The Phenomenon of “WAP”: Analyzing the Massive Popularity of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s Hit Song
Released in August 2020, “WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion took the world by storm. Within weeks, the sexually explicit song had become a global phenomenon, topping the charts and sparking intense cultural conversations. Nearly a year later, “WAP” remains one of the most talked about and streamed songs in recent memory. But what exactly propelled this collaboration between Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion to such unprecedented heights of popularity and notoriety?
There are several key factors that contributed to “WAP” becoming the massive cultural force that it did. From its catchy beat and confident vocal delivery to its unapologetically sexual lyrics and ability to start conversations, “WAP” tapped into something that clearly resonated on a wide scale. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the main reasons why “WAP” simply couldn’t be ignored upon its release and has endured as one of the defining songs of recent years.
Catchy Beat and Confident Delivery
One of the main ingredients for any major hit song is an irresistible beat and melody. And “WAP” certainly delivers in this department. Produced by Ayo and Keyz, the beat for “WAP” is minimal yet undeniably catchy and danceable. With its pulsing hi-hats, spacey synths and 808 drum patterns, the instrumental provides the perfect backdrop for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion to flex their rapping abilities.
Both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion approach the beat with oozing confidence and charisma. Their delivery is sharp, nimble and loaded with personality. They ride the rhythm with an expert flow, hitting every pocket of the beat. From Cardi B’s signature vocal inflections to Megan Thee Stallion’s smooth southern charm, their individual styles mesh together seamlessly over the instrumental.
The combination of this irresistible beat coupled with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s magnetic presence on the track gives “WAP” an energy that is tailor-made for parties, clubs and turn-ups. It’s easy to see why the song spread like wildfire in these environments upon its release. The catchy instrumental and charismatic vocals make “WAP” extremely replayable and a bonafide bop that people simply couldn’t get enough of. This infectious combo was a major driving force behind its massive popularity.
Unapologetically Sexual Lyrics
Of course, another huge factor that propelled “WAP” into the stratosphere was its unabashedly sexual subject matter and lyrics. In the world of mainstream hip hop, it’s still somewhat taboo for female rappers to openly celebrate their sexuality in their music in the way that their male counterparts have traditionally been able to do. But Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion pull back the curtain with “WAP” like never before, rapping graphically about their lust, pleasure and desires.
From the salacious opening line of “I said certified freak, seven days a week” to imagery of “macaroni in a pot” and being “super soaked,” the lyrics of “WAP” leave absolutely nothing to the imagination. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion rap about female sexuality in its rawest, steamiest form without an ounce of shame or apology. This level of unbridled sexual expression from two of the biggest female rappers in the game was nothing short of groundbreaking.
Naturally, the song’s explicit subject matter sparked intense reactions both positive and negative. But there’s no denying that the scandalous lyrics gave “WAP” a shock factor and intrigue that generated massive buzz and conversation. Whether people found the content funny, offensive or empowering, the sexually graphic nature of the lyrics made “WAP” impossible to ignore. This helped propel the song to the top of the charts as people rushed to hear what all the controversy was about.
Conversation Starter
Speaking of controversy, another driving force behind “WAP’s” popularity was undoubtedly its ability to start important cultural conversations. As the song began dominating headlines with its sexual subject matter, it sparked intense discussions about female sexuality, pleasure, empowerment and the double standards that still exist within hip hop and society at large.
Prominent politicians like Ben Shapiro even weighed in with criticism of the song, only amplifying the conversation further. The backlash helped position “WAP” at the forefront of a larger dialog around these issues. It gave a platform to discussions of how female artists are still policed in their expression of sexuality in a way that male artists often aren’t. This controversy translated into even more streams, videos, think pieces and debate—all free publicity that kept “WAP” in the spotlight.
For Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, the conversation also represented an opportunity to further empowerment messages around embracing one’s sexuality on their own terms. Interviews and performances of “WAP” saw both artists double down on their right to pleasure without shame as well as use their platform to advocate for important causes like racial justice. All this debate positioned “WAP” not just as a hit song but as a cultural flashpoint that sparked real change and progress. Its ability to start important discussions only added to its popularity and longevity.
Empowering Anthem
Speaking of empowerment, “WAP” undeniably took on empowering meanings for many listeners as well. For many women and supporters of female sexuality, the song represented an anthem of confidence, pleasure and ownership over one’s own body. At a time when women’s rights were facing setbacks, “WAP” served as a reminder that women can embrace and celebrate their sexuality however they choose.
This message resonated hugely, with many fans citing “WAP” as an inspiration to embrace their sexuality without shame or apology. On platforms like TikTok, young women in particular found empowerment in dancing and lip syncing to the song. Some even used the audio to share their own stories of self-discovery and confidence. Like many great anthems before it, “WAP” took on empowering meanings far beyond just being an enjoyable song to many of its fans. This contributed greatly to its popularity and cultural impact.
It’s Just Fun
At the end of the day, another big reason for “WAP’s” popularity is that it’s simply a fun, joyful song. Even beyond its deeper meanings around sexuality and empowerment, “WAP” is an undeniably good time. The catchy beat and charismatic flows from Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion make it extremely easy and enjoyable to dance, sing and turn up to. Sometimes, people just want music that puts a smile on their face and gets bodies moving without much deeper thought.
And “WAP” delivers on this front like few other songs. Its energy is contagious. Listening to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion rap so confidently about their sexuality over this beat is just plain fun, whether you find the lyrics themselves scandalous or not. Even if you aren’t interested in its cultural conversations, “WAP” offers pure joy and entertainment that has kept it in constant rotation at parties, clubs and social gatherings. Its ability to provide an effortlessly good time has been a major factor in its popularity.
Conclusion
In the end, the massive popularity and cultural impact of “WAP” can be attributed to the perfect storm of all these factors working in tandem. From its undeniably catchy production and confident vocal delivery to its unapologetically sexual lyrics that sparked intense debate to its empowering messages and just plain fun nature, “WAP” tapped into something truly zeitgeist-defining upon its release.
Nearly a year later and it remains one of the most talked about and streamed songs of all time with no signs of slowing down. Through its catchiness, controversy and deeper meanings around feminism, “WAP” resonated with people globally and inserted itself firmly into the cultural conversation. It’s a true testament to the power of a song that gets everything just right to break through into a worldwide phenomenon. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion unlocked the formula with “WAP,” cementing its place as one of the defining hits of recent years.
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