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 recognized for her candid public persona and explicit lyrics. She initially garnered attention between 2015 and 2017 through her presence on Vine and Instagram, along with her appearance on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and the release of two mixtapes. These ventures paved the way for her subsequent rise to fame in the music industry.

Sections (7)

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

2017: "Bodak Yellow" makes a mark

In 2017, "Bodak Yellow" achieved commercial success, leaving an indelible mark on the summer and giving hope to the have-nots. According to Billboard's editors, this success rewrote history and Spin staff credited her for opening "the table to a new generation of pop artists remaking American music in their own image and accents."

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2017: Cardi B's 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 B's "first historic run".

2017: Complex article about Cardi B

In a 2017 Complex article, the editor wrote about Cardi B's unfiltered personality and how it resonates with people and her music.

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, marking a significant achievement in her career.

2018: Included 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, recognizing her significant impact.

2019: Influence on GDP growth and inspiration for TV shows

In 2019, Bloomberg News reported that Cardi B's 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, and P-Valley creator Katori Hall cited her as an inspiration for the TV series.

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2019: Life-sized sculpture at 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 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, stating that she "completely rethought [her] opinion of Cardi B's style" after the 2019 Met Gala, where Cardi B wore a Thom Browne-designed burgundy gown.

2020: Style Influencer of the Year Award

In 2020, Cardi B became the first female rapper to be awarded by the FN Achievement Awards when she won the Style Influencer of the Year award, presented by Christian Louboutin. She was recognized for her influence on music, fashion, style, social media, politics, and public service.

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

In 2020, Rolling Stone named Cardi B's song "I Like It" the "best summer song of all time".

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2020: Impact on female rap

In 2020, The Wall Street Journal's Neil Shah stated that Cardi B's breakthrough and success influenced "today's female-rap renaissance."

2021: Comments on Cardi B's fashion influence

In 2021, Christian Allaire from Vogue magazine commented that Cardi B's signature "bold" ensembles "create a spectacle" during fashion weeks, highlighting her influence on fashion.

2021: Invasion of Privacy's 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" 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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The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop

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2022: Ranked among 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."

September 2024: YouTube Milestones

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.

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2024: Billboard includes Cardi B among the "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century"

In 2024, Billboard included Cardi B among the honorable mentions of its "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century" listicle. 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".