Cardi B has become a household name in the music industry since her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” in 2017. With her unapologetic attitude and raw lyricism, she has earned a dedicated fanbase and multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Her music ranges from hard-hitting hip-hop anthems to vulnerable ballads, showcasing her versatility as an artist. With her bold personality and ability to connect with her fans, Cardi B has become a force to be reckoned with in the rap game. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Cardi B songs of all time, taking into account their impact, popularity, and critical reception. From empowering anthems like “I Do” to vulnerable ballads like “Be Careful,” these songs showcase Cardi’s skill as a rapper and her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best Cardi B songs of all time.
1. Up
“Up” by Cardi B is a high-energy hip-hop anthem that celebrates success and self-confidence. Released in 2021, the song features Cardi’s signature aggressive flow and bold lyrics. The production is driven by a pounding bassline and catchy melody, with occasional interjections of brass instruments and vocal samples. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “Up, up, up, up, up / Look, once I turn up, I don’t know how to turn down,” emphasizing the idea of constantly striving for more and never settling for less. Cardi’s verses are filled with wordplay and punchlines, as she boasts about her wealth, fame, and sexual prowess. Despite its unapologetic attitude, “Up” also contains moments of vulnerability, with Cardi acknowledging her past struggles and the criticism she’s faced in her career. Overall, “Up” is a confident and empowering track that showcases Cardi’s skill as a rapper and her ability to command a party.
2. Press
“Press” by Cardi B is a dark and gritty track that explores themes of fame, power, and betrayal. Released in 2019, the song features a haunting piano melody and sparse, trap-style beats. The verses are delivered with a menacing flow, as Cardi raps about her enemies and the people who have wronged her. The chorus features a repeated refrain of “Press, press, press, press, press / Cardi don’t need more press,” emphasizing the idea that she doesn’t care about negative attention or criticism. The song also contains references to the legal troubles Cardi has faced, including her infamous altercation at a strip club. Throughout “Press,” Cardi maintains a sense of unapologetic confidence, refusing to back down or show weakness. The music video for the song is equally intense, featuring scenes of violence, nudity, and political commentary. Overall, “Press” is a raw and powerful track that showcases Cardi’s fearlessness as an artist and her willingness to tackle controversial topics.
3. Money
“Money” by Cardi B is a swaggering hip-hop track that celebrates wealth and success. Released in 2018, the song features a driving bassline and trap-style beats, with Cardi’s verses delivered in a rapid-fire flow. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “I was born to flex / Diamonds on my neck / I like boardin’ jets, I like mornin’ sex,” emphasizing the lavish lifestyle that Cardi has achieved through her music career. The song also touches on themes of power and independence, with Cardi declaring that she doesn’t need a man to support her. The music video for “Money” features striking visuals, including Cardi covered in gold body paint and dancing in front of a giant peacock throne. Overall, “Money” is a bold and unapologetic track that showcases Cardi’s confidence and charisma as a performer.
4. Be Careful
“Be Careful” by Cardi B is a vulnerable and introspective ballad that explores the pain of infidelity and heartbreak. Released in 2018, the song features a stripped-down instrumental, with Cardi’s verses delivered in a slower, more melodic flow than her usual style. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “Be careful with me / Yeah, it’s not a threat, it’s a warnin’,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics. The song draws on Cardi’s personal experiences, as she addresses a lover who has betrayed her trust. The music video for “Be Careful” features eerie, desert landscapes and symbols of death and rebirth, adding to the song’s somber tone. Overall, “Be Careful” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Cardi’s versatility as an artist.
5. Bartier Cardi
“Bartier Cardi” by Cardi B featuring 21 Savage is a braggadocious hip-hop track that celebrates luxury and sexual prowess. Released in 2017, the song features a menacing bassline and trap-style beats, with Cardi and 21 Savage delivering verses filled with explicit references to sex, drugs, and partying. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “Bartier Cardi in a ‘Rari / Diamonds all over my body,” emphasizing the extravagant lifestyle that Cardi has achieved through her music career. The song also contains moments of humor and wordplay, with Cardi referencing her stint as a stripper and 21 Savage joking about his love for chicken wings. The music video for “Bartier Cardi” features provocative imagery, including Cardi dressed in lingerie and posing on a motorcycle. Overall, “Bartier Cardi” is a bold and raunchy track that showcases Cardi’s brash personality and unapologetic attitude.
6. Bronx Season
“Bronx Season” by Cardi B is a gritty and introspective track that explores Cardi’s upbringing in the Bronx and her struggles to achieve success. Released in 2016, the song features a haunting instrumental, with Cardi’s verses delivered in a raw and emotional flow. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “It’s Bronx season / Where my Bronx n*****s at?” emphasizing Cardi’s loyalty to her hometown and the tough environment that shaped her. The song also touches on themes of resilience and determination, with Cardi reflecting on her past mistakes and her dreams of making it big. Overall, “Bronx Season” is a powerful and personal track that showcases Cardi’s storytelling ability and her connection to her roots.
7. Red Barz
“Red Barz” by Cardi B is a hard-hitting hip-hop track that showcases Cardi’s skills as a rapper. Released in 2016, the song features a driving bassline and trap-style beats, with Cardi delivering verses filled with clever wordplay and punchlines. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “Red barz, got a couple hittas / Lookin’ like I’m fresh up off the runway, uh,” emphasizing the glamorous and dangerous lifestyle that Cardi portrays in her music. The song also contains references to Cardi’s past as a stripper and her rise to fame in the rap industry. The music video for “Red Barz” features striking visuals, including Cardi riding a horse through the streets of the Bronx. Overall, “Red Barz” is a confident and swaggering track that showcases Cardi’s charisma and skill as a rapper.
8. Get Up 10
“Get Up 10” by Cardi B is a powerful and autobiographical track that serves as the opening song to her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy.” Released in 2018, the song features a haunting instrumental, with Cardi delivering verses filled with raw emotion and personal details. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “Look, they gave a b**** two options: strippin’ or lose / Used to dance in the club right across from my school,” emphasizing the difficult choices and obstacles that Cardi faced in her youth. The song also touches on themes of perseverance and resilience, with Cardi reflecting on her journey to fame and her determination to succeed. The music video for “Get Up 10” features Cardi in various settings, including a funeral and a prison yard, adding to the song’s somber tone. Overall, “Get Up 10” is a powerful and honest track that showcases Cardi’s vulnerability and her ability to connect with her fans.
9. I Do
“I Do” by Cardi B featuring SZA is an empowering and unapologetic track that celebrates women’s independence and success. Released in 2018, the song features a laid-back instrumental, with Cardi and SZA delivering verses filled with clever wordplay and catchy melodies. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “I do what they say I can’t / They call me Cardi Bardi, banging body, spicy mami, hot tamale,” emphasizing the idea of breaking down barriers and defying expectations. The song also touches on themes of self-confidence and self-worth, with Cardi and SZA proclaiming their independence and rejecting the pressures of society. The music video for “I Do” features striking visuals, including Cardi and SZA in glamorous settings and surrounded by powerful women. Overall, “I Do” is a powerful and empowering track that showcases Cardi’s ability to uplift and inspire her fans.
10. Lick
“Lick” by Cardi B featuring Offset is a raunchy and explicit track that celebrates sexual pleasure and extravagance. Released in 2017, the song features a trap-style beat and Cardi and Offset delivering verses filled with explicit references to sex and money. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “I need a Henny drinker, I need a weed smoker / Not a garter snake, I need a king cobra,” emphasizing Cardi’s desire for a man who can match her sexual energy and lavish lifestyle. The song also contains moments of humor and wordplay, with Cardi referencing her past as a stripper and Offset joking about his ability to satisfy women. The music video for “Lick” features provocative imagery, including Cardi and Offset in a strip club and surrounded by money and luxury cars. Overall, “Lick” is a bold and raunchy track that showcases Cardi’s sexuality and her ability to push boundaries in her music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
