NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Hip Hop has always been about bragging rights and sh** talking. Just recently, female Hip Hop artist Cardi B remade a classic track by Jay Z with ‘Imaginary Players’, and the Hip Hop masses are torn. But why?
Many believe that she was not the right female artist to redo the song. Of course, the majority believe that it should have been Nicki Minaj. Nope, Cardi was the right and only choice to do this. The reason being, it was the perfect time, and she mirrors Jay way more than Nicki does, especially at this moment in her career.
The original is Jay unloading a barrage of bars at whoever is listening. That was 1997, and Jay was coming off the success of his first album and talking directly to the haters who were wondering if he was a fluke in the industry. Let’s be reminded why it was such an impactful song for Hov. When ‘Imaginary Players’ dropped, it was placed on his second album. Jay was only supposed to do one and bounce. This was right after the death of Biggie, and Hip Hop was looking for the next big thing. Enter Jay.
It was the same with Cardi. As long as she’s been in the main Hip Hop limelight, it’s always been a constant comparison to Nicki. Just like Jay, up to the recording of the song, both artist was set to drop their second album and were widely talked about in the Hip Hop community. But unlike Jay, Cardi B took years off between solo projects, so her first single needed to turn heads. Cardi had to come out swinging.
Just as Jay did decades ago, Cardi used the track to address the questions, doubts, and haters regarding her place. Despite the lack of albums under her belt, Cardi has stayed in the public view between drops. But by doing so, she has also left herself open for criticism.
Her version of ‘Imaginary Players’ was a straight F*** You to everyone who had something negative to say about her career and personal life.
Now I spit that other shit, pretty motherfucker shitCardi B, every song platinum, I’m not the other bitchWhatever you was gon’ pay her, you gotta double itGloryhole, bitches don’t know who they fuckin’ withDead money, my stocks and share moneyYour booking fee is my makeup and hair money
In all fairness, I am far from a Cardi B fan; however, this song was perfect for her. Nicki has albums under her belt, and by most accounts, she is regarded as the Queen of Hip Hop by some. Cardi is respected in the circle, but it was time for her to address a few things and put people in their place. It was identical to Jay’s approach. He was entering the game right when others were finding success. At that time, Mase was gaining steam. Jay came in spitting about the finer things in life, and those listening wanted to know how true that was.
And now you got these young cats, acting like they slung caps
All in they dumb raps, talking about how they funds stack
When I see them in the street, I don’t see none of that
Damn, playboy, where the fuck is the Hummer at?
Where’s all the ice with all the platinum under that?
Those ain’t Rolex diamonds, what the fuck you done to that?
Cardi B could have cratered an original track to brag and boast, but to pick this particular track, she knew she had to take it to another level. ‘Imaginary Players’ for Jay was not just a shot at the critics; it was the foundation for the Jay we know today. This had to be Cardi’s stance when she reached out to Jay for permission to do it over.
Remaking a classic song is not easy. Everything has to go right, but for Cardi B, it needed to be perfect. Some love the song, while others turn their noses up at it. fair game in hip hop all the way. Maybe Nicki would have done a better job, but I doubt that. Cardi didn’t hit the Grand Slam, but she knocked it out of the park. She needed this, and Hip Hop needed this.
