Cardi B Has a Saucy Response for Critics of Her Explicit Hit Record, ‘WAP’
Cardi B has never been one to hold her tongue or censor herself. Known for being one of the most popular and outspoken figures in pop culture, Cardi’s blunt demeanor and comical takes on world issues are two qualities that initially made her a magnet on social media. Her viral videos and offhand remarks are what initially built her brand and got her cast into her lifechanging role on Love & Hip Hop: New York.
However, the massive success of her explicit hit record featuring Megan thee Stallion, “WAP”, has also garnered significant negative attention among some audiences. While some listeners view the record as a celebration of women’s ownership of their sexuality, others find the record inappropriate.
Cardi B, however, isn’t here for the slander, recently stating that the record is “for adults.”
‘WAP’ has been a massive cultural and musical sensation
“WAP” was instantly popular upon its release in early Aug. 2020 and has since become a smash hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100. The massively popular record blew past the first-week streaming record previously set by Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings”, amassing 93 million streams in just 7 days, according to the LA Times.
The record is Cardi’s fourth #1 single on the Hot 100, while it comes in as Megan thee Stallion’s second. Beyond streams, “WAP” has also gotten over 125,000 downloads, the highest total since 2019. Aside from its provocative lyrical content, “WAP” has also gotten a boost in popularity due to its racy video featuring cameos from the likes of Normani, Rosalia, and Kylie Jenner.
The record has gotten a mixed response from listeners
Despite the largely positive response “WAP” has gotten from listeners and critics alike, it has also received a ton of criticism from conservative figures in pop culture. Several rappers, including CeeLo Green, have shared negative views on the record, with Green calling it “salacious.”
In a recent interview with FarOut magazine, he was quoted as saying: “A lot of music today is very unfortunate and disappointing on a personal and moral level.” He continued, saying: “There was once a time when we were savvy enough to code certain things. We could express to those it was meant for with the style of language we used. But now music is shameless, it is sheer savagery.”
Beyond the entertainment industry, political figures have also gone out of their way to denounce the record, including Ben Shapiro and California congressional candidate James P. Bradley.
Cardi B is unphased by the critics
Regardless of the negative attention “WAP” has received, Cardi has continued to stand by the record. During a recent appearance on Australian radio show Kyle & Jakie O, Cardi was quick to defend the record, stating: “The people that the song bothers are usually conservatives or really religious, fake religious people,” according to Daily Mail. She continued: “I grew up listening to this type of music, so to other people it might be strange and vulgar, but to me it’s almost really normal.”
No matter how the general public may feel about the record, there’s no denying that “WAP” has been a major success. Cardi B continues to dominate Hip-Hop and knows exactly what the people want to hear.
