4.5/5 Stars

“Invasion of Privacy” is Cardi B’s first full-length album under her contract with Atlantic Records. It feaures the singles “Bodak Yellow” and “Bartier Cardi,” as well as 11 new tracks. The album explores themes of failing romance, success and identity as Cardi B pours her heart out for 48 minutes. Highly anticipated, this album went gold within the first 24 hours of its release. With features from artists like J Balvin, SZA and Kehlani, “Invasion of Privacy” is Cardi’s affirmation that she is in the rap game to stay and her fame is going to be more permanent than some might have believed. As she says in “I Do,” “My little 15 minutes lasted long as hell, huh?”

This is not an album you take home to your mother.

Cardi B’s music is as uncompromising as her persona. As she proudly raps about the appeal of her body, stealing other women’s partners and her willingness to fight anyone that crosses her, Cardi wears her hood on her sleeve. Although this album is primarily a collection of trap-pop tracks, Cardi calls back to her Spanish heritage and her Bronxian origins.

A great example of that is “I Like It,” featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny. The song samples “I Like it Like That” by Pete Rodriguez, interwoven with a bass heavy beat. It is like a Latin trap version of “The Sound of Music” and “My Favorite Things” with lines like: “I like million dollar deals where’s my pen b**** I’m signing,” and “I like texts from my exes when they want a second chance.” The trumpet peaks through every so often to remind listeners where the song started.

Whether this is an intentional showcase of her talent or a side effect of multiple writing credits, her cadence between songs seems to change from song to song. In “Get Up 10,” Cardi’s flow is reminiscent of the hard rap of the mid 1980s, with growls and gun sounds combined with the rapid fire hi-hats that are now standard in hip-hop. On the opposite side of the spectrum of is “Bodak Yellow,” the almost-bored sounding “stay away from me” anthem. With a slight rasp, Cardi rattles off her lines with minimal enthusiasm and nowhere near enough aggression for a song that is thematically identical to “Get Up 10.”

“Invasion of Privacy” features more than 30 production credits and over 50 writers including Kodak Black, Starrah (who has co-written for artists like Camila Cabello, Katy Perry and Rihanna) and RZA, according to iStandard producers.

Despite Cardi B’s openness about her sexuality, Cardi B is not a feminist. She bashes other women in her music and contributes to the misogyny of rap music. But the unapologetic way that she manipulates her femininity is something that resonates through all her songs and attracts people to her music. Cardi B is not trying to be a role model. She is not here to liberate any of us or represent anyone except herself. She says it herself: “I was just tryna chill and make bangers.” And, as selfish as it might sound, it is this honesty and self-assurance that is propelled her career this far. This album is about as Cardi B as it gets, so if you do not like her, you will want to steer clear.

Image from Cardi B via YouTube.com