Music

“Hello”

Cardi B previewed “Hello” at WWE SummerSlam 2025, and the reaction was “What is that record?” The full track did not disappoint in today’s era of snippets that sound better than complete songs. In a way, it had the energy of an intro despite being track two. The Bronx star keeps the hook and verses simple, but it’s the bounce and delivery that make this one a winner.

She not only flexes all her qualities, but puts the mirror in the face of her detractors. “It be you that’s hella mad/ It be me that’s getting tricked on by somebody’s baby dad/ It be me that’s lookin’ sexy, it be me that’s lookin’ cute/ It be me with body bustin’ out, this Miu Miu bodysuit,” she spits in the second verse. Whether you’re getting ready to go out, in the car with your girls, or at the gym, “Hello” is the quintessential soundtrack for many different environments.

“Pick It Up” Feat. Selena Gomez

“Pick It Up” is the album’s early that Cardi has crossover appeal. She tapped Selena Gomez, a major pop star she’s previously worked with, for a record that does not sound outside of either artist’s wheelhouse. Gomez brings the vocals, but her cadences and lyrics lean more toward Hip-Hop. Cardi raps, but utilizes a more refined melodic tone at certain points of the song. The beat utilizes rap drum patterns and pop-like synths for a very pleasing hybrid.

Both acts, who’ve had publicly chaotic relationships, wholly lean into their emotions in what could be considered a “spin the block” anthem. On the record, their partnerships are hanging in limbo, and neither wants their man to leave things unfinished. Even if someone can’t relate, it’s hard not to empathize with their creative expressions throughout the nearly three-minute song. This has radio hit, playlist monster, and TikTok virality written all over it.

“Safe” Feat. Kehlani

“Safe,” featuring Kehlani, is an example of perfect A&Ring. Timing-wise, there is no better time to tap the Oakland, Calif. singer, given the creative space she’s in, and with her latest single “Folded” going crazy on the charts. Conceptually, the record is all about what the 30-year-old singer often covers in her music. Additionally, the production mirrors Jordan Adetunji’s “Kehlani,” a sexy drill banger from last year.

Cardi lands perfectly on this type of production, blending the sensual nature of feeling secure with someone with her Bronx aggression, which may force a man to step up and be her protector even though she clearly does not need one. The only reason this song doesn’t become a hit is if “Pick It Up” takes all the attention, and that will be a fun competition to witness.

The cherry on top of all of this is the variety of ways they use the word “safe” to create metaphors and similes that relate to comfort within a relationship, and how they weave in and out of each other’s lines on the chorus and verse. “‘Cause I feel safe like I just ran and slid across the plate/ Safe like we playin’ tag and you home base/ Ayy, safe like I got a big dog in a gate, rrr/ Safe like you one of these h*es, play in my face,” they rap. All of that to say, “Safe” is a home run.

“Man Of Your Word”

“Man of Your Word” is an in-depth reflection on her drama-filled marriage with Offset. The production is mostly stripped back, allowing her stream of consciousness to take the forefront. Dougie F opens the record with a moving chorus, but it is Cardi B‘s confessionals that shine the most.

The best part is that she takes accountability in the areas where she faltered, while also calling out her ex’s mistakes. “Ni**a, I believed you, don’t know if I’m mad at me or you/ Once upon a time, I thought I needed you/ Even though I’m up, I always treat you like we even, dude/ See what special treatment do? Huh, I could’ve cheated too,” she raps.

There is clearly still love there, as she admits the seven years weren’t all bad despite the negative feelings she experienced. She even says she put her music ahead of checking in on his pain, and how that could have caused them to drift apart. Cardi B is typically very boisterous and assertive, but this tone and cadence remind people that she can be sensitive, making her feelings, the song, and her all the more endearing.

“Pretty & Petty”

A difficult divorce did not stop Cardi B from being, well, “Pretty & Petty” as the song title conveys. This track has a ’90s bounce to it, and the production elements fall in line. However, her attitude is very similar to that of certain rappers who have taken aim at her. Literally, she opens this song with “Name five BIA songs, gun pointin’ to your head/ Baow, I’m dead/ That melatonin flow puttin’ us to bed/ I’m doing you a favor, Epic, run me my bread.”

She unloads even more in the second verse, spilling tea about BIA’s life, as the kids say. Evidently, the Boston rapper was kicked out of a condo, hung around Diddy’s house, and her breath stinks. Now, in the spirit of Hip-Hop, these could all be fabricated, but people love lies and truths equally. One thing she did not lie about was the “London” rapper’s lack of commercial success in comparison to hers. And there isn’t much she can say in return.

This song lands at a perfect time as the Hip-Hop space is obsessed with all forms of rap beef. It will be interesting to see if BIA comes back with anything, but “Pretty & Petty” is great not just for the digs but also the overall song elements.

“ErrTime”

With “ErrTime,” Cardi may be a bigger fan of Southern rap than people may have realized. The production sounds like a 2000s Jeezy beat, but also a 2020s BossMan Dlow beat. She captures the essence of both rappers, dropping sharp liners and a quickly memorable “Oowoo” ad lib in between.

One of the underrated gems of this song is that she opts for a short verse to start, followed by a refrain, before returning to the chorus. Then she drops a longer second verse, spins back to the refrain, and closes with an outro. This song structure was commonplace in the 2000s, and clearly, Cardi and her team really did their homework on the type of songs that have staying power. You get the Latto bar in the refrain, the Don Julio reference in the chorus, and countless other lines throughout the verses. “ErrTime” is an anthem in every way.

“Principal” Feat. Janet Jackson

Your eyes did not deceive you; Cardi B is on a song with Janet Jackson. “Principal” functions as a double entendre, being spelled like the authority figure in a school to convey both women’s statuses. However, it is used as “principle,” otherwise known as a fundamental truth or belief system. They drive this point home by flipping Janet’s 1986 jam “The Pleasure Principle.”

The record is all about Cardi ensuring her partner knows the deal: ignore the women chasing him, always be upfront with her, and understand that where she comes from informs who she is and how she operates in the relationship. Though her delivery doesn’t deviate from her beloved grittiness, the production is a bit brighter and dance-friendly. Don’t let the celestial Janet vocals make you miss the point, though.

“Take me to the trenches (Trenches), I don’t ever panic (No)/ Take me anywhere, just don’t take me for granted (Facts)/ You could spoil me all you want, you ain’t loyal, I don’t care (I don’t)/ My ni**as and my food is just two things I can’t share, bi**h,” she raps. It’s a very modern take on a vintage sound and a tried-and-true concept: loyalty is essential. It’s the principle of it all.

“Nice Guy” Feat. Tyla

Last, but most certainly not least, “Nice Guy” featuring Tyla. This is another pop-rap hybrid song that has the potential to go to the moon due to its talent, chorus, production, and content. The bubble-gum-esque record covers the progression of an innocent crush up to the paranoia and dismissiveness that come when the honeymoon phase bubble is burst. Both women yearn for their men’s intimacy and attention, but their feelings consume them to where they start to lose trust.

Eventually, their focus is to flex on someone they once craved and being petty. They’re human, it happens. The standout aspect of this song, though, is the South African artist delivering a full rap verse right before the final chorus. Tyla has demonstrated her versatility throughout her career, but not to this degree. Much like Selena and Cardi on “Pick It Up,” they found a happy medium between their signature sounds and concepts, ultimately creating a potential hit. The ladies will love this one.