The best Cardi B songs showcase a trajectory that few artists achieve—from viral social media personality to Grammy-winning rapper who fundamentally changed hip-hop’s landscape. Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in the Bronx, Cardi B burst onto the scene with an authenticity that couldn’t be manufactured, turning her “regular degular shmegular girl” persona into a multimillion-dollar empire. Her 2018 debut album “Invasion of Privacy” made history as every single track earned at least platinum certification from the RIAA, an unprecedented achievement that cemented her status as rap royalty. Working with producers like J. White Did It and collaborating with everyone from Bruno Mars to Bad Bunny, Cardi has accumulated three diamond-certified songs and five Billboard Hot 100 number-ones.
What makes Cardi’s catalog so compelling is the raw honesty she brings to every verse. Whether she’s celebrating her success, addressing relationship drama, or simply flexing her hard-earned wealth, there’s an unfiltered quality to her music that connects with millions of fans worldwide. Her bilingual flow seamlessly blends her Dominican-Trinidadian heritage with Bronx street sensibility, creating a sound that’s distinctly her own. From the aggressive trap production of her early hits to the Latin-influenced rhythms that expanded her global reach, Cardi’s versatility shines when experienced through quality headphones that capture every nuance of her dynamic delivery. These tracks from our extensive songs collection represent the evolution of an artist who refused to let anyone dim her shine.
Bodak Yellow
The song that started it all, “Bodak Yellow” remains Cardi’s defining moment—a cultural reset that made her the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a solo song since Lauryn Hill in 1998. Produced by J. White Did It and released in June 2017, the track’s minimal, haunting beat creates the perfect canvas for Cardi’s aggressive delivery. She borrowed the flow from Kodak Black’s “No Flockin'” (hence the title), but made it entirely her own with lyrics about her stripper past and her unstoppable rise. The production emphasizes trap minimalism, allowing Cardi’s personality to dominate every bar. Rolling Stone ranked it #39 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and the track earned diamond certification, making Cardi the first female rapper to achieve this milestone. The song’s iconic hook—”I don’t dance now, I make money moves”—became a cultural catchphrase that transcended hip-hop.
I Like It (feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin)
Cardi’s second number-one hit brilliantly fuses Latin trap with reggaeton, sampling the classic boogaloo track “I Like It Like That” by Pete Rodriguez. Released in May 2018, this collaboration with Bad Bunny and J Balvin showcases Cardi’s ability to honor her Caribbean roots while creating something entirely contemporary. The vibrant production features punchy horn stabs and infectious rhythm patterns that make it impossible not to move. Cardi’s bilingual verses flow effortlessly between English and Spanish, celebrating her success with lines about liking “texts from my exes when they want a second chance.” The track dominated summer 2018, reaching number one and proving Cardi could replicate her “Bodak Yellow” success. The song earned multiple Grammy nominations and helped establish Cardi as a global superstar rather than just a domestic sensation.
WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
Perhaps no song generated more conversation in 2020 than “WAP,” Cardi’s explicit collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion that became a cultural phenomenon during the pandemic summer. Produced by Ayo & Keyz, the track features a sample from Frank Ski’s “Whores in This House” and delivers exactly what the title promises—unfiltered sexual empowerment delivered with zero apologies. The production builds around a hypnotic loop and bass-heavy foundation that hits differently through premium earbuds. The song debuted at number one, gave Cardi her fourth chart-topper, and made her the first female rapper to achieve Hot 100 number ones in two different decades. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy it generated, “WAP” accumulated over 26 million views in its first 24 hours and sparked nationwide debates about female sexuality in hip-hop. The track earned diamond certification and remains one of the most streamed female rap songs in history.
Up
Released in February 2021 as the second single from her long-awaited second album, “Up” proved Cardi hadn’t lost her edge despite the years between projects. Produced by DJ SwanQo and Yung Dza, the track features a menacing beat built around a looped vocal sample and heavy bass that demands to be played loud. Cardi’s aggressive flow dominates the production, delivering quotable lines about haters and demonstrating why she remains rap’s most formidable female force. The song reached number one, making Cardi the only female rapper to top the chart with multiple solo songs. The accompanying video’s choreography and fashion elevated the track’s impact, while the production’s dark energy showcased a harder edge than some of her previous singles. Critics praised the track as evidence that Cardi could still deliver hits without relying on features or gimmicks.
Money
Originally released as a surprise single in October 2018, “Money” became an immediate anthem for Cardi’s unabashed materialism. Produced by J. White Did It, the track features sparse production that lets Cardi’s flow take center stage, with heavy 808s providing the backbone. The song peaked at number 13 on the Hot 100 but its cultural impact exceeded its chart position, becoming a go-to motivational track for fans grinding toward their goals. Cardi’s delivery is supremely confident, celebrating wealth without apology and delivering one-liners that became instant social media captions. The music video’s elaborate choreography and multiple costume changes reinforced the song’s luxurious themes. The production’s minimalist approach proves that sometimes less is more, especially when the artist has Cardi’s charisma and technical skill.
Girls Like You (with Maroon 5)
This massive crossover hit spent seven weeks at number one in 2018, becoming one of Cardi’s longest-running chart-toppers. Maroon 5’s Adam Levine handles the melodic verses while Cardi delivers a standout verse that elevated the song from standard pop radio fare to something more dynamic. The production by Jason Evigan and Cirkut features acoustic guitar elements and electronic flourishes that create radio-friendly appeal without sacrificing edge. Cardi’s verse maintains her signature style while fitting seamlessly into the pop framework, proving her versatility. The song earned diamond certification and became the fifth best-selling single of 2018 globally, selling 11.9 million units. The star-studded music video featuring cameos from numerous influential women became one of YouTube’s most-viewed videos.
Be Careful
One of Cardi’s most vulnerable moments, “Be Careful” samples Lauryn Hill’s classic “Ex-Factor” and addresses themes of infidelity and relationship betrayal. Released in March 2018 from “Invasion of Privacy,” the track showcases Cardi’s ability to deliver emotional depth beyond the braggadocious persona. The production maintains a downtempo feel that allows Cardi’s storytelling to breathe, with the sample providing nostalgic context. Her delivery shifts between hurt and defiance, warning a lover about the consequences of disrespect. The song peaked at number 11 but resonated deeply with fans who appreciated this introspective side. The track demonstrates that Cardi’s appeal extends beyond party anthems to genuine emotional expression.
Bartier Cardi (feat. 21 Savage)
The follow-up single to “Bodak Yellow” maintains that track’s aggressive energy while featuring a menacing verse from 21 Savage. Produced by 30 Roc and Cheeze Beatz, the track’s dark production and relentless flow established that Cardi wasn’t a one-hit wonder. Released in December 2017, the song peaked at number 14 and earned platinum certification. Cardi’s verses flaunt her newfound success and luxury lifestyle, name-dropping designer brands and expensive jewelry. The chemistry between Cardi and 21 Savage creates an effective contrast in styles. The track’s title references the luxury Cartier brand while maintaining Cardi’s tendency to put her own spin on everything.
Please Me (with Bruno Mars)
Cardi’s second collaboration with Bruno Mars resulted in this sultry R&B-influenced track that peaked at number three in February 2019. Produced by Bruno Mars and The Stereotypes, the song showcases Cardi’s versatility in handling smoother, more sensual material. The production features throwback R&B elements including live instrumentation and warm bass lines that create an intimate atmosphere. Cardi’s verses maintain her personality while adapting to the song’s seductive vibe, proving she could excel in multiple genres. The track demonstrated that her chemistry with Bruno Mars on the “Finesse” remix wasn’t a fluke. The song’s commercial success without relying on aggressive trap production expanded Cardi’s artistic palette.
Finesse (Remix) (with Bruno Mars)
Bruno Mars invited Cardi onto this new jack swing-inspired remix, and she delivered one of her most memorable guest verses. Released in January 2018, the track’s nostalgic production channels early ’90s energy with bright synths and bouncing rhythms. The accompanying video paid tribute to “In Living Color” with period-accurate fashion and choreography. Cardi’s verse celebrates her rapid ascent with the iconic line “Cardi B, straight stuntin’, can’t tell me nothin’ / Bossed up and I changed the game.” The song reached number three globally and became a cultural moment, introducing Cardi to mainstream pop audiences. The remix transformed the original into something more dynamic and helped establish Cardi as hip-hop’s most in-demand feature artist.
MotorSport (with Migos & Nicki Minaj)
This high-powered collaboration brought together three of hip-hop’s biggest acts for a track that peaked at number six in November 2017. Produced by Murda Beatz and Cubeatz, the song features aggressive trap production with racing metaphors throughout. Cardi’s verse holds its own alongside Nicki Minaj and the three Migos members, delivering fierce lines about haters and her rapid career acceleration. The track generated headlines for the perceived tension between Cardi and Nicki, adding intrigue to the music. The production’s relentless energy and star power made it an instant club favorite. The song’s success demonstrated Cardi could compete with established rap royalty.
No Limit (with G-Eazy & A$AP Rocky)
Cardi’s guest verse on G-Eazy’s “No Limit” remains one of her most quotable features, with the line “My career takin’ off, these hoes jogging in place” becoming an instant classic. Released in September 2017, the track samples Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” and A$AP Ferg’s “Remy Boyz.” The production by Boi-1da features a menacing beat that allows all three rappers to showcase their technical skills. Cardi’s verse, though brief, stands out for its clever wordplay and confident delivery. The track reached number four on the Hot 100, making it one of her first major collaborations. The song helped establish the pattern of Cardi elevating every track she appears on.
Ring (feat. Kehlani)
One of “Invasion of Privacy’s” standout deep cuts, “Ring” features R&B singer Kehlani and addresses relationship dysfunction over a minimalist trap production. The song peaked at number 28 but became a fan favorite for its emotional honesty. Produced by Needlz and Scribz Riley, the track features sparse instrumentation that emphasizes both artists’ vocal performances. Cardi’s verses detail the push-and-pull of a toxic relationship, while Kehlani’s melodic hook provides emotional resonance. The chemistry between the two artists creates a dynamic that showcases Cardi’s ability to collaborate effectively with vocalists. The production’s restraint allows the lyrics’ emotional weight to hit harder.
Press
Released in May 2019, “Press” addresses Cardi’s frustration with media scrutiny and public drama. The self-produced track (written solely by Cardi) features minimalist production that emphasizes her aggressive delivery. The song peaked at number 16 but its cultural impact came from Cardi’s unfiltered response to constant attention. Lines like “Press, press, press, press, press / Cardi don’t need more press” became anthems for anyone tired of unwanted opinions. The controversial music video featuring nudity and violence amplified the song’s rebellious message. The track demonstrates Cardi’s willingness to address her critics directly rather than taking the high road.
Drip (feat. Migos)
This luxurious collaboration with Migos celebrates success with trap production by Cassius Jay that features spacey synths and rolling hi-hats. Released as part of “Invasion of Privacy,” the track showcases the natural chemistry between Cardi and her then-fiancé Offset’s group. Each rapper takes turns delivering verses about designer fashion, expensive jewelry, and hard-earned wealth. The production creates an atmospheric backdrop that never overwhelms the vocal performances. The track’s title became another Cardi-associated catchphrase as “drip” entered mainstream vocabulary. The song demonstrates how Cardi’s personal relationships enhanced her music without overshadowing it.
Taki Taki (with DJ Snake, Selena Gomez & Ozuna)
This global collaboration brought together Latin and mainstream pop for an international smash in September 2018. DJ Snake’s production fuses electronic dance music with reggaeton rhythms, creating something designed for maximum streaming appeal. Cardi’s Spanish-language verse demonstrates her bilingual capabilities while maintaining her distinctive flow. The track peaked at number 11 in the US but dominated charts globally, particularly in Latin American markets. The music video’s colorful aesthetic and choreography reinforced the song’s party atmosphere. The collaboration proved Cardi’s appeal transcended language barriers and geographic limitations.
Get Up 10
The opening track from “Invasion of Privacy” serves as an autobiography in under four minutes, detailing Cardi’s journey from stripper to superstar. Produced by Benny Blanco and others, the track features cinematic production that builds as Cardi’s story intensifies. Her delivery shifts between reflective and triumphant as she recounts struggles and victories. The song never charted as a single but critics identified it as one of the album’s strongest moments for its storytelling and emotional depth. The production’s dramatic flair matches the weight of Cardi’s narrative. The track sets the perfect tone for the album by establishing Cardi’s context and credibility.
Thru Your Phone
This “Invasion of Privacy” track addresses relationship suspicion and infidelity with production by Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, and others. The song peaked at number 50 but resonated with anyone who’s checked their partner’s phone. Cardi’s delivery conveys hurt and anger as she confronts evidence of cheating, making it one of the album’s most relatable moments. The production features melancholic melodies that underscore the emotional subject matter. The track’s specificity—mentioning Instagram DMs and text messages—grounds it in contemporary relationship dynamics. The song demonstrates Cardi’s ability to turn personal pain into compelling music.
Best Life (feat. Chance the Rapper)
Featuring an uplifting appearance from Chance the Rapper, “Best Life” celebrates success and personal growth over production by Benny Blanco and others. The track closes “Invasion of Privacy” on an optimistic note, with both artists reflecting on their journeys. The production features gospel-influenced elements that complement the song’s positive message. Cardi’s verses acknowledge the haters while focusing on gratitude and forward momentum. Chance’s verse provides perfect contrast with his more introspective style. The song never charted as a single but became a fan favorite for its feel-good energy and affirmation of success.
Bickenhead
Reimagining Project Pat’s “Chickenhead,” Cardi transforms the original’s misogynistic angle into a hustler’s anthem on this “Invasion of Privacy” track. Produced by Ronny J, the song features minimalist trap production with heavy bass and crisp snares. Cardi’s flow rides the beat effortlessly while celebrating women who secure financial benefits from relationships. The track showcases her Memphis rap influences while maintaining her Bronx identity. The production’s stark approach creates maximum impact with minimal elements. The song demonstrates Cardi’s ability to flip classic hip-hop tracks through her unique lens.
Money Bag
This “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1” cut showcases Cardi’s pre-fame sound, with raw production and unfiltered lyrics that established her mixtape appeal. The track’s lo-fi aesthetic contrasts with her later polished productions, offering insight into her artistic evolution. Cardi’s delivery shows the personality that would eventually captivate millions, even without major label resources. The production features standard trap elements elevated by Cardi’s undeniable charisma. The song proves that her talent preceded her budget, connecting with fans through authenticity rather than expensive production. This early material demonstrates why she built such a loyal following before “Bodak Yellow” broke through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardi B’s biggest hit song?
“Bodak Yellow” remains Cardi B’s signature hit, spending three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017. The song made her the first female rapper to top the chart with a solo song since Lauryn Hill in 1998 and later became the first female rap song certified diamond by the RIAA. It also ranked #39 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list and was selected as the best song of 2017 by both The Washington Post and Pitchfork.
How many number-one songs does Cardi B have?
Cardi B has achieved five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “Bodak Yellow” (solo), “I Like It” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5, “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, and “Up” (solo). This makes her the only female rapper to top the chart with multiple solo songs and the first female rapper to achieve number ones in two different decades (2010s and 2020s).
What album won Cardi B a Grammy?
Cardi B’s debut album “Invasion of Privacy” won Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards, making her the first solo female artist to win in that category in the award’s 30-year history. The album, released in April 2018, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and became the first album to have every single track certified at least platinum by the RIAA.
Who are Cardi B’s most frequent collaborators?
Cardi B’s most frequent collaborators include producer J. White Did It (who produced “Bodak Yellow” and “Money”), songwriter Pardison Fontaine (who co-writes many of her songs), Bruno Mars (with whom she recorded “Finesse” remix and “Please Me”), and her ex-husband Offset and his group Migos. She’s also worked extensively with Latin artists including Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Ozuna, reflecting her Dominican-Trinidadian heritage.
What makes Cardi B’s music style unique?
Cardi B’s music blends aggressive trap production with her unfiltered Bronx personality, bilingual flow, and willingness to address both triumph and vulnerability. Her Dominican-Trinidadian heritage influences tracks like “I Like It,” while her former career as a stripper informs much of her authentic storytelling. She seamlessly transitions between party anthems, relationship confessionals, and luxury celebrations, always maintaining the “regular degular shmegular girl from the Bronx” authenticity that made her famous.