Cardi B Takes Aim at BIA in Fiery Diss Track “Pretty & Petty”

Cardi B has made headlines once again with her latest track, “Pretty & Petty,” from her much-anticipated album Am I The Drama? Released on March 15, 2024, the song features sharp critiques aimed at fellow rapper BIA, igniting discussions across social media. Cardi’s lyrics showcase her signature boldness, positioning her firmly within the competitive landscape of hip-hop.

From the outset, Cardi challenges BIA’s standing in the industry, rapping, “Name five BIA songs, gun pointed to your head / Bow, I’m dead.” This line not only questions BIA’s discography but also suggests a lack of recognition for her work. Cardi further critiques BIA’s style of music, referring to it as “melatonin flow,” which she implies lacks the vibrancy and energy found in her own tracks.

In a pointed jab at BIA’s label, Epic Records, Cardi claims they are overspending on her rival, stating, “I’m doing you a favor, Epic, run me my bread.” The track escalates as Cardi shifts from professional critiques to personal attacks, targeting BIA’s appearance with the line, “I’d rather die on the surgery table / ’Fore I gotta walk around here lookin’ like you.” This not only reflects Cardi’s trademark confidence but also raises questions about the pressures of beauty standards in the music industry.

Cardi does not limit her dissection to BIA’s music and looks. She questions her industry accolades, asking, “Do she even got a BET award?” and insinuates that BIA is only booked for performances when more prominent artists like Coi Leray are unavailable. This reference to Leray, who has been gaining traction in the industry, adds another layer to Cardi’s critique.

As the diss track unfolds, Cardi employs clever wordplay, sneering, “You from Boston, let’s have a little tea party,” while rebranding BIA’s nickname to “Diarrhea BIA.” The use of humor intertwined with barbed commentary exemplifies Cardi’s lyrical skill. She also raises allegations about BIA’s affiliations, questioning, “Why you always at Diddy house? … Tell these folks what it’s really about.”

In a bold move, Cardi addresses issues of race and privilege, stating, “I hate when a bitch think she cute ’cause she light skin.” This line expands the conversation beyond mere competition, tapping into deeper societal themes. The track concludes with a reference to the film Mean Girls, where Cardi likens BIA to “a Gretchen,” positioning herself as the “icon” and “legend” in the narrative.

“Pretty & Petty” is more than just a diss track; it is a powerful statement of Cardi B’s dominance in the rap industry. It reinforces her ability to blend humor with incisive critiques, keeping her fans engaged while challenging her rivals. For BIA, the song raises significant questions about her place within the hip-hop landscape. For Cardi, it serves as a reminder of her commanding presence and lyrical prowess.

As discussions around the track continue, it remains clear that Cardi B is not just making music; she is shaping conversations in the industry, proving once again that she can deliver both wit and bite in equal measure.