Cardi B hit the streets of the Bronx to Queens and everywhere in between for the rollout for ‘Am I The Drama?’ She also stepped up to headline Global Citizen Fest at the last minute. In her classic BX energy, she’s always hustling.
We couldn’t get enough of the new album and we gathered up some extra special NYC moments that only Cardi B could spit off of ‘Am I The Drama?’
“Bodega Baddie” is a BX Anthem
If you are a born and bred New Yorker, “Bodega Baddie” instantly makes you think of home. Merengue, the foundation of the song, is an essential part of Dominican culture. NYC has the largest population of Dominicans outside of The Dominican Republic, with Cardi B being half Dominican herself.
In the song, the Bronx, Dyckman and Jackson Heights all get shout outs because Merengue is part of the soundtrack to these neighborhoods. Cardi also nods to Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee when she raps “Told her, ‘Dame más gasolina.’” Over 20 years ago, you couldn’t walk NYC streets without hearing Daddy Yankee’s anthem “Gasolina.”
“Imaginary Playerz” in its Entirety
How could we choose a specific lyric when the song samples Brooklyn native Jay-Z’s song “Imaginary Players.” She weaves in certain well-known NYC institutions too, “Birthday at Carbone / To me, that’s Olive Garden.”
She pops off about her rags to riches lifestyle with the lyrics “I’m a Waldorf penthouse in every state…” The original Waldorf is on Fifth Ave. and a staple of luxury (and old money) in the city.
“Principal”
This track samples Janet Jackson’s hit “The Pleasure Principle” but Cardi had to put her spin on it. The name dropping of NYC restaurants continues! “Now take me out to eat TAO, Philippe.”
TAO is a well-known and very successful asian restaurant which now has multiple locations, including three in the city, their first was in Midtown. Phillipe is another luxurious restaurant and this one is by notable chef Phillipe Chow who’s food has left his stamp on NYC and apparently on Cardi B herself!
“Better Than You”
Cardi collaborates with fellow BX rapper Cash Cobain for a tough track. They pop off with savagery and humor, which is in your genetic makeup if you were born in the five boroughs. The lyric “Suckin’ my teeth, rollin’ my eyelids,” will forever be an annoyed New Yorker.
This is a bop when traveling out of state and an ode to why New Yorkers think they’re better than everyone else (because we are).
“Pretty & Petty”
Yankees and Red Sox ain’t the only East Coast beef! Cardi rips into Massachusetts rapper BIA on this track. She goes historical with the lyrics “You from Boston / Let’s have a little tea party…” The NYC attitude is on full display with this track. Let’s face it, pretty and petty is a way of life for us New Yorkers!
