Cardi B’s earns most streamed feminine rap tune on Apple Music

Apple Music is celebrating a full decade of adjusting how the world listens to music. Over the previous ten years, the platform has advanced from an formidable launch to a dominant pressure in music streaming. To mark the second, Apple has unveiled its most streamed songs of all time, shining a highlight on the songs that formed the previous decade. And in a serious win for hip-hop and feminine rap, Cardi B‘s “Bodak Yellow” has earned the title of probably the most streamed feminine rap tune of all time on the platform.

This milestone is greater than only a quantity. It’s an emblem of how far Cardi—and ladies in rap—have come within the streaming period. Let’s unpack what this second means, and why it issues within the context of Apple Music’s historical past, the evolution of streaming, and Cardi B’s cultural energy.

Cardi B and “Bodak Yellow”: A Profession-Making Hit

In 2017, Cardi B exploded onto the scene with “Bodak Yellow,” a gritty, assured anthem that launched her no-filter model to the world. The tune topped the Billboard Sizzling 100, making her the primary solo feminine rapper to achieve #1 in almost twenty years.

Its success wasn’t only a fluke. The observe earned a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2023, representing over 10 million models bought within the U.S. alone. And now, it holds the crown because the most streamed feminine rap tune ever on Apple Music—a platform identified for curating extremely engaged listener bases.

Why did “Bodak Yellow” resonate?

• It was daring and unapologetic.
• It instructed a rags-to-riches story listeners might really feel.
• It arrived at a second when audiences have been demanding extra illustration in rap.

It additionally paved the way in which for Cardi’s 2018 debut album, Invasion of Privateness, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and gained the Grammy for Greatest Rap Album. Few debut albums have had such a cultural and business influence.

“Exterior” Reveals Cardi Nonetheless Runs the Charts

Cardi B didn’t cease along with her debut. She’s again with a brand new single, “Exterior,” which simply debuted at #10 on the Billboard Sizzling 100. It’s her first main solo launch of the yr and is already climbing Apple Music’s trending charts.

“Exterior” indicators that Cardi is evolving. The sound is polished however nonetheless punchy. Her movement is assured, and the observe reveals she is aware of how one can steadiness pattern attraction with lyrical chunk.

The observe can be the primary official single from her upcoming sophomore album, titled Am I The Drama?, slated for launch on September 19. The title alone is meme-worthy—and followers are counting down the times.

What We Know About Am I The Drama?

Cardi’s follow-up to Invasion of Privateness has been within the works for years. She’s teased the album in interviews, hinted at high-profile collaborations, and dropped a number of promotional singles that hinted on the album’s sound.

Right here’s what to anticipate:

• Style-blending tracks: Cardi has hinted at Afrobeat and Latin-inspired songs.
• Heavy-hitting options: Anticipate appearances by a number of the largest names in hip-hop and pop.
• Deeper themes: Cardi has grown personally and professionally. Anticipate subjects like motherhood, fame, and identification.

Will she prime her debut? That’s the query on everybody’s thoughts. However one factor’s for certain: the anticipation is at an all-time excessive.

Streaming Success = Profession Energy

Let’s zoom out. Why does it matter that Cardi B’s songs are topping streaming charts?

Up to now, album gross sales and radio spins outlined an artist’s success. At this time, streaming is probably the most highly effective metric in music. Platforms like Apple Music not solely replicate listener curiosity—they assist form it.

For artists like Cardi B, streaming gives:

• Actual-time suggestions: Artists can gauge what songs followers join with immediately.
• World publicity: A viral observe within the U.S. may also chart in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
• Negotiation leverage: Excessive stream counts strengthen artist contracts and model offers.
• Inventive management: Artists with sturdy digital footprints can take extra dangers.

How Apple Music Modified the Recreation

When Apple Music launched in 2015, it was competing with companies like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube. Over time, it distinguished itself with:

• Curated playlists like Rap Life and New Music Each day
• Unique artist content material and early releases
• Spatial audio and lossless streaming for audiophiles

At this time, Apple Music has over 100 million songs and is obtainable in greater than 160 nations. Its world attain makes it a key driver of tendencies—and its knowledge tells a compelling story about the place music is headed.

The Rise of Feminine Rap within the Streaming Period

Streaming has opened doorways that radio and labels as soon as stored shut. It’s now simpler than ever for girls in hip-hop to construct audiences—and Cardi B is only one instance.

Key causes for the rise:

• Direct-to-fan entry: Social media + streaming = unfiltered connection.
• Visible branding: Platforms like Apple Music enable for built-in video, lyric, and social content material.
• Listener empowerment: Followers drive success now—not simply execs.

Different feminine rappers like Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice have all benefited from this shift. However Cardi stays one of many few to interrupt by means of with each vital acclaim and big mainstream success.

Eternal Classes for Rising Artists

Whether or not you’re an indie artist or a fan, there are evergreen takeaways from Cardi’s streaming journey.

Listed here are a number of:

1. Be genuine – Cardi’s model is constant throughout music, social, and interviews.
2. Use platforms strategically – Launch on a number of platforms, however tailor messaging to every.
3. Put money into your visuals – Robust music movies and promo visuals drive streams.
4. Have interaction with followers – Reply, repost, and rejoice their assist.

Even with no label deal, an artist at the moment can construct a viable profession utilizing simply streaming and social media—if accomplished proper.

A Decade of Streaming, A Queen of Rap

Apple Music’s 10-year anniversary isn’t nearly numbers. It’s about influence. And nobody illustrates that higher than Cardi B.

• Her 2017 single “Bodak Yellow” nonetheless dominates seven years later.
• Her 2024 single “Exterior” proves her endurance.
• Her upcoming album Am I The Drama? is ready to be one of many largest releases of the yr.

Cardi isn’t simply breaking information—she’s rewriting the foundations.

As Apple Music appears to be like forward to its subsequent decade, it’s clear: feminine rap, powered by streaming, is right here to remain. And Cardi B? She’s nonetheless exterior, and she or he’s nonetheless on prime.