Cardi can’t rap, and, worse than that, she doesn’t even like doing it. That’s why this doesn’t hit the way it should. It was a desperate attempt by the label to ingratiate her to a fanbase she never was a part of, nor ever wanted to be.
Her status in pop culture is based on her being a must see exhibit on white people’s hood safari trip. Ghetto, uncouth, and not afraid embarrass herself or her family. It’s the same reason they were obsessed with Chief Keef. It’s not talent (even though Chief Keef has way more than her); its spectacle.
Now that her popularity and status are waning, she is forced to go back to music which she just isn’t good at doing. She also doesn’t have the passion to try and become good at it. She’s an industry creation at a crossroad.
Say what you want about Nicki but she loves hip-hop and actually doing the craft.