Cardi B and Meg Thee Stallion’s latest collaboration, “WAP,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 today. This is Cardi’s fourth chart-topper and Meg’s second after the “Savage” remix that topped the charts earlier this year
Upon its release, “WAP”, which stands for “Wet A*s P*ssy,” was met with criticism for its overtly sexual lyrics by fellow musicians and entertainers who questioned both rapper’’s morals. Fans on social media were quick to point out the hypocrisy and double-standards that are applied to female rappers when they use sexually explicit lyrics in their music, an element that is a centerpiece in the male-dominated hip-hop scene.
Others have met the song with praise and celebrated women owning their sexuality. Actress Viola Davis and Kerry Washington were amongst the few who took to social media to declare their love of “WAP.”
Who did this? pic.twitter.com/sbgX2KWITc
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 10, 2020
Kerry WAPington #quietfireink thank you for this creation pic.twitter.com/8VcaIp3NSN
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 13, 2020
Both rappers have used social media to defend the lyrical content of the song despite negative critiques while also celebrating its impact since the single was certified Gold by RIAA. Their success continues a trend of female collaborations this year that have reached top spots on the charts.
“WAP” is the fourth female collaboration this year to reach the number one spot on Billboard and the ninth overall since the first one in 1979. Earlier this summer, four black women made history after they occupied the top 2 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; Doja Cat and Nicki Minja’s Say So Remix in first and the Savage remix in second (the latter would also ascend to the top just a few weeks later.)
As the anticipation surrounding new albums from Nicki Minaj and Cardi B continues to rise and the release of Meg Thee Stallion’s debut album nears, the future of female rappers in music is brighter than ever.