Cardi B Proves To Be An Empowering Voice For Women In "Invasion Of Privacy"

It's no doubt that women are underrepresented in the world of hip-hop. Many either stray closer to pop or to R&B, playing it safe as to not step out of any preconceived boundaries. Cardi B doesn't care about that. She's here with her debut album and she's has a bone to pick with everyone who thinks otherwise. Cardi B proves to be an empowering voice for women in Invasion Of Privacy, her first album with lots of energy.

The best parts of Invasion Of Privacy are the moments where Cardi B challenges authority. Opening track 'Get Up 10' really sets the stage for that principle, telling her rags to riches story. Cardi B proudly says that she's come a long way from her life as a stripper to where she is now, and won't let the world knocking her down get the best of her; the hook proclaims "Look myself in the mirror, I say we gon' win / Knock me down nine times but I get up ten." Her massive hit 'Bodak Yellow' also adds to her empowering stance, followed up by 'Be Careful' which warns, "I gave you everything, what's mine is yours / I want you to live your life of course / But I hope you get what you dyin' for / Be careful with me."

While the greater part of Invasion Of Privacy sets a hopeful stage for female representation, there are a few moments that are hit or miss. Migos feels like they make a joke out of 'Drip,' truly making it seem like they exist just to make middle schoolers think they're cool with their incredibly lackluster bars. 'Bickenhead' seems to follow up with that, not really having a clear point while trying too hard to make a solid statement. 21 Savage's ad libs on 'Bartier Cardi' are absolutely hilarious. Luckily, its the great moments that stand out over the bad ones, such as the grooviness of the Latin crossover 'I Like It,' the wonderful melodies delivered by Kehlani in 'Ring,' and the way Cardi B absolutely tears into people to close off the record in 'Thru Your Phone' and 'I Do' with SZA.

Cardi B proves to be an empowering voice for women in Invasion Of Privacy, pushing the boundaries of what tradition says. She's not afraid to sound loud and proud in a genre ruled by men who commonly objectify women as a selling point for their music, and she makes it known that others should feel welcome to stand up and do the same too. While not perfect and rough around the edges, Invasion Of Privacy might be the start of a big change in trap music, and a change has long been needed.

Favorite Track: Be Careful

Least Favorite Track: She Bad

Rating: 73 / 100

Stream or buy Invasion Of Privacy on Apple Music, and follow our 2018 Playlist on Spotify: