Cardi B’s earns most streamed female rap song on Apple Music
Apple Music is celebrating a full decade of changing how the world listens to music. Over the past ten years, the platform has evolved from an ambitious launch to a dominant force in music streaming. To mark the moment, Apple has unveiled its most streamed songs of all time, shining a spotlight on the songs that shaped the past decade. And in a major win for hip-hop and female rap, Cardi B‘s “Bodak Yellow” has earned the title of the most streamed female rap song of all time on the platform.
This milestone is more than just a number. It’s a symbol of how far Cardi—and women in rap—have come in the streaming era. Let’s unpack what this moment means, and why it matters in the context of Apple Music’s history, the evolution of streaming, and Cardi B’s cultural power.
Cardi B and “Bodak Yellow”: A Career-Making Hit
In 2017, Cardi B exploded onto the scene with “Bodak Yellow,” a gritty, confident anthem that introduced her no-filter style to the world. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first solo female rapper to reach #1 in nearly two decades.
Its success wasn’t just a fluke. The track earned a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2023, representing over 10 million units sold in the U.S. alone. And now, it holds the crown as the most streamed female rap song ever on Apple Music—a platform known for curating highly engaged listener bases.
Why did “Bodak Yellow” resonate?
It was bold and unapologetic.
It told a rags-to-riches story listeners could feel.
It arrived at a moment when audiences were demanding more representation in rap.
It also paved the way for Cardi’s 2018 debut album, Invasion of Privacy, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy for Best Rap Album. Few debut albums have had such a cultural and commercial impact.
“Outside” Shows Cardi Still Runs the Charts
Cardi B didn’t stop with her debut. She’s back with a new single, “Outside,” which just debuted at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s her first major solo release of the year and is already climbing Apple Music’s trending charts.
“Outside” signals that Cardi is evolving. The sound is polished but still punchy. Her flow is confident, and the track shows she knows how to balance trend appeal with lyrical bite.
The track is also the first official single from her upcoming sophomore album, titled Am I The Drama?, slated for release on September 19. The title alone is meme-worthy—and fans are counting down the days.
What We Know About Am I The Drama?
Cardi’s follow-up to Invasion of Privacy has been in the works for years. She’s teased the album in interviews, hinted at high-profile collaborations, and dropped a few promotional singles that hinted at the album’s sound.
Here’s what to expect:
Genre-blending tracks: Cardi has hinted at Afrobeat and Latin-inspired songs.
Heavy-hitting features: Expect appearances by some of the biggest names in hip-hop and pop.
Deeper themes: Cardi has grown personally and professionally. Expect topics like motherhood, fame, and identity.
Will she top her debut? That’s the question on everyone’s mind. But one thing’s for sure: the anticipation is at an all-time high.
Streaming Success = Career Power
Let’s zoom out. Why does it matter that Cardi B’s songs are topping streaming charts?
In the past, album sales and radio spins defined an artist’s success. Today, streaming is the most powerful metric in music. Platforms like Apple Music not only reflect listener interest—they help shape it.
For artists like Cardi B, streaming offers:
Real-time feedback: Artists can gauge what songs fans connect with instantly.
Global exposure: A viral track in the U.S. can also chart in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Negotiation leverage: High stream counts strengthen artist contracts and brand deals.
Creative control: Artists with strong digital footprints can take more risks.
How Apple Music Changed the Game
When Apple Music launched in 2015, it was competing with services like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube. Over time, it distinguished itself with:
Curated playlists like Rap Life and New Music Daily
Exclusive artist content and early releases
Spatial audio and lossless streaming for audiophiles
Today, Apple Music has over 100 million songs and is available in more than 160 countries. Its global reach makes it a key driver of trends—and its data tells a compelling story about where music is headed.
The Rise of Female Rap in the Streaming Era
Streaming has opened doors that radio and labels once kept shut. It’s now easier than ever for women in hip-hop to build audiences—and Cardi B is just one example.
Key reasons for the rise:
Direct-to-fan access: Social media + streaming = unfiltered connection.
Visual branding: Platforms like Apple Music allow for integrated video, lyric, and social content.
Listener empowerment: Fans drive success now—not just execs.
Other female rappers like Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice have all benefited from this shift. But Cardi remains one of the few to break through with both critical acclaim and massive mainstream success.
Everlasting Lessons for Emerging Artists
Whether you’re an indie artist or a fan, there are evergreen takeaways from Cardi’s streaming journey.
Here are a few:
Be authentic – Cardi’s brand is consistent across music, social, and interviews.
Use platforms strategically – Release on multiple platforms, but tailor messaging to each.
Invest in your visuals – Strong music videos and promo visuals drive streams.
Engage with fans – Reply, repost, and celebrate their support.
Even with no label deal, an artist today can build a viable career using just streaming and social media—if done right.
A Decade of Streaming, A Queen of Rap
Apple Music’s 10-year anniversary isn’t just about numbers. It’s about impact. And no one illustrates that better than Cardi B.
Her 2017 single “Bodak Yellow” still dominates seven years later.
Her 2024 single “Outside” proves her staying power.
Her upcoming album Am I The Drama? is set to be one of the biggest releases of the year.
Cardi isn’t just breaking records—she’s rewriting the rules.
As Apple Music looks ahead to its next decade, it’s clear: female rap, powered by streaming, is here to stay. And Cardi B? She’s still outside, and she’s still on top.
