In the dynamic world of hip-hop, where anticipation often builds for years, insights into an artist’s creative journey are priceless. As heard in the accompanying video, Cardi B pulls back the curtain on the making of her massive collaboration track, revealing that this particular record had been “in the vault for a minute,” even predating her monumental hit “WAP.” Recorded around 2019, well before the global changes brought by COVID-19, this track showcases an intriguing process involving rap powerhouses Lil Durk and Kanye West.
For fans eager for new music, it’s worth noting that Cardi B hasn’t released a solo single since “Up,” almost a year and a half prior to this discussion. This prolonged wait only heightens the excitement around her latest ventures, including the complex process of bringing this multi-artist track to life. Understanding the meticulous decisions behind such a release offers a deeper appreciation for the art of music production.
1. The Genesis of a Hit: From the Vault to the Airwaves
Every great song has a story, and this collaboration is no exception. Cardi B describes the track as having a distinctly “masculine” energy, a descriptor that influenced its long stay in her unreleased song collection, often referred to as the “vault.” The “vault” is a common term in the music industry for an artist’s collection of unreleased songs, demos, and ideas. Artists keep tracks in the vault for various reasons, including waiting for the right moment, perfecting the sound, or finding the ideal collaborators.
Cardi B’s unique perspective on songs having “genders” highlights her intuitive approach to music, perceiving this particular track as a “boy” due to its aggressive beat and powerful presence. This early recording, dating back to 2019, meant it existed as a raw, potent idea long before its final form. The challenge was not just perfecting the song but finding the right voices to complement its intense vibe.
The Search for the Perfect Feature: Crafting the Right Sound
The quest for the ideal male feature was crucial. Cardi B recognized that the beat of the song was not for just “anybody”; it required artists who could truly “freak it”—a term in hip-hop referring to an artist’s ability to uniquely interpret and dominate a beat with their flow and lyrics. This meant finding rappers with a distinct style and the vocal prowess to match the track’s demanding energy.
Such a precise vision underscores the deliberate nature of music production, where every element is carefully considered. An artist’s instinct for what a track needs, even if it means searching extensively for the right collaborator, often defines its ultimate success. The right feature can transform a strong track into a timeless hit, adding layers of meaning and appeal.
2. Bringing in Lil Durk: The Street Authenticity
The breakthrough in the collaboration process came during a meeting with her label. When Lil Durk’s name was suggested, Cardi B’s immediate approval set the wheels in motion. His swift response, sending his verse back within hours or a day, solidified his place on the track. This rapid turnaround is a testament to Durk’s work ethic and immediate connection to the song’s energy.
Lil Durk’s contribution is described as “really street,” a quality that resonated deeply with Cardi B. This term often refers to lyrics and delivery that reflect experiences and perspectives from urban environments, known for their raw honesty and gritty realism. His verse adds a vital layer of authenticity and edge, making the song appeal to a diverse audience, including young listeners in areas like the Bronx.
The Art of the Exchange: Seamless Collaborations
The dynamic interplay between Cardi B, Lil Durk, and Kanye West on the track gives the impression that all three were together in the studio, passing the microphone. This “passing the microphone energy” is highly valued in rap, creating a sense of camaraderie and spontaneous creativity. It enhances the listening experience, making the collaboration feel more organic and less like a pieced-together effort.
This seamless exchange is difficult to achieve, especially when artists record their parts separately. It requires not only individual talent but also a shared understanding of the song’s overall vision and flow. The result is an addictive energy that showcases the strengths of each artist while creating a cohesive sound that truly elevates the track.
3. Kanye West’s Unique Contribution: Personal Yet Club-Ready
Kanye West’s verse arrived a few months before the song’s release, during a period when he was frequently in the media spotlight. His contribution is characterized by a blend of personal introspection and mainstream appeal, a hallmark of his recent work. It’s “personal but it’s not that personal,” meaning it touches on his life experiences without becoming overly niche, making it enjoyable in club settings.
Cardi B openly admires Kanye West, describing him as “an amazing sweet person.” She believes that if more people had genuine conversations with him, they would see “the real” Kanye, beyond the public persona often portrayed by the media. This sentiment highlights the common struggle many public figures face in balancing their authentic selves with the character the public perceives.
Understanding the Persona: Public vs. Private Self
The blurred lines between a celebrity’s public persona and their private self are a recurring theme for artists like Cardi B and Kanye West. Often, the media constructs a narrative that can be vastly different from an individual’s true character. Kanye’s ability to articulate his beliefs, even if controversial, with logical reasoning makes him a “balance” in Cardi B’s eyes. This capacity to explain his perspective, even when it challenges conventional thought, is a key aspect of his complex appeal.
This insight reminds us that behind every public figure is a person with their own convictions and reasons, often more nuanced than headlines suggest. The depth of these personal connections and understandings between artists can significantly influence their collaborations and mutual respect.
4. Cardi B’s Anticipated Return: Breaking the Shell
Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material from Cardi B, and she confirms that “Cardi season” is indeed approaching. She describes a methodical process of putting her plans and album together, signifying a strategic return to the music scene. This involves significant “transitions with my team,” indicating a potential restructuring or refinement of her professional support system, a common occurrence for artists evolving in their careers.
Her preparations extend beyond the studio; she’s also getting ready to perform live, specifically for a festival, marking her first time in front of a crowd since 2019. This break has led to physical and mental adjustments, as she notes, “my body, the way that I that I program, I’m a little bit different now.” This period of introspection and adjustment is essential for artists to redefine their stage presence and performance energy.
Overcoming Nerves and Embracing Beast Mode
Despite her colossal success, Cardi B admits to feeling “really nervous” about releasing new music after a hiatus. This vulnerability is relatable, showcasing the pressure artists face with each new release. It’s a natural reaction when breaking out of one’s “comfort zone” and re-entering the demanding spotlight. Her nervousness is a sign of how much she cares about her craft and her audience’s reception.
However, once she gets comfortable and “starts setting in,” she’s ready to go into “beast mode.” This phrase encapsulates her determination to deliver powerful performances and impactful music. Her excitement for the record, which she views as a “fun record,” also stems from her desire to create true “club bangers.” She feels the current music landscape is missing tracks that genuinely make people want to “throw bands” and energize the club scene, reminiscent of classic Meek Mill tracks that “pump you up.”
5. The Music Video Saga: CGI Challenges
The music video for the collaboration track brought its own set of challenges, particularly with the use of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). Cardi B expresses a strong preference for realism in her visuals, favoring practical sets and authentic locations over digital creations. Her past work has often featured elaborate real-world backdrops, which allow her more freedom to “maneuver or move how I wanted to.”
This video marked her first time using CGI extensively, a decision that led to considerable frustration. CGI production is notoriously time-consuming and complex; the video, shot in March, was still not ready months later. This lengthy post-production process, coupled with her discomfort in the unfamiliar CGI environment, led to her declaring, “That’s it for CGI.” Her experience highlights the significant technical and artistic hurdles involved in digital visual effects, especially for artists accustomed to traditional filming methods.
Cardi B’s No-Filter Q&A: Durk, Ye, and CGI On Her Mind
What new collaboration song is Cardi B discussing?
Cardi B is discussing a new collaboration track featuring Lil Durk and Kanye West, which was recorded around 2019, even before her hit song “WAP”.
What does it mean for a song to be “in the vault”?
In the music industry, the “vault” is a collection of an artist’s unreleased songs, demos, and ideas that they keep until the right moment to release them.
Why did Cardi B choose Lil Durk and Kanye West for her new track?
She chose Lil Durk for his “street” authenticity and unique ability to interpret the beat, and Kanye West for his blend of personal yet club-ready lyrical contributions.
What is Cardi B’s opinion on using CGI in music videos?
Cardi B prefers realistic sets and authentic locations over CGI for her music videos, as she found the extensive CGI process frustrating and time-consuming.