Bronx rapper Cardi B has been very active on Instagram Live as of late and she took the time yesterday (October 20, 2018) on the platform to make it clear she cares only about making chart-topping, money making hits. While Cardi long ago left behind claims she writes her own lyrics, this marks the first time she’s gone on the record and stated not just loudly but proudly that she doesn’t pen her own lyrics.
“I like to make hits. I like to make money. I don’t really give a fuck about being lyrical,” she stated and added, “I like to make shit that’s going to climb me off the charts. That’s what I want. I want to be up top of the charts. I want to make money.”
She added that lyrical rap songs don’t translate well in the club. “I don’t care about that shit. I know so many lyrical people. New York is the home of people who know how to crazy rap. New York is the home of battle rapping. Y’all niggas is not listening to that shit that much in the club. So what’s the problem with that?”
While there are a slew of rappers who don’t write their own rhymes, fans of the genre traditionally view artists who have writers with less respect. Typically, an artist who uses outside writers isn’t considered as eligible for best rapper lists.
However, as rap’s popularity has grown and the sound has moved away from lyric-centered content, the wider audience has grown more accepting of rappers who use outside help. Case in point Drake, who didn’t lost a step when he was accused of using ghost writers in his rap battle with Meek Mill.
It’s also an interesting declaration for Cardi because it undermines Nicki Minaj’s criticisms/subs of her that are rooted in the fact she doesn’t write her own verses. If Cardi is positioning herself as a proud hit maker rather than a writer, she’s removed a place of attack.
Best of all, Cardi’s chart numbers back her up. This year she’s had three No. 1 Billboard hits (“Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It” and “Girls Like You”), a historic high for a female rap artist.
Check out Cardi’s thoughts on lyricism below.
