Joe Budden declares the end of the female rap wave after Cardi B’s latest single

In a bold proclamation that has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, Joe Budden—the outspoken rap veteran and podcast host—has declared the demise of the “girl rapper wave.” His target? None other than the chart-topping sensation, Cardi B.

The rise and fall of the girl rapper wave

Over the last decade, female artists have dominated the rap scene, breaking barriers, and shattering glass ceilings. From Nicki Minaj to Megan Thee Stallion, these fierce women have commanded attention, challenging stereotypes, and proving that they can spit bars just as fiercely as their male counterparts.

But according to Joe Budden, that era has come to an abrupt end. In his latest podcast episode titled “Zombie Biker Ladies From Princeton,” Budden dropped the bombshell:

" Y’all ain’t gonna want to hear it from me, but the girl rapper wave is over."

The industry shift

Budden, known for his unfiltered opinions, explained his perspective.

"Just telling you what it is. I’m normally a few months ahead with this stuff, sometimes a few years ahead with this stuff. The girl rapper wave is finito."

He pointed out that while some female artists will continue to shine—think Latto and Flo Milli—the record labels are no longer investing in the same way.

"All that planting the girl in the scene, getting the record, and it taking off—that wave is over,” he asserted."

The industry, it seems, has shifted its focus elsewhere.

Cardi B’s new single: A missed opportunity?

But let’s talk about Cardi B. The Grammy Award-winning rapper has been teasing her second album for what feels like an eternity. Six years have passed since her debut project, “Invasion of Privacy,” catapulted her to superstardom. Yet, her follow-up remains elusive.

Budden didn’t hold back when discussing Cardi’s latest single, “Like What (Freestyle).

"Cardi B is afraid, and I’m tired of just nobody saying it,” he declared. “It don’t take this long to come out."

Cardi herself has acknowledged the pressure. In a recent statement, she promised fans that 2024 would be the year.

"I promise y’all this year, I’m not letting my anxiety, I’m not letting what haters say, I’m not letting what fans say. If I do a song, I’m just gon’ f**king drop it,” she asserted. “Well, I have no choice because I’m dropping my album this year. So, stay tuned for the announcement. But, don’t play with me."

As the dust settles, we’re left wondering: Is Joe Budden right? Has the girl rapper wave truly crashed against the shores of change? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—the conversation is far from over.