In one of the coolest cover concepts this year, New York Magazine tapped photographer Hassan Hajjaj, who is known for his elaborate sets, to photograph Cardi B for the magazine’s November 13, 2017 cover story, titled “Cardi B Was Made to Be This Famous.”
In the lengthy interview, the Bronx native talks about fame as well as her take on feminism. “You know what? I’m not even gonna consider myself nothing,” said Cardi. “Here’s the thing that bitches got me fucked up when it comes to that word. People think that being a feminist is a bitch that, like, went to school. They wear skirts all the way to their motherfucking ankles like a goddamn First Lady. That’s not being a feminist. Being a feminist is being equal to do what a man do. Niggas hustle, and I hustle niggas.”
If we have one quibble with the article it’s the idea that Cardi’s music career didn’t take off until “Bodak Yellow.” From the time of her first mixtape (and even before), Cardi had a dedicated fan base that expanded with every new drop. So while her No. 1 with “Bodak Yellow” upped her popularity significantly, she was already on a roll musically beforehand. If anything, one could say that signing with Atlantic Records in March 2017 enabled her to greatly amplify what she was already bringing to the table.
For the shoot, Cardi was styled by Kollin Carter with makeup handled by by Erika La Pearl and hair by Francisco Maymi.
Enjoy the editorial below plus a short video of Cardi who provides tips on hustling in New York City.
