Musical Lineage: Cardi B

This is a continuation of my musical lineage series. The purpose of this series is to trace the musical lineage of popular, modern music artists and rappers. I use the website allmusic.com to track musical influences and gather biographical information on the artists.

Since this is National Women’s History Month, I’ve decided to trace the musical lineage of Rapper, Cardi B. You may be familiar with her appearances on “I Love Hip Hop: New York” and her debut hit that hit #1 on the Billboard Charts, “Bodak Yellow”.

Remy Ma

One of Cardi B’s cited musical influences is Remy Ma. You may remember her from such songs as “Ante Up (Remix)”. “Lean Back”, “Conceited”, and “All The Way Up”. Remy Ma has also been a featured cast member of “I Love Hip Hop: New York”.

Roxanne Shante’

One of Remy Ma’s cited influences is Roxanne Shante, another female rapper from the Bronx. Pharrell was recently quoted as saying that Roxanne has paved the way for female rappers.  Roxanne Shante, who’s real name is Lolita Shante’ Gooden, hails from Queens, New York, New York. She was a member of the “Juice Crew” and first recorded a song titled, “Roxanne’s Revenge” a response to the U.T.F.O’s “Roxanne, Roxanne”. There is also a biopic about her career titled, “Roxanne, Roxanne” which was co-produced by Forest Whitaker, Pharrell Williams, and directed by Michael Larnell.

Betty Davis

One of Roxanne Shante’s cited influences is 60’s Pop and 70’s Funk Artist, Betty Davis. Davis was once married to Jazz Trumpeter, Miles Davis. While Davis never experienced any mainstream success, she did have two songs to make it to the R&B Billboard Charts, “If I’m in Luck, I might get Picked” (#66) and  “Shut Off The Lights” (#97). She also hung around the likes of music icons Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone.

Ruth Brown

One of Betty Davis’ cited musical influences is the late, legendary Grammy and Tony Award Winning, Queen of R&B, Ruth Brown. Brown was best known for hits, “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean”(#1, R&B Charts), “Oh What A Dream” (#1, R&B Charts), “Mambo Baby” (#1, R&B Charts) “So Long” (#4, R&B Charts), and  “Teardrops From My Eyes” (#1, R&B Charts). Atlantic Records is commonly referred to as the “House that Ruth Built”.

Alberta Hunter

One of Ruth Brown’s cited influences is the late, Classic Blues & Jazz icon, Alberta Hunter. Hunter was born in 1895 and became very popular in the 1920’s and 30’s. When her mom passed away, she lost the urge to sing and began working in a hospital as a nurse. It is believed that she lied about her age to work at the hospital, the hospital terminated her employment when they believed she was 70 years of age (she was actually 82). Then, she made a successful comeback in the music scene and recorded several more albums. She continued to perform regularly until her death, in 1984 at the age of 89. She is best known for songs, “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out”, Downhearted Blues, and “Handy Man”.

Mamie Smith

And finally, we end with one of Alberta Hunter’s cited influences, “Mamie Smith”. Smith was born in 1883, she was a “Vaudeville” Actress, Pianist, Singer, and dancer. She was also the first, African-American female to record and release Blues music. Mamie Smith was best known for songs, “Crazy Blues” (inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, #3, US Charts), “You Can’t Keep a Good Man Down”, “Dangerous Blues”, and “Lonesome Mama Blues”. Smith passed away at the age of 63 in 1946.

Cardi B has one heck of a musical lineage! Would you like for me to trace the musical lineage of your favorite artist? If so, email me at jschul28@uic.edu.

Best,

Jacob Schulz

Host of Blues and News with Brother Jacob Sundays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST