Breakfast Club interview where she spoke on previewing records for Envy.


Not everyone that disagrees with her success in music is a hater. She's putting in the work at the same time that she's receiving the rewards and that's something that's rarely seen among artist regardless of genre.


Even if you don't like Cardi B's music, you GOTTA respect the hustle. In the word's of Lady Luck, 'One things for certain, Cardi B out here working.'

But that's just my opinion...

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