I have always been a fan of Belcalis Almanzar, from her viral videos when she was still at the strip club to Gangsta Bitch Music Vol 1. Because of her steady increase of success, from the chart-topping Bodak Yellow, being brought out by Drake at OVO Fest, to snapping pictures with Beyoncé after hopping off stage at Made In America, all eyes have been on Cardi lately. Because of all this positive attention, there have been countless stories surrounding her unapologetic personality, how she successfully used her social media following and influence to create boundless opportunities, and the ever-so-relevant narrative of proving all the doubters wrong by having a single shoot to the number one spot on the Billboard charts despite nobody taking her seriously, or even remotely supporting her as an artist.
Stepping into your own is magical, and for an underdog it can feel even more empowering. Having a genuine glow up, feeling like you are finally walking in your purpose, being able to provide for the people you care about – these are the things most people dream about, that are now all part of Cardi’s reality. She said she “went from a roach to a butterfly,” and as someone who has watched her transition from afar, all the way back to those early videos that would eventually turn her into a viral sensation, it is inspiring to witness; but for me, when Cardi went on an Instagram Live rant following her BET award nomination announcement while in Dubai, it took my adoration for her to a whole new level.
Even though everyone was well aware of constant, unwarranted backlash Cardi endured on social media, we often don’t consider the very real hate-fueled obstacles people have to navigate rooted in the politics of the industry on TOP of that as well. Regardless of her outspoken nature, Cardi is strategic about what she shares with us, but during her 17-minute-long live emotional rant, she was more vulnerable than I had seen before.
Multiple friends sent me the link to the video, all with similar comments like “wow, this sounds just like you.” I opened it not knowing what to expect, and ended up watching something that I feel is a representation of Cardi’s strongest qualities, and the true reason she has been able to succeed as much as she has and why her journey resonates with a lot of us –she always keeps it real, no matter what. I’m not talking about how everyone loves how “bold” and “blunt” she is, I’m referring to the fact that she lives her life in a way that places integrity, respect and loyalty in high regards.
Cardi and I are the same age with only a few days difference, and as I watched the video I realized that maybe it was an October-Libra thing, and that is why I could always appreciate and somewhat relate to her so much. We’re tough, but sensitive; don’t like attention, but often effortlessly receive it in abundance; we care so much, yet not at all at the same time; on top of all of that, we are loyal to a fault, often times to our own demise – it’s a lot, but if you know, you know.
Being loyal, demanding respect, not taking shit, and being emotionally invested in everything you do in an industry that preys on genuine souls is a task that is not for the weak. When you grow up around real ones, it’s hard to want to be around energy that you know is fraudulent, and it feels even worse to feel like you have no choice but to play the game in order to win. That has been my constant struggle – I don’t kiss ass, I don’t like manipulative people, and it is difficult for me to pretend like I care about most of the irrelevant things people use to validate their existence. I’m here because I feel like my God-given talents and the purpose attached to them is rooted in music – this is the medium/space I am supposed to use to do what I’m here to do, so that is why I’ve never lost sight of the end-goal and completely given up, regardless of all the obstacles I’ve encountered.
Cardi is shining example of winning without compromising your standards or authenticity. You don’t have to play the game, you can pimp it (an ode to the final, and my favorite, transitional slide in Kendrick’s God is Gangsta video.) The very things that separate you from the masses, the very things that tend to be the root of a majority of your struggles, are often the same things that will allow you to use the game as you please. When you bring something special to the table, offer true and unique value, you will eventually be able to begin bending the rules to your liking.
People can say or feel whatever they want, but regardless, Cardi is winning and I truly believe there is no stopping her at this point. She has unleashed the beast within, overcome any feelings of self-doubt she admitted previously haunted her, and is now on a mission to keep winning over and over again. With an album coming next month, Cardi Season isn’t going to be over any time soon.