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 highly successful American rapper renowned for her candid public persona and lyrical content. She initially garnered attention between 2015 and 2017 through her presence on Vine and Instagram, followed by her role on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York. During this period, she also released two mixtapes, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
1999: "She's a Bitch" released by Missy Elliot
In 1999, Missy Elliot released "She's a Bitch", which Cardi B's song "Like What (Freestyle)" is a freestyle of.
2013: Gaining Publicity on Social Media
In 2013, Cardi B began to gain publicity due to her videos spreading on social media platforms Vine and Instagram.
November 2015: Musical Debut on "Boom Boom" Remix
In November 2015, Cardi B made her musical debut on Shaggy's remix of his single "Boom Boom", alongside Popcaan.
December 9, 2015: Appearance on Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne
On December 9, 2015, Cardi B appeared on an episode of 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", which is her 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 television series Love & Hip Hop: New York, debuting in season six and becoming a breakout star.
2015: Gaining Recognition
In 2015, Cardi B started gaining recognition on Vine and Instagram, becoming a cast member on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York.
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 Khloé Kardashian's show Kocktails with Khloé, where she revealed how she told her mother 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 KSR Group artists.
November 2016: Joining the Cast of Being Mary Jane
In November 2016, Cardi B was announced as joining the cast of the BET series Being Mary Jane, playing the character Mercedes.
November 2016: Featured on Vibe Magazine's "Viva" Cover
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 further pursue her music career.
2016: Warning about Donald Trump's immigration policies
During the 2016 presidential primaries, Cardi B warned her fans of Donald Trump's immigration policies and encouraged them to vote for Senator Bernie Sanders.
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.
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 with M.A.C and Gypsy Sport
In February 2017, Cardi B partnered with M.A.C and Rio Uribe's Gypsy Sport for a New York Fashion Week event.
February 25, 2017: Opening Act for The Lox's Tour
On February 25, 2017, Cardi B was the opening act for The Lox's Filthy America... It's Beautiful Tour, alongside Lil' Kim and Remy Ma.
April 3, 2017: 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" Video
In April 2017, Cardi B was featured in i-D's "A-Z of Music" video sponsored by Marc Jacobs.
May 2017: BET Awards Nominations
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: Performance at Hot 97's Summer Jam
On June 11, 2017, Cardi B performed at Hot 97's Summer Jam music festival, brought out by Remy Ma along with other female rappers.
June 2017: Cover of The Fader's Summer Music Issue
In June 2017, it was revealed that Cardi B would be on the cover of The Fader's Summer Music issue for July/August 2017.
June 16, 2017: Release of "Bodak Yellow"
On June 16, 2017, Atlantic Records released Cardi B's commercial debut single, "Bodak Yellow", via digital distribution.
August 2017: Performance at MoMA PS1
In August 2017, Cardi B performed at MoMA PS1 to a crowd of 4,000.
August 2017: Cover of The Fader's Summer Music issue
In July/August 2017, Cardi B made the cover of The Fader's Summer Music issue.
September 25, 2017: "Bodak Yellow" Reaches Number One
On September 25, 2017, "Bodak Yellow" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Cardi B the first female rapper to do so 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.
2017: Recognition and Awards for "Bodak Yellow"
In 2017, "Bodak Yellow" was recognized as the rap anthem of the summer, selected as the best song of the year by critics, certified Diamond by the RIAA, and won Single of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards.
2017: Bodak Yellow's Impact
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 the best-performing song of the year by a female artist in the US.
2017: Diamond Certification for Bodak Yellow
In 2017, Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" made her the first female rapper to have a song certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
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: Early Career
In early 2017, Cardi B continued to gain recognition on Vine and Instagram, and as a cast member on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and by releasing two mixtapes.
January 3, 2018: Feature on "Finesse" Remix
On January 3, 2018, Cardi B was featured on the remix of Bruno Mars' single "Finesse", and also appeared in the music video.
January 18, 2018: Five Top 10 Singles on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
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 the single "Be Careful", a week before her album's release.
April 6, 2018: Release of Invasion of Privacy
On April 6, 2018, Cardi B released her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy, to universal acclaim from music critics.
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 number one and making her the first female rapper to achieve multiple chart-toppers.
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. Later, it was updated to triple platinum, marking her as the first female artist with all songs from an album certified gold or higher in the US.
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. In 2018, Cardi B ranked fifth on the Billboard Year-End Top Artists chart, and Invasion of Privacy ranked sixth. Time included her in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2018: Appearance in video with Hillary Clinton at Grammy Awards
At the Grammy Awards in 2018, Cardi B appeared in a video along with Hillary Clinton to narrate a portion of Fire and Fury, Michael Wolff's insider's account of Trump's administration.
2018: Social media demand for transparency on tax policy
Early in 2018, Cardi B used her social media to demand transparency on tax policy in New York state and criticized the maintenance of its streets, prisons, and public transportation.
2018: Best-Performing Song of the Year
In 2018, Cardi B achieved the best-performing song of the year by a female artist in the US.
2018: Vogue Cover
In 2018, Cardi B became the first female rapper in the U.S. to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine.
2018: First collaboration with Bruno Mars in 'Finesse'
In 2018, Cardi B had the first collaboration with Bruno Mars in "Finesse", which was followed by "Please Me" in 2019.
2018: Multiple awards and recognitions
In 2018, Cardi B received 12 nominations for the MTV Video Music Awards, winning three. She tied with Drake for the most nominations at the American Music Awards, winning three AMAs and performing at the ceremony. She was named Star of the Year by People en Español and one of the "2018 Entertainers of the Year" by Entertainment Weekly.
2018: American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song
In 2018, Cardi B won the American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song for "Bodak Yellow", which preceded her win for "WAP" in 2020.
2018: Invasion of Privacy Album Release and Success
In 2018, Cardi B's first studio album, Invasion of Privacy, debuted atop the Billboard 200 and was critically acclaimed. The singles "Bodak Yellow" and "I Like It" both topped the Billboard Hot 100. Also, the collaboration "Girls Like You" with Maroon 5 reached number one.
January 2019: Vogue Cover featuring Stella McCartney
In January 2019, Cardi B appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, for the January 2019 issue that included Stella McCartney, features her in a red and white Michael Kors dress and matching red Jimmy Choo shoes, while holding her daughter, Kulture.
February 10, 2019: Won Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards
On February 10, 2019, Cardi B performed at the 61st Grammy Awards and won Best Rap Album as a solo artist, becoming the first female rapper to achieve this. During the telecast she wore three vintage Thierry Mugler couture looks.
February 15, 2019: Release of 'Please Me' with Bruno Mars
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, reaching number three. The official music video was released two weeks later.
May 31, 2019: Release of 'Press'
On May 31, 2019, Cardi B released her single titled "Press".
June 26, 2019: Release of 'Press' music video, directorial debut
On June 26, 2019, Cardi B released the parental-advisory labeled music video of "Press", marking 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: Judge on Netflix's 'Rhythm + Flow'
On October 9, 2019, Cardi B, along with Chance the Rapper and T.I., were confirmed as judges for the Netflix series Rhythm + Flow, a ten-part hip-hop talent search that premiered on October 9, 2019; she also executive produced the show.
2019: Wearing vintage Thierry Mugler to the Grammy Awards
Cardi B wore vintage Thierry Mugler to the 2019 Grammy Awards, with an i-D article stating that the fashion house's "resurgence onto the fashion scene can almost single-handedly be attributed" to the Swarovski crystal-embroidered crinoline sheath gown she wore at the ceremony.
2019: Most nominations at Billboard Music Awards
In 2019, Cardi B led the Billboard Music Awards nominations with 21, earning the most nominations in a single year by a female artist. She won six awards, including Top Hot 100 Song.
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: Judging Rhythm + Flow and Acting Roles
In 2019, Cardi B served as a judge on the music competition series Rhythm + Flow and appeared in the film Hustlers.
2019: Collaboration with Pepsi and Rap Snacks
In 2019, Cardi B teamed up with Pepsi for three television commercials and released her flavors of snack food Rap Snacks, including chips and popcorn.
2019: RapCaviar Pantheon Sculpture
In 2019, a life-sized sculpture of Cardi B was on display at the Brooklyn Museum, as part of Spotify's RapCaviar "Pantheon".
2019: Council of Fashion Designers of America Recognition
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 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, as the lead single off her forthcoming second studio album. The song received critical acclaim and broke the record for the biggest 24-hour debut for an all-female collaboration on YouTube.
August 2020: Biggest First-Week Streams for "WAP"
Since August 2020, Cardi B's "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.
December 2020: Premiere of Cardi Tries via Facebook Messenger
In December 2020, Cardi B premiered the series Cardi Tries via Facebook Messenger, serving as one of the executive producers.
2020: Best-Performing Song of the Year
In 2020, Cardi B achieved the best-performing song of the year by a female artist in the US.
2020: Face of Balenciaga Ad Campaign
In 2020, Cardi B became the face of Balenciaga's ad campaign for the winter 2020 season, with billboards in international locations such as the Louvre museum.
2020: Style Influencer of the Year
In 2020, Cardi B became the first female rapper to be awarded the Style Influencer of the Year award at the FN Achievement Awards, presented by Christian Louboutin.
2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders for president
In 2020, Cardi B endorsed Bernie Sanders in his second bid for the presidency, praising his support for underprivileged minorities and Medicare.
2020: Release of footwear and apparel collection with Reebok
In 2020, Cardi B released a footwear and apparel collection with Reebok, inspired by her personal style and paying homage to "classic 80s styling" and motifs.
2020: Pitchfork's Best Songs of the Year
In 2020, Cardi B topped Pitchfork's annual list of best songs of the year for the second time.
2020: Raising awareness for victims of police brutality
In 2020, Cardi B used her social pages to raise awareness for victims of police brutality and encouraged people to vote in local elections. She also discussed Medicare, free college tuition, and racial equality with Joe Biden for Elle magazine.
2020: "I Like It" named Best Summer Song
In 2020, Rolling Stone named Cardi B's "I Like It" as the best summer song of all time.
2020: Influence on Female-Rap Renaissance
In 2020, The Wall Street Journal's Neil Shah stated that Cardi B's 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 studio album, with an accompanying music video. The song debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
April 30, 2021: Appearance in DJ Khaled's 'Big Paper'
On April 30, 2021, Cardi B made an appearance in "Big Paper", from DJ Khaled's album Khaled Khaled.
May 2021: Release of Reebok 'Mommy & Me' collection
In May 2021, Cardi B released the 'Mommy & Me' collection with Reebok in recognition of Mother's Day, including her iteration of Club C shoes for adults, children, and infants.
June 25, 2021: Appearance in 'F9'
On June 25, 2021, Cardi B appeared in F9, which was released by Universal Pictures.
July 16, 2021: Featured on Normani single 'Wild Side'
On July 16, 2021, Cardi B was featured on the Normani single "Wild Side".
August 2021: "Bodak Yellow" Surpasses 1 Billion Views
In August 2021, "Bodak Yellow" made Cardi B the first female rapper to have two videos on her YouTube channel with more than 1 billion views.
October 28, 2021: Preview of second album to Atlantic Records
On October 28, 2021, Cardi B previewed her second album to Atlantic Records via her Instagram Story.
December 2021: Launch of Whipshots
In December 2021, Cardi B launched Whipshots, a vodka-infused, vegan whipped cream, in the US in collaboration with Starco Brands.
December 2021: Partnership with PLBY Group Inc.
In December 2021, Cardi B partnered with PLBY Group Inc. as creative director in residence for Playboy and founding member of Centerfold, including fashion and sexual wellness products.
2021: Awards and nominations in 2021
In 2021, Cardi B received six nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards, including her second nomination for Video of the Year. She also led the nominations for the BET Hip Hop Awards along with Megan Thee Stallion, with nine each. Cardi B also became the first female artist to win Best Hip Hop Video twice.
2021: Release of "Up"
In 2021, Cardi B released "Up," which topped the Hot 100 and other charts worldwide.
2021: First solo song since Up
In 2021, Cardi B released her first solo song since "Up".
2021: Invasion of Privacy Impact
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".
2021: Netflix announces the return of 'Rhythm + Flow'
In 2021, Netflix announced the return of Rhythm + Flow.
March 2022: Appeared on extended version of "No Love"
In March 2022, Cardi B appeared on the extended version of Summer Walker and SZA's collaboration, "No Love".
July 1, 2022: Released "Hot Shit"
On July 1, 2022, Cardi B released "Hot Shit", featuring rappers Kanye West and Lil Durk, as the third single from her upcoming second studio album. The song was first announced during a BET Awards 2022 commercial break.
July 2022: Release of 'Let Me Be...Enchanted' collection part 2
In June and July 2022, Cardi B released the 'Let Me Be...Enchanted' collection in two parts with Reebok, inspired by "a state of enchantment and euphoria", including crop tops, faux fur jackets, and leotards along with footwear.
September 2022: Collaboration with GloRilla on "Tomorrow 2"
In September 2022, Cardi B worked with cousin and fellow rapper GloRilla on the remix to her song "Tomorrow", titled "Tomorrow 2", which was released in September 2022.
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.
December 2022: Release of 'Let Me Be...Next Level Energy' collection part 2
In September and December 2022, Cardi B released the fifth and final collection 'Let Me Be...Next Level Energy' with Reebok, inspired by her unmatched energy and consisting of bodysuits, crop tops, footwear, leggings, and woven jackets.
2022: Creative Director of Playboy
In 2022, Cardi B became the creative director of entertainment magazine Playboy.
2022: Donation to I.S. 232 in The Bronx
In 2022, Cardi B donated $100,000 to the elementary school she attended, I.S. 232 in The Bronx.
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 and announced in the 2023 McDonald's Super Bowl commercial.
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, concluded after running for three seasons.
September 8, 2023: Release of "Bongos" featuring Megan Thee Stallion
On September 8, 2023, Cardi B released "Bongos" featuring Megan Thee Stallion as the fourth single from her upcoming second studio album. The song marks their second collaboration after "WAP" (2020), with a music video costing over $2 million. "Bongos" reached number 14 in the US.
December 2023: Runway debut at Balenciaga fall 2024 show
In December 2023, Cardi B made her runway debut at the Balenciaga fall 2024 show in Los Angeles.
2023: Initial plan to release second studio album
Cardi B's second studio album was initially set for release in 2023, but was delayed.
2023: Voice Role in Baby Shark's Big Movie!
In 2023, Cardi B had a voice role in Baby Shark's Big Movie!
December 31, 2023: Performance at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
On December 31, 2023, Cardi B performed at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach accompanied by DJ Gryffin. The performance was aired live for the 2024 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
February 2024: Starring 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 a music video directed by Offset. The song reached the top 40 in the US and became Cardi's 19th top-ten and 11th chart-topper on Hot Rap Songs and Hot Rap Digital Songs.
March 2024: Whipshots Sales
As of March 2024, Cardi B's vodka-infused, vegan whipped cream brand Whipshots had sold over five million cans.
March 22, 2024: Appearance on "Puntería" with Shakira
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. "Puntería" reached number one on the Latin Airplay chart and topped the Latin Pop Airplay chart for nine weeks.
May 2024: Appearance in commercial for the 2024 Summer Olympics
In May 2024, Cardi B appeared alongside sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson in a commercial for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
September 2024: "Girls Like You" Surpasses 3 Billion Views
As of September 2024, Cardi B has one music video with over 3 billion views ("Girls Like You") on YouTube.
2024: Aired performance at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Cardi B's performance at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach on December 31, 2023, was aired live for the 2024 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In 2024, Cardi B endorsed Kamala Harris.
2024: Balenciaga Fall Show
In February 2024, Cardi B debuted on the runway at the Balenciaga Fall show in Los Angeles.
2024: Album reported to be three-quarters of the way done
In mid-2024, Cardi B's second studio album was reported to be "three-quarters of the way done".
February 7, 2025: Release of "Toot It Up" with Pardison Fontaine
On February 7, 2025, Cardi B and Pardison Fontaine released "Toot It Up".
2025: Second studio album release and collaboration with DJ Vybz Kartel
Cardi B is set to release her second studio album sometime in 2025 and will also release a collaboration with DJ Vybz Kartel in 2025.
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