Press by Cardi B Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Messages of Confidence and Clapbacks in Hip Hop’s Arena

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Cardi B's Press at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

(Monsta’s gon’ tear it up) Bardi
Woo, yeah
Bitches be pressed (woo)
Bitches be pressed (pressed)
Woo, yeah, yeah, woo

Bitches be pressed (pressed)
They know how I’m comin’, real bitch in the flesh (woo)
Who the fuck she gon’ check? (Who?)
She be talkin’ that shit, talkin’ out of her neck (brr)
Put blood on her dress (woo)
Bitches be mad when they see Cardi step in the spot (whoa)
Said that you ’bout it, we know that you not
I’ma pull up on bitches as soon as I drop
Bought a new foreign, I might cop a yacht (skrrt)
Bitches in my business, they tryna plot (woo)
Hoes poppin’ shit like they hot but they not (no)
Just flooded the wrist, the Patek, the watch (whoa)
Niggas be flexin’, we know what you got
Cardi done had got the game in a knot
Fuckin’ your nigga, I got him on lock
This go bang bang like I’m choppin’ them chops
VVS chain, I’m in love with the rocks (whoa)
You said you gon’ take it, bitch, you got me chopped (whoa)
They throwin’ shade ’cause they see me on top
Tell that bitch to pull up, I’ma send you the drop

Press, press, press, press, press
Cardi don’t need more press
Kill ’em all, put them hoes to rest
Walk in, bulletproof vest
Please tell me who she gon’ check
Murder scene, Cardi made a mess
Pop up, guess who, bitch?
Pop up, guess who, bitch? (Cardi)

Ding-dong
Must be that whip that I ordered (ordered)
And a new crib for my daughter (daughter)
You know a bad bitch gon’ spoil her
Got one in New York, need one in Georgia (yeah)
New Bentley truck cost a quarter (quarter)
My money still long like weave (woo)
Pussy still wet like Florida (woo)
Everyone drop on the floor (floor)
She was talkin’ but not anymore (no)
MAC to your face like contour (brrt)
This chopper come straight from Dior
Done with the talkin’, I’m open to violence
Ask anybody, they know I’m about it
Hashtag whip that ho ass
Fuck around, we gon’ start a new challenge (woo)
I come in this bitch and I’m strapped up and ready (vroom)
Ridin’ that dick like I’m Cardi Andretti
Fuck at your crib, we don’t go to no ‘telly
I sit on his face whenever I’m ready (woo)
Bitch, I’m a freak like Greek (like Greek)
Got the biggest house on my street (my street)
All you little hoes look cheap (look cheap)
They suckin’ on my dick with no teeth

Press, press, press, press, press (Cardi)
Cardi don’t need more press (yeah)
Kill ’em all, put them hoes to rest (woo)
Walk in, bulletproof vest (yeah)
Please tell me who she gon’ check (who?)
Murder scene, Cardi made a mess (whoa, Cardi)
Pop up, guess who, bitch? (Yeah)
Pop up, guess who, bitch? (Cardi)

Press, press, press, press, press
Press, press, press, press, press
Press, press, press, press, press
Pop up, guess who, bitch? (Yeah)
Pop up, guess who, bitch? (Cardi)

In the landscape of modern hip hop, few artists spark conversation and controversy quite like Cardi B. With her 2019 track ‘Press,’ she delivers a fierce and unrelenting commentary on fame, scrutiny, and the power dynamics at play in her world. Amidst a backdrop of cutthroat beats and a chorus that acts as both earworm and battlecry, ‘Press’ serves as a testament to Cardi’s awareness of her public image and her unapologetic response to the spotlight.

Diving deeper into the lyricism of ‘Press,’ Cardi B crafts a narrative that is as much about her personal journey as it is a universal declaration for those who find themselves at the mercy of public opinion. Unpacking the bars, we discover an artist who masterfully confronts her detractors, reaffirming her status while pushing against the pressures of a society eager to watch her next move.

The Cry for Authenticity in a Surveilled Society

The chorus ‘Press, press, press, press, press, Cardi don’t need more press,’ does more than just underscore her exasperation with constant media scrutiny; it’s a declaration of self-sufficiency. In an age where celebrities are under the microscope, Cardi B flips the script to show that rather than being defined by the press, she defines herself. This is less about eschewing fame and more about the freedom to live without the weight of external validation.

Cardi’s discourse goes beyond mere boastfulness. It’s a calculated move to control her narrative in the face of a relentless media cycle. She knows her worth and her skills, and she won’t let the incessant drumbeat of the press dictate her values or her actions. The relentless repetition of ‘press’ in the chorus cleverly mimics the persistent nagging of paparazzi and gossip.

From Contour to Concealment: Sharp Lines of Defense and Attack

In a standout moment of ferocity, Cardi raps, ‘MAC to your face like contour.’ The line does double duty, illustrating how her words and persona are crafted with the precision of a make-up artist – sharp, defined, and unblurred – while also intimating a readiness for confrontation. The references to high fashion brands like Dior mingle with the grittier imagery of weapons, revealing a blend of luxury and survivalism.

Whereas make-up might be used to conceal, Cardi aims to reveal her strength and resilience. The notion of walking into a room with a ‘bulletproof vest’ takes the concept of self-defense to new heights. It’s a metaphorical armor against the barrage of criticism, a protective gear for the soul in the battlefield of public opinion.

Deciphering the Veiled Shade: Between the Lines of Cardi’s Counterattacks

It’s not just about responding to the press for Cardi B; it’s also about addressing her critics, the ‘bitches be pressed.’ The wordplay here serves as a double entendre – while her opponents feel the pressure of her success, they are also eager to press her buttons. However, Cardi sees through the facade, recognizing their envy and calling out the futility of their attempts to knock her down.

Moreover, she accentuates competition in the industry, referencing the cut-throat nature of it with lines like, ‘Said that you ’bout it, we know that you not.’ It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and Cardi’s not afraid to bare her teeth, revealing the paradox of popularity – it breeds both admiration and animosity.

Unlocking the Anthem’s Hidden Meaning: A Call to Self-Empowerment

While on the surface ‘Press’ might come off as braggadocious, a deeper look reveals that it is an anthem of self-empowerment. Cardi B is not just defending her own turf; she’s carving out a space for anyone who has felt diminished by the hands of judgment. Her message is clear: Own your narrative, disregard the haters, and move forward with confidence.

Lines like ‘Cardi done had got the game in a knot’ and ‘I come in this bitch and I’m strapped up and ready’ convey a sense of command and preparedness. Cardi B is teaching a masterclass in taking charge of your destiny and blocking out the noise. This song is for anyone who needs to hear that they are more potent than the press and the pretense of others.

Memorable Lines and Lingering Echoes: Cardi’s Lasting Impact

From the unabashed ‘I sit on his face whenever I’m ready’ to the provocative ‘bitches in my business, they tryna plot,’ Cardi B’s ‘Press’ bristles with memorable lines. Each bar reasserts her dominance and her disregard for those who wish to control her. The fierce independence she personifies leaves a lasting echo, encouraging listeners to adopt a similar stance of authority and disregard for unsolicited opinions.

Ultimately, ‘Press’ succeeds not just because of its catchy hook or Cardi B’s inimitable delivery, but because it taps into a collective desire for authenticity and respect. It’s a thrilling ride through Cardi’s psyche and a compelling reminder of the power of self-assuredness in the face of pervasive media coverage and societal expectations.