Cardi B ‘Invasion of Privacy’ goes gold, solidifies her status

Rapper Cardi B is at the top of her game.

But being first means the spotlight is on you and the critics are ready to jump on any opportunity. In this case, her personal life has been exposed for all of the public eyes to see and she has become a headline on her own.

That said, she couldn't have picked a better title for a debut album than "Invasion of Privacy."

But once you strip away the controversy, the album is actually not too bad.

The best thing about this album is when she hits, she hits. Her intro track titled "Get Up 10" is a chest-thumping, rags-to-riches tale that could easily be compared to Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares." This is perfect probate music for a sorority to come out to.

The beauty and curse of this project are that it sounds like everything I would've expected this album to be from knowing her or knowing how she relates to her fan base. Her "Best Life" collaboration with Chance the Rapper is a Tweet-worthy anthem for anybody feeling themselves and where they're at. Likewise, "Bickenhead" is for any self-proclaimed "not average" chick who could care less about who's tripping off of them instead of getting a check.

Then you have the track "Be Careful." This is brutally honest and arguably the most emotionally vulnerable part of this album, but sadly subpar musically. After listening to it for its emotional honesty, it makes even harder because of the headlines that are tied to the song by default, and how much it contrasts the rest of the album.

I listened to "Thru Your Phone" and I can't help but to ask myself where is this coming from when she reached No. 1 when all fellas were urged to not get comfortable in case we get cut off on the fourth track titled "Bodak Yellow."

But then I realize again, it's only a problem listening to it BECAUSE of the headlines that have surrounded her for the past few months. You strip that away and you have a decent album that's going to be more relatable than most, but that is because she knows what her core fans want. (Don't believe me? Go on Twitter and type in "When Cardi Said.")

I hate to say it, but the album is catchier than expected. Listening to the "I Do" track, I cannot help but not blame a female for vibing to SZA leaving somebody on 'read' because they felt like it.

To be quite honest, this to me is the closest thing we might ever get to a rap version of SZA's album titled "CTRL."

I predict the album will lead to future sellout shows where she'll have with thousands of females seeking self-empowerment, bangers full of flexing and with some emotional mishaps along the way.

After all, would it really be Cardi if she wasn't?

2 1/2 stars of 5
Best Songs: Get Up 10, I Do, Best Life

By Kalen Murphy