Cardi B’s first studio album was released on April 6, 2018, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and making her just the fifth female rapper with a number one album. The album entitled, Invasion of Privacy, is both bold and vulnerable, containing large amounts of personality, style, and craft.

Rising to fame as a social media personality, the Bronx-born Belcalis Almanzar, with the stage name Cardi B, is the next big thing. After landing a spot on the VH1 reality TV series Love & Hip Hop: New York, she gained wide popularity as an aspiring artist.

Cardi B released her successful first single, “Bodak Yellow” in June of 2017, and amazed listeners with her authentic and entertaining concept. At the same time, she also attracted many skeptics. Invasion of Privacy is an up front response to those who doubted her.

Cardi B’s music has a distinctive melody with clever and funny lyrics, such as “I started speaking my mind and tripled my views,” from the song, “Get Up 10,” the album’s first track. She sets the tone in the song, rapping with strength and fury. The song, “She Bad,” has funny and clever punch lines, presenting complex ideas in the most direct way possible.

The album covers a wide variety of subject matter, from her bad boyfriends to the life-changing experience of her rise to fame. Her various songs also share even the worst aspects of her life. For example, “Best Life,” featuring Chance the Rapper, reiterates controversies from early in her career and a remix of an iconic Tupac poem. She raps about her newfound fame throughout the album, portrayed in the song, “Money Bag,” while still embracing her background with lyrics showing the impact of poverty and her struggle to adjust to her new wealth. Cardi B is confident and rebellious, exceeding her own expectations and those of the world throughout her newest album.

Invasion of Privacy exemplifies spunk, spirit, and tenacity. This remarkably fearless and irresistible introduction from a superstar who has put in the work, makes it look like her fifteen minutes of fame will be lasting considerably longer.