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Cardi B has turned her Instagram account into a full-fledged career. The former stripper hosts parties, has been the people’s champ in this season of Love & Hip-Hop, and she’s now trying her hand at a rap career. Cardi tried to warn us about her new direction when she was featured on Shaggy’s ”Boom Boom (Remix)”with Popcaan and then followed that up with “Cheap Ass Weave.” And, folks, I say this with no exaggeration, Cardi floats all over this tape.

Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 1 offers production from Swift on Demand, Shaft, James SwanQo, Sean Allen, Josh Xantus and BMC Beats, and an intro and outro featuring her appearances on the Breakfast Club and Street Soldiers, respectively. Cardi stands up for women to be themselves in a man’s world filled with double standards. Her endearing humor plays second fiddle to that fact. Would you just look at that artwork? It tells you all you need to know about this tape’s creative direction. Cardi has some bangers on here that’ll turn a hater into a fan real quick.

The production ranges from trap to Jersey club, features some funny skits, and Cardi was able to project her unique personality into her bars. There’s also a couple introspective tracks with softer beats like “Selfish” featuring Josh Xantus and “Everything – My Family Dedication” in which producer Shaft flips Mary J.Blige‘s “Everything.” “Lit Thot” will ring off in the clubs as will “I Gotta Hurt You.” She’s branding herself into Queen Thot Supreme and we should all pay homage. Cardi B for President.

Here’s a quote from the queen herself:

“This mixtape signifies jumping out the window, taking a risk. The process has been amazing, but putting out my music for the world to hear is a super scary feeling, I just hope the world loves it as much as I do! I hope they listen to the words, and learn from the lessons and experiences I talk about in my music! I really hope they appreciate it! At the end of the day, I want young girls, and women to listen to the message! Its really simple, you can make it being yourself!”

Stream Cardi B’s Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 1 below featuring three bonus tracks. The project is also available for purchase on iTunes. You can head over to Datpiff at 9 p.m. (EST) to download it. -Complex

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