Lasting Legacy of Cardi B: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Cardi B—a timeline of influence.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2017: Rejection by some fashion designers

During an interview in early 2017, Cardi B spoke on being rejected by some fashion designers.

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.

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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..." .

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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: Complex article on Cardi B's personality

In 2017, a Complex article described Cardi B's personality as unfiltered and unapologetic, noting her authenticity and relatability.

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.

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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.

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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: Recognition as Influential Person

In 2018, Cardi B was listed by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2018: Included on 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.

2019: Harper's Bazaar Cover

Cardi B was on the cover of the 2019 spring fashion issue of Harper's Bazaar, which featured her in a Cinderella-themed photo shoot wearing a red gown and leaving a shoe behind, potentially referencing the incident with Nicki Minaj.

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: Controversy and Defense

Following controversies in 2019 regarding her past actions, Cardi B defended herself, stating she did what she had to do to survive.

2019: Boost to Ghana's GDP

In 2019, Bloomberg News reported that Cardi B's data bill helped to boost Ghana's GDP growth after she was part of a concert tour.

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".

2020: Billboard's Woman of the Year

In 2020, Billboard named Cardi B Woman of the Year.

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: 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."

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".

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2022: Ranked Among Most Stylish Women in Music

In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked Cardi B as the second most-stylish woman in music, behind Lady Gaga. GQ considered her "one of fashion's preeminent risk-takers."