There is a light at the end of the tunnel that is 2020, and her name is Cardi B. The Grammy-winning rapper already lifted our spirits once during the quarantine, releasing her record-breaking song “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion in August. And today, just in time for the holidays, she gives Bardigang another gift: the launch of a new Messenger series called Cardi Tries__. Each episode of the show, which Cardi also produces, follows the star trying a number of different disciplines, from learning ballet and how to make sushi to teaching kindergarten and working as a ranch hand. It’s Cardi’s version of The Simple Life, so to speak.
The show is truly an experience, and Cardi was more than willing to share it with the world, especially at the end of a long year. “It’s really cool to quit this show now,” she tells. “People are at home and with their families during the holidays, and I think because this is a show that is not obscene or sad, it is actually a show that you can watch with your children and think that it is fun. Have a good time. Just bring a good spirit, this is a good spirit show! It has no drama. It’s just fun. “
We chatted with Cardi about the series, which can be enjoyed with friends near and far through Messenger’s Watch Together video chat feature (available within the Messenger, Messenger Rooms, and Instagram apps), as well as her hopes for 2021 and yours. vacation plans. Scroll down for our full conversation and catch the first episode of Cardi Tries__, available today.
Is it the show we all need by the end of 2020?
Yes! Yesterday I was talking about how 2020 has brought me a lot of anxiety. And it’s not even really because of what I have in life; it’s just showing up on social media every day and seeing so much tragedy. The news is getting sadder. We do not know the state of the world. So I feel like we need a show that makes people happy and makes them smile.
You seem like someone who is generally quite confident and open to new experiences. But is there something you tried for the show that you really hated or couldn’t do?
In fact, I wasn’t good at anything I did on the show. Like I’m not good at making sushi. I’m not good at ballet. I am not a good farmer. I definitely don’t know how to play basketball [laughs]. He was excited to do things that she had never done before and learn.
Do you like to challenge yourself? Is that in your nature?
I like to challenge myself in the things that I know how to do. So I like to challenge myself when it comes to my work or when it comes to learning certain types of choreography for music videos. But this was a challenge where I did it because I just wanted to learn it and have a good time.
In the first episode, you take a ballet class taught by the legendary Debbie Allen and compare the ballet barre to the stripper bar from your past. Did any of your old dance moves come in handy here?
Well, when it comes to African dancing, I did a little better. But when it comes to ballet, I don’t think anything I’ve done has helped me do ballet. Like that shit really hurts! That was difficult.
But you did great! In another episode, you learn to be a teacher. In what subject do you think you would be an expert in teaching?
History, of course!
Oh, of course. What is your advice to anyone thinking of trying something new, whether it’s a new hobby or a new career?
Just go try it. I know that some people are afraid to try things because they are afraid of failing. However, whether you fail or not, the real reward is lesson and experience. Now I feel that I have experience in raising sheep. And pigs!
Although it has been a strange year, 2020 was huge for you, professionally. “WAP” broke records, you were named Billboard Woman of the Year and made history at the American Music Awards. What was your proudest moment?
Yes. All these things that I accomplished with “WAP” … it has been really great. As Woman of the Year, with a number one record. That was cool.
What are your hopes for 2021?
I really just want to drop drug music, drop drug images, and do everything that I’ve been working on and planning. To flourish. I don’t even want to make plans, because I had a lot of plans for 2020 and they were destroyed due to COVID. So it’s like, what plans can we make? When you don’t know if the world will be safe?
Do you have vacation plans? What does a Cardi Christmas look like this year?
My vacation plan is to just spend it with my family, of course, and make sure I have three or four good days that I can really enjoy with them. At Christmas, I want to have a big dinner and watch movies with the kids. It’s really a children’s party, you know? So I watch movies with the kids and then the next day I want to take them out, maybe to a bouncy house or play games or something. I just want the children to remember this Christmas. It must be special for children.
Has your daughter Kulture asked for a particular gift?
Not really. She is still a baby so I don’t think she understands what Christmas is. She loves the tree and loves to sing Christmas songs. I don’t think she understands how, “Oh, gifts!” Christmas for her is every day. [laughs]
