Cardi B: Rising Above Criticism and Embracing Her Unique Voice

Cardi B is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, a journey that began with her breakout role on Love & Hip Hop: New York and has since skyrocketed into a remarkable career. Despite her fame and success, Cardi’s journey hasn’t been without challenges — particularly when it comes to public opinion. Known for her Bronx-born authenticity, she is no stranger to harsh criticism, yet she has consistently shown a resilient attitude and pride in her roots.

At LaQuan Smith’s presentation at Spring Studios, Cardi opened up about the difficulties of fame and how critics often target her looks and intelligence. “People say mean things about my face, my teeth and call me ugly and stupid,” she shared. But Cardi doesn’t let these comments break her spirit. Instead, she turns their words around with humor and self-confidence, asserting, “If I was ugly, I would not bag so many dudes, and all these famous dudes would not holla at me.” Her response exemplifies her ability to deflect negativity, rooted in her belief in her own worth.

Cardi’s candid response to these criticisms reflects her strong sense of identity and self-acceptance, despite the pressures of being in the public eye. She has faced more than just comments on her looks — her mannerisms, accent, and vocabulary have all come under fire as well. Some have even suggested that she take etiquette classes. While Cardi brushes off the idea of conforming to others’ standards of propriety, she does admit that she might benefit from speech therapy, as a way to refine her unique voice rather than transform it.

“My mom is from Trinidad, and my dad is Dominican, and I grew up in The Bronx — so all of those dialects collide into one,” she explains. For Cardi, this blend of cultures is what makes her distinct, setting her apart from others in the industry. “That is what makes me me. That is how I get this money.” Rather than feeling pressure to alter her speech, she embraces her linguistic heritage, acknowledging it as a source of her success.

In an industry that often values conformity, Cardi B’s openness about her background and her accent breaks down barriers and resonates with her audience. Her journey serves as a reminder that self-acceptance and authenticity can be powerful tools for success. Cardi’s unapologetic approach to fame, combined with her commitment to her roots, has made her one of the most unique and beloved voices in music today.