Cardi B Says People Didn’t Appreciate “Bongos”: What Went Wrong? [Video]

Cardi B recently slammed critics over the lack of appreciation for her and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Bongos.”

The rapper recently shared an Instagram video from inside a club as the single plays in the background.  As she bops along to her record, Cardi says, “I will never forgive ya’ll on how ya’ll did this song,” referring to the poor sales of the 2023 track. 

The collaboration debuted at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 but failed to crack the Top 10, which came as a surprise considering the massive success of Cardi and Megan’s first joint release, “WAP.” The 2020 single was an international success and topped the charts in the U.S. It is now eight times platinum.  Unfortunately, their second attempt together did not go over well with fans, so why is that?

One of the primary reasons even the most die-hard Cardi fans didn’t appreciate “Bongos” was its perceived proximity to “WAP.” Some believed the rappers were attempting to recreate the magic by delivering another over-the-top video with a catchy hook and equally racy lyrics.  Though the singles have different sounds, with “Bongos” offering a much more Latin-enthused beat, many were quick to write the record off as a “WAP” wanna-be.

Music commentator Zach Campbell raised this point, calling on the Bronx MC to find a different sound. In a video dissecting the record, he stated, “It felt like a rushed attempt to get another hit.” 

Joe Budden also expressed similar views, which seemed to cause a slight rift between him and Cardi.

Another factor that may have hindered “Bongos” success was the demand for an album. By 2023, Cardi fans began growing impatient with the flow of singles. Though steady, many questioned why she had yet to release her follow-up, making them simply uninterested in the track.

Though “Bongos” didn’t reach the success of its predecessor, the track is undoubtedly a bop. To Cardi’s recent point, it certainly goes off in clubs and parties as a cheat sheet to get bodies moving. As we prepare for Cardi’s long-awaited album, which will likely include “Bongos,” this memorable tune is definitely worth a second listen and newfound appreciation.