Career Timeline of Cardi B: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Cardi B built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, is a prominent American rapper recognized for her candid persona and lyrical content. She rose to fame between 2015 and 2017 through her presence on Vine and Instagram, her role in VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and the release of her two mixtapes. She has become one of the most successful female artists in the music industry.
2013: Gaining Publicity on Social Media
In 2013, Cardi B began to gain publicity due to several of her videos spreading on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram.
November 2015: Musical Debut on Shaggy's Remix of "Boom Boom"
In November 2015, Cardi B made her musical debut on Shaggy's remix of "Boom Boom", alongside Popcaan.
December 9, 2015: Appearance on Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne
On December 9, 2015, Cardi B appeared on Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne.
December 15, 2015: Music Video Debut with "Cheap Ass Weave"
On December 15, 2015, Cardi B made her music video debut with the song "Cheap Ass Weave", a rendition of Lady Leshurr's "Queen's Speech 4".
2015: Joining Love & Hip Hop: New York
In 2015, Cardi B joined the cast of VH1's reality TV series Love & Hip Hop: New York, debuting in season six.
March 7, 2016: Release of Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1
On March 7, 2016, Cardi B released her first full-length project, a mixtape titled Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1.
April 6, 2016: Appearance on Kocktails with Khloé
On April 6, 2016, Cardi B appeared on Kocktails with Khloé, where she revealed how she told her mother that she was a stripper.
September 12, 2016: Release of Underestimated: The Album
On September 12, 2016, KSR Group released the compilation album Underestimated: The Album, featuring Cardi B and other artists. The single "What a Girl Likes" from the compilation was released at the same time.
November 2016: Joining the Cast of Being Mary Jane
In November 2016, Cardi B was announced as a cast member of the BET series Being Mary Jane, playing Mercedes.
November 2016: Featured on Vibe Magazine's Viva Issue
In November 2016, Cardi B was featured on the digital cover of Vibe magazine's "Viva" issue.
December 30, 2016: Leaving Love & Hip Hop: New York
On December 30, 2016, Cardi B announced her departure from Love & Hip Hop: New York after two seasons to focus on her music career.
2016: Endorsement Deal with Romantic Depot
In 2016, Cardi B had her first endorsement deal with Romantic Depot, a lingerie store chain in New York. The ad campaign was featured on radio and cable TV.
January 20, 2017: Release of Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2
On January 20, 2017, Cardi B released her second mixtape, Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2.
February 2017: Partnership for New York Fashion Week
In February 2017, Cardi B partnered with M.A.C and Rio Uribe's Gypsy Sport for a New York Fashion Week event.
February 2017: Partnership with MAC Cosmetics and Gypsy Sport for New York Fashion Week
In February 2017, Cardi B partnered with MAC Cosmetics and Rio Uribe's Gypsy Sport for an event during New York Fashion Week.
February 25, 2017: Opening Act for The Lox's Filthy America... It's Beautiful Tour
On February 25, 2017, Cardi B was the opening act for The Lox's Filthy America... It's Beautiful Tour, along with Lil' Kim and Remy Ma.
April 3, 2017: Guest Appearance on Hip Hop Squares
On April 3, 2017, Cardi B guest-starred on the celebrity panel show Hip Hop Squares.
April 2017: Featured in i-D's A-Z of Music
In April 2017, Cardi B was featured in i-D's "A-Z of Music" video sponsored by Marc Jacobs.
May 2017: BET Awards Nomination
In May 2017, Cardi B was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist at the 2017 BET Awards.
June 11, 2017: Summer Jam Performance with Female Rappers
On June 11, 2017, during Hot 97's Summer Jam, Cardi B joined Remy Ma and other female rappers to celebrate female empowerment and perform "U.N.I.T.Y." originally performed by Queen Latifah in 1993.
June 2017: Cover of The Fader's Summer Music Issue
In June 2017, Cardi B was featured on the cover of The Fader's Summer Music issue.
June 16, 2017: Release of "Bodak Yellow"
On June 16, 2017, Atlantic Records released Cardi B's commercial debut single, "Bodak Yellow".
August 2017: Cover of The Fader's Summer Music issue
In August 2017, Cardi B made the cover of The Fader's July/August 2017 Summer Music issue.
August 2017: Performance at MoMA PS1
In August 2017, Cardi B performed at MoMA PS1 to a crowd of 4,000 people.
September 25, 2017: "Bodak Yellow" Reaches Number One
On September 25, 2017, "Bodak Yellow" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first female rapper to achieve this with a solo single since 1998.
October 2017: Headlining Power 105.1's Powerhouse
In October 2017, Cardi B headlined Power 105.1's annual Powerhouse music celebration at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, alongside The Weeknd, Migos, and Lil Uzi Vert.
2017: "Bodak Yellow" Certified Diamond
In 2017, "Bodak Yellow" made Cardi B the first female rapper to have a song certified Diamond.
2017: Accolades for "Bodak Yellow"
In 2017, "Bodak Yellow" was named the best song of the year by The Washington Post and Pitchfork, won Single of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards and was eventually certified Diamond by the RIAA.
2017: "Bodak Yellow"'s Commercial Success
In 2017, Billboard editors stated that with "Bodak Yellow"'s commercial success, "she left an indelible mark on the summer of 2017, not only because she rewrote history, but she gave hope to the have nots..."
2017: Best-performing song of the year
In 2017, Cardi B achieved best-performing song of the year by a female artist in the US.
2017: First Historic Run
In 2017, NPR Music commented that the "renaissance" of the dynamism of women in rap grew "in enthusiasm and breadth" since Cardi's "first historic run".
2017: Rejection from Fashion Designers
In early 2017, during an interview, Cardi B discussed experiencing rejection from certain fashion designers.
January 3, 2018: Featured on Bruno Mars' "Finesse" Remix
On January 3, 2018, Cardi B was featured on the remix of Bruno Mars' single "Finesse" and appeared in its music video.
January 18, 2018: Five Top 10 Singles on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
On January 18, 2018, Cardi B became the first female rapper to have five top 10 singles simultaneously on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
March 30, 2018: Release of "Be Careful"
On March 30, 2018, Cardi B released "Be Careful", a single from her upcoming album, Invasion of Privacy.
April 6, 2018: Release of Invasion of Privacy
On April 6, 2018, Cardi B's debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy, was released and received universal acclaim from music critics and entered at number one in the United States. Following the album's release, during a performance on Saturday Night Live, Cardi B officially announced her pregnancy.
April 7, 2018: Pregnancy reveal on Saturday Night Live
On April 7, 2018, during her second performance on Saturday Night Live, Cardi B revealed she was about six months (24 weeks) pregnant.
July 2018: "I Like It" Reaches Number One
In July 2018, Cardi B's single "I Like It", featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin, reached number one on the Hot 100, marking her second chart-topper and making her the first female rapper to achieve multiple number one hits.
September 2018: Release of Tom Ford's Cardi B-inspired lipstick
In September 2018, Tom Ford's Cardi B-inspired lipstick, named after her, was released and sold out within 24 hours.
October 2018: Invasion of Privacy Certified Double Platinum
In October 2018, Cardi B's album Invasion of Privacy was certified double platinum by the RIAA, marking a significant milestone in her career. All thirteen tracks from the album were also certified gold or higher in the US, making Cardi the first female artist to achieve this.
November 30, 2018: Honored at Ebony's Power 100 Gala
On November 30, 2018, Cardi B was honored at Ebony's annual Power 100 Gala. She ranked fifth on the Billboard Year-End Top Artists chart, and Invasion of Privacy ranked sixth. She was the most-streamed female artist of the year in the US on Spotify. Time included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2018: Best-performing song of the year
In 2018, Cardi B achieved best-performing song of the year by a female artist in the US.
2018: First Female Rapper on Vogue Cover
In 2018, Cardi B became the first female rapper in the U.S. to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine.
2018: "Finesse" Collaboration with Bruno Mars
In 2018, Cardi B collaborated with Bruno Mars on the song "Finesse."
2018: MTV VMA and AMA Nominations and Wins
In 2018, Cardi B received 12 nominations for the MTV Video Music Awards and won three awards. She also tied with Drake for the most nominations at the American Music Awards, where she won three AMAs and performed. People en Español named her Star of the Year, and Entertainment Weekly deemed her "a pop culture phenomenon."
2018: Release and Success of Invasion of Privacy
In 2018, Cardi B released her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy. It debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart and became the top female rap album of the 2010s, according to Billboard. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making Cardi B the first solo female artist to achieve this. The album's singles, "Bodak Yellow" and "I Like It," both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and were certified diamond by the RIAA.
2018: Demanding Transparency on Tax Policy and Praising Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 2018, Cardi B used social media to demand transparency on tax policy in New York, criticizing the state's spending. Also in 2018, she praised President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his advocacy of Social Security and the New Deal, highlighting his efforts to "make America great again" despite his battle with polio.
2018: Win for "Bodak Yellow" at the American Music Awards
In 2018, Cardi B won the American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song for "Bodak Yellow".
2018: Inclusion in Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2018, Time included Cardi B on their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
January 2019: Vogue Cover Appearance
In January 2019, Cardi B appeared on one of four covers for Vogue magazine, photographed by Annie Leibovitz. She was featured in a red and white Michael Kors dress and matching red Jimmy Choo shoes, holding her daughter, Kulture.
February 10, 2019: Grammy Win for Best Rap Album
On February 10, 2019, Cardi B performed at the Grammy Awards ceremony and won Best Rap Album for Invasion of Privacy, becoming the first female rapper to win the award as a solo artist.
February 15, 2019: Release of "Please Me"
On February 15, 2019, Cardi B released "Please Me", a collaboration with Bruno Mars, which became her seventh top-ten song on the Hot 100.
May 31, 2019: Release of "Press"
On May 31, 2019, Cardi B released her single "Press".
June 26, 2019: "Press" Music Video Release and Directorial Debut
On June 26, 2019, the music video for Cardi B's single "Press" was released. Cardi B made her directorial debut, being credited as co-director.
September 13, 2019: Film Debut in Hustlers
On September 13, 2019, Cardi B made her film debut in Hustlers, directed by Lorene Scafaria, alongside Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, and Lili Reinhart.
October 9, 2019: Rhythm + Flow Premieres on Netflix
On October 9, 2019, Rhythm + Flow, a hip-hop talent search series where Cardi B served as a judge and executive producer alongside Chance the Rapper and T.I., premiered on Netflix.
2019: Influence on TV Series and Ghana's GDP
In 2019, Bloomberg News reported that her data bill helped to boost Ghana's GDP growth, after it was part of a concert tour. She inspired the creation of the sitcom Partners in Rhyme, executively produced by MC Lyte about a young woman in high school who "aspires to be the next Cardi B." P-Valley creator and executive producer Katori Hall cited her an inspiration for the TV series, and credited her for "helping prepare the public" for its storyline.
2019: Billboard Music Awards Wins
In 2019, Cardi B received 21 Billboard Music Awards nominations, the most nominations in a single year by a female artist, and won six awards, including Top Hot 100 Song. This brought her career total to seven, the most of any female rapper in history.
2019: ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award
In 2019, Cardi B received the ASCAP award for Songwriter of the Year, becoming the first female rapper to win the award.
2019: Judge on Rhythm + Flow and Appearance in Hustlers
In 2019, Cardi B served as a judge on the music competition series Rhythm + Flow and appeared in the film Hustlers, expanding her career beyond music.
2019: Wearing Vintage Thierry Mugler to the Grammy Awards
In 2019, Cardi B wore vintage Thierry Mugler to the Grammy Awards. An i-D article credited the fashion house's resurgence to the Swarovski crystal-embroidered crinoline sheath gown she wore at the ceremony.
2019: Sculpture at the Brooklyn Museum
In 2019, a life-sized sculpture of Cardi B was on display at the Brooklyn Museum, as part of Spotify's RapCaviar "Pantheon".
2019: Recognition by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Anna Wintour
In 2019, the Council of Fashion Designers of America included Cardi B on their list of "28 Black Fashion Forces". Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour commended her fashion sense, declaring that she "completely rethought [her] opinion of Cardi B's style" after the 2019 Met Gala.
August 7, 2020: Release of "WAP" featuring Megan Thee Stallion
On August 7, 2020, Cardi B released the single "WAP" featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The song was praised for its sex-positive messages and broke the record for the biggest 24-hour debut for an all-female collaboration on YouTube. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
August 2020: "WAP" Sets Streaming Record
Since August 2020, the song "WAP" holds the record of the biggest first-week streams for a song in the United States.
December 2020: Woman of the Year at Billboard Women in Music Awards
In December 2020, Cardi B became the first female rapper to be named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
2020: Best-performing song of the year
In 2020, Cardi B achieved best-performing song of the year by a female artist in the US.
2020: Face of Balenciaga's Ad Campaign
In 2020, Cardi B became the face of Balenciaga's ad campaign for the winter season. The campaign included billboards in international locations, such as the Louvre museum.
2020: ASCAP Songwriter of the Year and Billboard Woman of the Year
In 2020, Cardi B received the ASCAP award for Songwriter of the Year for the second time, making her the first female songwriter to win the award twice. Cardi B became the first female rapper to be named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards in 2020.
2020: Style Influencer of the Year
In 2020, Cardi B was awarded Style Influencer of the Year by the FN Achievement Awards, presented by Christian Louboutin. In 2020, Cardi B was called an "influence just about everything in pop culture—from music, fashion and style to social media, politics and even public service".
2020: Top Songs of the Year
In 2020, Cardi B's music topped Pitchfork's annual list of best songs of the year.
2020: Influence on Female-Rap Renaissance
In 2020, The Wall Street Journal's Neil Shah stated that her breakthrough and success influenced "today's female-rap renaissance."
February 5, 2021: Release of "Up"
On February 5, 2021, Cardi B released "Up", the second single from her upcoming second studio album. The song debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the highest debut for a solo female rap song since Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)" in 1998.
April 30, 2021: Appearance in "Big Paper"
On April 30, 2021, Cardi B made a last-minute appearance in "Big Paper", from DJ Khaled's album Khaled Khaled.
May 2021: Release of "Mommy & Me" collection with Reebok
In May 2021, Cardi B released the third collection with Reebok, titled "Mommy & Me", in recognition of Mother's Day, which includes Cardi's iteration of Club C shoes for adults, children, and infants.
June 25, 2021: Cardi B's Role in F9 Release
On June 25, 2021, Cardi B played a brief role in F9, which was released by Universal Pictures.
August 2021: "Bodak Yellow" reaches 1 billion views
In August 2021, Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" became the first song by a female rapper to have two videos on her YouTube channel with over 1 billion views, joining "I Like It," and became the fastest solo female rap song to reach that mark on the platform.
November 5, 2021: Feature on Summer Walker's Album
On November 5, 2021, Cardi B featured on Summer Walker's second studio album Still Over It on the opening track "Bitter".
2021: Appearance in F9
In 2021, Cardi B appeared in the film F9, continuing her venture into acting.
2021: Invasion of Privacy and New Era for Women Rappers
In 2021, Clover Hope's book The Motherlode stated that Invasion of Privacy "jump-started a new era for women rappers in which success felt much more tangible" as Cardi B "multiplied the wealth of talent and resurrected the idea that numerous women who controlled their own stories could dominate rap at once."
2021: Return of Rhythm + Flow Announced
In 2021, Netflix announced the return of Rhythm + Flow for a new season, where Cardi B would return as a judge.
March 2022: Featured on "No Love"
In March 2022, Cardi B appeared on the extended version of Summer Walker and SZA's collaboration, "No Love".
July 1, 2022: Release of "Hot Shit"
On July 1, 2022, Cardi B released "Hot Shit", featuring rappers Kanye West and Lil Durk, after it was first announced during a BET Awards 2022 commercial break.
July 2022: Release of "Let Me Be...Enchanted" collection part 2 with Reebok
In July 2022, the second part of "Let Me Be...Enchanted" was released; it was revealed to be inspired by "a state of enchantment and euphoria" and included crop tops, faux fur jackets, and leotards along with footwear.
September 2022: Release of "Tomorrow 2"
In September 2022, Cardi B worked with cousin and fellow rapper GloRilla on the remix to her song "Tomorrow", titled "Tomorrow 2". The remix peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Cardi's eleventh top-ten single.
October 2022: 100 Million Units Sold in RIAA Certifications
In October 2022, five years after her major-label debut, Cardi B reached 100 million units sold in RIAA certifications, across her album, singles and guest appearances.
December 2022: Private Performance at Miami Art Basel
In December 2022, Cardi B gave a 35-minute private performance at the Miami Art Basel for which she was paid $1 million. Later that month, a remix of Spanish artist Rosalía's song "Despechá" featuring Cardi, was released.
December 2022: Release of "Let Me Be...Next Level Energy" Collection part 2
In December 2022, the second part of "Let Me Be...Next Level Energy", was also released, concluding her four-year partnership with Reebok. Inspired by Cardi B's "unmatched energy", the collection consisted of bodysuits, crop tops, footwear, leggings, and woven jackets—of a color palette based on crystals.
2022: Creative Director of Playboy
In 2022, Cardi B became the creative director of entertainment magazine Playboy, taking on a significant role in the media industry.
2022: Ranked as One of the Most Stylish Women in Music
In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked Cardi B as the second most-stylish woman in music, behind Lady Gaga, and GQ considered her "one of fashion's preeminent risk-takers."
February 2023: Partnership with McDonald's
In February 2023, Cardi B and Offset partnered with McDonald's to create the Cardi B and Offset meal, which was launched on Valentine's Day.
April 2023: End of Cardi Tries Web Series
In April 2023, Cardi B's web series Cardi Tries, which premiered via Facebook Messenger in December 2020 and had herself as one of the executive producers, ran for its third and final season.
September 8, 2023: Release of "Bongos"
On September 8, 2023, Cardi released "Bongos" featuring Megan Thee Stallion, which marks the pair's second collaboration after "WAP" (2020).
December 2023: Runway Debut at Balenciaga show
In December 2023, Cardi B made her runway debut at the Balenciaga fall 2024 show in Los Angeles.
2023: Voice Role in Baby Shark's Big Movie!
In 2023, Cardi B had a voice role in Baby Shark's Big Movie!, marking her entry into voice acting.
December 31, 2023: Performance at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
On December 31, 2023, Cardi B performed at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, accompanied by DJ Gryffin, which aired live for the 2024 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
February 2024: Starred in NYX Cosmetics Super Bowl Commercial
In February 2024, Cardi B starred in NYX Cosmetics' inaugural Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl LVIII, titled "Lips Only".
March 1, 2024: Release of "Like What (Freestyle)"
On March 1, 2024, Cardi B released the promotional single "Like What (Freestyle)" with an accompanying music video directed by Offset. It is a freestyle of rapper Missy Elliot's "She's a Bitch" (1999).
March 2024: Whipshots sales update
As of March 2024, Cardi B's vodka-infused, vegan whipped cream, called Whipshots, has sold over five million cans in the US since its launch.
March 22, 2024: Featured on "Puntería"
On March 22, 2024, Cardi B appeared on "Puntería" with Shakira, the opening track and eighth single of Shakira's twelfth album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.
May 2024: Appeared in commercial for 2024 Summer Olympics
In May 2024, Cardi B appeared alongside sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson in a commercial for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
September 2024: YouTube views milestone
As of September 2024, Cardi B has one music video with over 3 billion views ("Girls Like You"), one video with over 2 billion views ("Taki Taki"), and three videos with over a billion views ("I Like It", "Bodak Yellow", "Girls Like You (Volume 2)") on YouTube.
2024: Billboard Recognizes Cardi B as One of the Greatest Pop Stars
In 2024, Billboard included Cardi B among the honorable mentions of its "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century". The magazine called her one of the "most influential female rappers ever, and one of the most bankable hit-makers across all of hip-hop".
February 7, 2025: Release of "Toot It Up"
On February 7, 2025, Cardi and Pardison Fontaine released "Toot It Up".
June 20, 2025: Release of "Outside"
On June 20, 2025, Cardi B released "Outside" as the third single from her second studio album. She debuted the track live at a Spotify event in Cannes two days prior.
June 30, 2025: Album Trailer for Am I the Drama?
On June 30, 2025, Cardi B posted an album trailer to her social media for Am I the Drama? featuring a skit similar to the plot of The Birds.
September 19, 2025: Release of 'Am I the Drama?'
Cardi B's second studio album Am I the Drama?, will be released on September 19, 2025, over seven years after her debut album. The project was delayed numerous times over multiple years after the release of Invasion Of Privacy, citing perfectionism and pressure to live up to expectations.
2025: Upcoming Album Am I the Drama?
In 2025, Cardi B's second studio album, Am I the Drama?, is set to be released, preceded by the hit singles "WAP" and "Up", according to the text.
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