Cardi has had an incredible year with all her hit singles (especially amid a global pandemic), but her song “WAP” still remains controversial. On March 14 Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s, performance of “WAP” at the Grammys made headlines as critics stated that their performance was too explicit for many viewers. 

Many of the critics were parents who were angered that the award show aired an allegedly R-rated performance. But, even before Cardi B’s Grammy Performance, “WAP” received heavy criticism from adults due to a Instagram live showing Cardi B turning off her music when her two-year-old daughter, Kulture, walked in the room.  Many parents commented and tweeted, criticizing Cardi B and stating that it is “disgusting” that her ”daughter can’t listen to [“WAP”] but everybody else’s daughter can.” The general sentiment of critics highlighted the alleged hypocrisy of Cardi’s actions, asking, “If your daughter can’t hear it, why make the song?” Republican candidate for a California Senate seat, James Bradley, described the track as, “What happens when children are raised without God.”

Cardi responded back to the critics, tweeting, “I don’t make music for kids, I make music for adults. Parents are responsible [for] what their children listen to or see. I’m a very sexual person but not around my child just like every other parent should be.”

In response, one follower commented “But how is she empowering women with her music, but doesn’t even let her daughter listen? Don’t you wanna empower your daughter also?”

Cardi responded stating,“My daughter doesn’t need to listen to music to be empowered neither should your children. The only way to empower your kids is by talking to them, boosting their confidence and making sure they get a good education.” She added, “I never said that ‘WAP’ was made to empower women. I’m just a freaky person and this is not the first sex song ever made. Stop expecting celebs to raise your kids.” 

However, that was not the end of it; Fox News personalty Tucker Carlson and the conservative activist Candace Owens went on to bash Cardi B’s performance at the Grammys. Their conversation was nearly five minutes going back and forth on how the song “WAP” was the end of America.

“This seems like an attack on American values, American traditions and you’re actually actively trying to make children aspire to things that are grotesque,” said Owens in the discussion. “We are celebrating perversity in America.” Furthermore, Carlson criticized President Joe Biden for agreeing to do an interview with Cardi B, since he stated she was trying to hurt children. 

Cardi B tweeted “Yaaaayyyy WE MADE FOX NEWS GUYS!! Wap wap wap” as a reaction to Carlson and Owen’s conversation. Cardi added “I can’t believe conservatives soo mad about WAP.”

While both sides have merit, many agree with Cardi B’s point, emphasizing that that it is the parent’s job to restrict what their kids can and cannot view. Additionally, the Grammys are PG and her performance was aired on a Sunday night at 10 p.m., there is arguably no reason for a parent to not be able to know that it is not appropriate for their own children. Supporters of Cardi B reinforce the notion that it is common sense when it comes to parenting, of course you have to know when to act like a parent and when not to when it comes to children. Apparently, even after Cardi B continues to defend herself, she will still continue to receive heavy criticism in the future of her career.