Released in 2018, Cardi B’s breakout hit “Money” took the world by storm and catapulted the Bronx rapper to superstardom. With its infectious beat, empowering lyrics, and Cardi’s charismatic delivery, “Money” dominated airwaves and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But does its commercial success and cultural resonance alone qualify it as a hip hop masterpiece? To determine whether “Money” deserves such lofty praise, we must take a deeper look at its musical qualities, lyrical themes, and lasting influence on the genre.

The Beat: Minimalist yet Massively Catchy

At its core, what makes a hip hop song truly great is an irresistible beat – and “Money” undoubtedly delivers in this department. Produced by J. White Did It, the instrumental is minimalistic yet massively catchy. Built around a simple yet propulsive hi-hat pattern and subtle synth line, the beat leaves plenty of space for Cardi’s vocals to shine.

But don’t let its sparseness fool you – there’s an undeniable swagger and energy coursing through the production. From the opening notes, the beat commands your attention and refuses to let go. It’s easy to see why the instrumental alone has taken on a life of its own online, with countless fans uploading dance videos to the track on platforms like TikTok.

Stripping a beat down to its essential elements and still achieving this level of infectiousness is no easy feat. Many producers rely on layering numerous samples and sounds to keep listeners engaged, but J. White Did It proves less can indeed be more. With its hypnotic repetition and driving rhythm, the “Money” beat is destined for dance floors and hip hop history books. Its minimalist magic is a huge part of why the song resonates so universally.

Empowering Lyrics for the Culture

Of course, a great beat needs a worthy lyrical partner to reach masterpiece status – and Cardi B more than delivers. With brazen bars celebrating her financial success and independence, “Money” struck a chord as a feminist anthem:

“Now I got a bag and now everyone want some/Now you know how I’m coming, now you know I ain’t running.”

In the male-dominated world of hip hop, songs about women ascending to the top financial ranks and flaunting their wealth were rare at the time. But Cardi pulled no punches detailing her lavish purchases and lifestyle funded by her own grind.

Her lyrics tapped into a desire, especially among young women, to see strong and ambitious female role models repping the culture. Cardi didn’t shy away from the stereotypical masculine themes of money, cars, and clothes – she fully embraced and made them her own. This level of unapologetic confidence and unabashed femininity resonated hugely.

Some critics claimed the song merely glorified superficial displays of wealth. But for many listeners, especially women, the song represented much more – it was a declaration of independence and self-worth in an industry that still struggles with misogyny. Cardi didn’t need a man’s money or approval; she made her own way. This empowering message undoubtedly contributed to “Money’s” masterful cultural impact.

Cardi’s Charismatic Delivery

Of course, lyrics are just words on paper without the right performer to bring them to life. And Cardi B was born to deliver these kinds of bars. With her raspy New York accent, forceful cadence, and charismatic swagger, she commands your attention from the first note.

Cardi doesn’t just rap the words – she makes you feel every line. You can hear the pride in her voice as she details her financial come-up. You believe her braggadocio because she believes it so fully herself. Some artists’ delivery can come across as hollow or performative, but Cardi’s confidence is utterly authentic.

Her flow also helps propel the beat to new heights. She rides the instrumental perfectly, letting certain lines breathe while doubling down on the attack for emphasis. Her vocal inflections keep listeners on their toes, never knowing quite what creative cadence she’ll hit next. It’s this dynamic performance style that brings the lyrics and beat together into a cohesive masterpiece. Without Cardi’s star power and charisma, “Money” simply wouldn’t have the same impact.

Ushering in a New Wave of Female Rappers

By topping the Billboard charts and achieving platinum sales, “Money” was inarguably one of the biggest songs of 2018. But its influence extended far beyond commercial success. The song is widely credited with helping usher in the new wave of female rappers currently dominating the mainstream.

Acts like Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, Saweetie, and more all cite Cardi as a trailblazer who proved women could find major crossover success with unapologetically raunchy and confident bars. She changed the game by refusing to conform to narrow ideas of femininity and respectability in hip hop. Her dominance with “Money” showed young women they had a place at the table and could rap about the same topics as their male peers.

Three years after its release, “Money” still resonates as an anthem of power, independence and cultural impact. Its influence continues to shape the current sound and direction of hip hop as new artists draw inspiration from Cardi’s boundary-pushing style. Songs with this kind of enduring significance that shift the tides of an entire genre are what define a masterpiece. By rewriting the rules of success for female rappers, “Money” more than earns its place in the hip hop canon.

Is It a Masterpiece? Making the Case

So in summary – does the commercial success, critical acclaim, cultural significance, and genre-bending influence of “Money” qualify it as a hip hop masterpiece? There’s certainly a strong case to be made. Its minimalist yet massively catchy beat is destined for best-of lists. Cardi’s empowering lyrics tapped into a desire among fans to see strong women repping the culture. And her charismatic delivery brought the song to new heights and cemented her superstardom.

Most importantly, “Money” undeniably shifted the direction of mainstream hip hop. It proved women didn’t have to conform to narrow industry standards and could find major success embracing their authentic selves. The new wave of chart-topping female rappers currently dominating the airwaves is a testament to its enduring impact. Songs don’t get more influential or genre-defining than that.

Of course, masterpiece status is ultimately subjective. But when considering the musical brilliance, cultural resonance, commercial dominance, and genre-shaping influence of “Money,” it’s hard to deny its case. Few songs in hip hop history can claim to have changed the game so profoundly. For rewriting the rules of success, carving a path for future stars, and achieving a level of popularity that endures years later, “Money” deserves recognition as one of rap’s true masterworks. Its catchy brilliance will continue to captivate new fans and inspire artists for years to come.