Belcalis Almanazar aka Cardi B made history this month by being the second female rapper to reach the number one spot on the Billboard charts without being accompanied by a feature. Cardi’s accomplishment is no small feat considering that the reigning chart topper that broke the charts as a female rapper before her was the beloved Lauren Hill who set the record 19 years ago. Cardi Bi’s rise to fame is an amazing story that is inspiring Black women all over the country. Cardi B definitely defies societal standards with her outgoing and over the top personality. Although she is now gaining widespread attention and making a lucrative career out of the rap game, she comes from very humble beginnings and most of her fans admire the story of how Cardi B came to be because she beat the odds and put naysayers to shame with her industry success.
The reasons that fans love Cardi B is because she mirrors the girl next door persona for many girls of color. Often times in the media and our own communities, Black women are negatively portrayed for being themselves, especially when they use Ebonics and are outspoken. Cardi B is no stranger to this same scrutiny from industry critics to regular Joe’s. Her accomplishment holds so much power behind it because although Cardi is rough around the edges, she is opening the door for Black girls to showcase their true selves and find self-love without sacrificing elements of their character. By watching interviews of Cardi B it is easy to see that she understands that she has flaws just like the rest of us, she shies away from wanting to be a role model to young girls because she simply wants to be herself without the pressure to perfect. 
Cardi B is just a “hood girl” who overcame the struggle first by being a stripper and internet personality in order to gain enough money to better her living situation, then by gaining a bigger fan base by being part of the cast of “Love and Hip-Hop New York”. Cardi B was in an abusive relationship in her late teenager years which is what influenced her decision to become a stripper because her circumstances prevented her from finding other positive outlets. Cardi B’s story encases the struggle of growing up in the Bronx and having to fight in order to survive, which many young women of color find relatable because it is something that is overlooked or not talked about much when Black girls and women are giving a venue to speak due to respectability politics.
This one is for the “hood girls” who keep their heads up and keep striving to make their dreams come true, we love you Cardi B! Congratulations on your new-found success as the #1 spot on the Billboard Charts!
About the Author
Jeanetta French
Student - Fall 2017
