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 celebrated for her candid public persona and explicit lyrics. She rose to prominence between 2015 and 2017 through her presence on Vine and Instagram, her role on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and the release of two mixtapes, laying the foundation for her career in music.

Sections (7)

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

1998: Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)" Debut

In 1998, Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)" debuted atop the chart, making her the last female rapper to do so before Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" in 2017.

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2017: Recognition of Cardi B's Personality and Music

In a 2017 Complex article, the editor wrote about Cardi B's unfiltered personality and how that energy comes out in her music.

2018: Included on Time's list of the 100 most influential people

In 2018, Time included Cardi B on their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2018: Recognition as Influential Person

In 2018, Time magazine recognized Cardi B as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2019: Record Held Until 2019

Cardi B held the record for the largest on-demand audio streaming week ever for an album by a woman until 2019.

2019: Life-sized 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".

2020: Billboard's Woman of the Year

In 2020, Billboard named Cardi B as Woman of the Year, recognizing her achievements and impact in the music industry.

2020: "I Like It" named "the best summer song of all time"

In 2020, Rolling Stone named Cardi B's "I Like It" as "the best summer song of all time", recognizing its critical acclaim and lasting impact.

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2020: Breakthrough and success influenced today's 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 jump-started a 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."

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