Cardi B Throws Shade at Nicki Minaj in Latest Track, Pays Tribute to Lil' Kim in Music Video

Cardi B Shades Nicki Minaj and Gives Love to Lil Kim in New Song

Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim Getty Images (3)

Cardi B has made a comeback with her first solo record in three years, and her latest song seems to throw some shade at her longtime rival, Nicki Minaj.

The 31-year-old rapper returned to the music scene on Friday, March 1, with the release of “Like What (Freestyle),” a track that samples Missy Elliott’s 1999 hit “She’s a Bitch.” In the song, Cardi cleverly incorporates the sample by questioning, “First, that bitch hate me, then this bitch hate me / And somehow, they link up and they become friends, like, how?”

Fans were quick to react to the line, assuming it was aimed at JT from City Girls. Cardi collaborated with JT and Yung Miami on the song "Twerk" in 2018, but they later had a public disagreement. In 2022, Cardi called JT Minaj's "lap dog," while JT told Cardi to find "real talent."

Later in the verse, Cardi seemed to make a more direct reference to Minaj. She raps, "You dumb, you slow, you wildin' / Got your first pair of Rick Owens shoes, now you stylin'? Everything you have, I had five years ago. I posted it on Instagram before it even hit the stores, look."

Minaj achieved her first solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit in 2022 with "Super Freaky Girl," following Cardi B's success with "Bodak Yellow" five years earlier. Minaj had previously topped the Hot 100 with songs like "Say So" featuring Doja Cat and "Trollz" featuring 6ix9ine. On the other hand, Cardi B has four Hot 100 No. 1 hits, including "I Like It" with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, "Girls Like You" with Maroon 5, "WAP" with Megan Thee Stallion, and her solo track "Up."

"Like What (Freestyle)" also includes moments of love. In the music video, directed by Offset, Cardi can be seen wearing a chinchilla coat over a skimpy bikini, which fans interpreted as a tribute to Lil' Kim's iconic outfit in her 2003 music video "Came Back for You."

Towards the end of the "Like What" video, Cardi hinted that this is just the beginning, sparking excitement among fans for her highly anticipated second album, following 2018's Invasion of Privacy. Cardi has been hinting at her sophomore album for some time now. In a recent interview with Vogue México y Latinoamérica in August 2023, she mentioned that she is working on her next solo single while putting the final touches on the album.

She always hears people telling her to release the record now, but she assures them that it won't be long after all the singles. So, be prepared because it will be out very soon.

A month later, in a conversation with radio host Ebro Darden, Cardi B shared that she is feeling pressure to live up to the success of her previous album, Invasion of Privacy, which is causing a delay in its release. She expressed, "I am holding back on this album because I feel like there are a few things missing. Everything has to be perfect because I know people have high expectations."

Editor's P/S:

Cardi B's latest single "Like What (Freestyle)" has sparked buzz and intrigue among fans and music enthusiasts alike. The song's lyrics have been interpreted as indirect jabs at both JT of City Girls and Nicki Minaj, adding a layer of drama to the already competitive rap scene. While Cardi's previous hits have dominated the charts, it remains to be seen if this latest track will achieve similar success. However, the song's release has certainly ignited anticipation for her upcoming second album.

Cardi B's hesitation to release her sophomore album, due to pressure from the success of her debut, is understandable. The desire to create a masterpiece that meets the high expectations of her fans is a testament to her dedication to her craft. Her perfectionism may delay the album's release, but it also suggests that she is aiming to deliver a truly exceptional body of work that will solidify her status as one of the top rappers in the industry.