The music industry is no stranger to rivalries, and the latest feud to set the internet ablaze involves two of hip-hop’s most prominent female voices – Cardi B and Bia. What started as a subtle exchange of perceived jabs has escalated into a full-blown social media firestorm, reigniting discussions about female rap beefs and the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.
Tracing the Origins: From Sample Similarities to Subliminal Shots
The roots of the Cardi B-Bia tension can be traced back to earlier this year when both rappers sampled Missy Elliott’s iconic track “She’s a Bitch” for separate releases. Cardi B used the sample for her freestyle “Like What,” while Bia incorporated it into her 2023 single “I’m That Bitch,” which featured Missy herself. Social media buzz ignited, with fans speculating about a potential subliminal message from Cardi B.
The flames were further stoked when Bia seemingly took aim at Cardi on Dreezy’s remix of “B*tch Duh” in April. Lyrics like “I can never turn my phone on just to cry/ On a Live, I hate a sneaky n***a, pick a side/ If you wanna get up with me, tell that b**ch that we’re outside” were widely interpreted as a reference to Cardi’s emotional Instagram Live outburst directed at her ex, Offset, in December 2023.
The Gloves Come Off: Cardi B Fires Back with “Bardi Up” Remix
On Friday, May 31st, the feud exploded when Cardi B dropped a remix of Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla’s “Wanna Be,” titled “Bardi Up.” The lyrics were laced with venom, with Cardi seemingly aiming directly at Bia:
Guess I’m a teacher since you wanna sub me/ She did what? Had no idea/ Thought she was on the shelf, IKEA/ Hope she talk like that when I see her/ B**ch please, don’t nobody wanna be you”
Bia’s Playful Retaliation: Memes and Mockery on Twitter
Bia responded swiftly on Twitter, taking a more playful approach. She retweeted comments calling Cardi’s diss track weak and posted a meme from a battle rap scene where a competitor flops, seemingly implying Cardi’s disses lacked impact. She also tweeted, “B**CHES IS WACK. B**CHES IS TRASH. I SHOULD HANG BITCHES RIGHT OVER MY KNEE, THE WAY I BE PUTTIN MY BELT TO THEY A**SSSSSS.” while adding, “B*tch, you don’t want me in the booth. I’m REALLY like that ✍ ✍ ✍ ✍ ✍ ✍ ✍ .”
Fan Reactions: Divided Loyalties and Calls for Unity
The online response has been divided. Cardi B’s fans hail her as the undisputed queen, celebrating her aggressive wordplay. Bia’s supporters laud her playful defiance and focus on her music. However, a significant portion of the online audience expresses frustration with the back-and-forth, calling for female rappers to uplift each other rather than engage in public spats.
Beyond the Beef: Examining Female Rap Rivalries
Cardi B and Bia’s feud is just one example of the complex dynamic of female rap rivalries. While competition can fuel creativity, constant negativity can overshadow the artistic merits of both artists. The conversation surrounding the feud highlights the ongoing debate about the pressure on female rappers to compete for a limited spotlight, rather than collaborate and push the genre forward.
The Importance of Artistry: Shifting the Focus to Music
Many fans and critics argue that the focus should be on the music itself. Both Cardi B and Bia are talented artists with distinct styles and impressive bodies of work. A shift in focus from manufactured conflict to celebrating their individual contributions would be a welcome change for the hip-hop landscape.
The Future of Female Rap: Collaboration Over Competition
The current landscape of female hip-hop is vibrant and diverse. Artists like Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and City Girls are all pushing boundaries and achieving mainstream success. Collaboration, not competition, is key to further elevating the genre and ensuring its continued growth.
As Cardi B and Bia continue to trade barbs, the larger conversation surrounding their feud serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of the hip-hop industry. While rivalries can generate buzz and fuel creativity, true progress often lies in unity and a shared commitment to pushing the artform forward.
