First, Cardi B matched Lauryn Hill. Now, she’s surpassed it.
In September the Bronx musician landed her first chart-topping single, as “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” finally reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Bodak Yellow” also had the pleasure of knocking Taylor Swift’s Kanye West-bashing single “Look What You Made Me Do” off the top spot in the process.
Cardi also became the first solo female rap single to top the Hot 100 since Lauryn’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” back in 1998.
Now, in its third week at No. 1, she officially eclipsed Hill’s transcendent single, which held the top spot for only two weeks. While this is no doubt a major achievement by Cardi, it also reflects — in this writer’s opinion — a somewhat lack of respect and appreciation for women in hip hop and their relationship with the mainstream. The fact it took nearly 20 years for another woman rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 is bewildering enough, but to have it top it for only three weeks — in comparison to, say, a musically flaccid artist like Taylor Swift who routinely rules the charts on a regular basis for weeks on end — makes things that much more mystifying.
Also, it’s why it’s much more satisfying that Cardi knocked Taylor off in order to nab the top spot.
Regardless, congrats to Cardi on the accomplishment.
Speaking of accomplishments, it’s been announced that Cardi has won three BET Hip Hop Awards, besting the likes of JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Playboi Carti for “Hustler of the Year,” “Single of the Year” and “Best New Hip Hop Artist” respectively. She, alongside Kendrick, led all nominees with 9 nods.
