Cardi B’s breakout hit, “Bodak Yellow,” took the world by storm in 2017, quickly becoming one of the most successful rap songs of the year. Not only did the song top the charts and receive critical acclaim, but it also propelled Cardi B’s career to new heights. As a result, many fans and industry insiders have been curious about just how much money Cardi B made from this massive hit.
The Rise of Cardi B
Before we delve into the financial details of “Bodak Yellow,” let’s take a moment to appreciate Cardi B’s incredible journey to stardom. Born Belcalis Almanzar in The Bronx, New York City, Cardi B rose to fame through her charismatic personality and raw talent. Initially gaining popularity through social media platforms like Vine and Instagram, she eventually transitioned into music.
Cardi B’s first major breakthrough came with her appearance on the reality TV series “Love & Hip Hop: New York.” This exposure helped her gain a large following and paved the way for her music career.
The Success of “Bodak Yellow”
“Bodak Yellow” was released in June 2017 as Cardi B’s debut single from her first studio album, “Invasion of Privacy.” The song quickly gained traction and caught the attention of both fans and industry professionals alike.
Fun Fact: The title of the song is a reference to rapper Kodak Black and his hit single “No Flockin.”
The track’s catchy beat, clever lyrics, and Cardi B’s unique flow resonated with listeners around the world. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks, making history as it became the first solo female rap song to reach number one since Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998.
Cardi B’s Earnings from “Bodak Yellow”
Streaming Revenue
Streaming platforms have become a major source of income for artists in the digital age. According to industry reports, Cardi B made a significant portion of her earnings from streaming revenue generated by “Bodak Yellow.”
The song was streamed millions of times across various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Each stream generates a fraction of a cent in revenue, but when you factor in the sheer number of streams for “Bodak Yellow,” it quickly adds up.
Music Sales
In addition to streaming revenue, Cardi B also earned money from digital downloads and physical sales of “Bodak Yellow.” The song was certified seven times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating that it sold over seven million units.
Tip: The RIAA certifies songs based on the number of units sold, with one unit being equivalent to one digital download or 150 streams.
Live Performances and Endorsements
As Cardi B’s popularity soared with the success of “Bodak Yellow,” so did her demand as a live performer. She embarked on several tours and headlined numerous music festivals, commanding significant fees for her shows.
In addition to live performances, Cardi B also capitalized on her fame by securing lucrative endorsement deals. From fashion brands to beauty products, she became an ambassador for various companies looking to tap into her massive fan base.
The Bottom Line
All these revenue streams combined allowed Cardi B to amass a substantial fortune from “Bodak Yellow.” While the exact figures have not been publicly disclosed, industry experts estimate that she made several million dollars from the song alone.
Final Thoughts
“Bodak Yellow” not only catapulted Cardi B to superstardom but also served as a testament to her talent and work ethic. Her success with this breakout hit opened doors for future endeavors, making her one of the most influential and highest-earning artists in the music industry today.
As fans eagerly await Cardi B’s next project, it’s safe to say that “Bodak Yellow” will forever hold a special place in her journey and remain a testament to her undeniable skill as an artist.