From Reality TV to Rap Royalty: Cardi B’s Commercial Glow-Up

Once known for her loud laugh and even louder personality on Love & Hip Hop: New York, Cardi B has evolved from reality TV favorite to Grammy-winning rapper and brand powerhouse. T

Back in 2015, Cardi B was posting viral Instagram videos and working as a stripper to support herself before joining Love & Hip Hop. Fast forward to today, and she’s cashing in on fashion lines, fast-food collabs, and even a whip-smart spot during the Super Bowl. In her own words: “I’m just a regular, degular, shmegular girl from the Bronx.”

It’s not just about chart-topping hits like “Bodak Yellow” or “WAP.” Brands are obsessed with Cardi's energy, honesty, and unapologetic attitude. In 2019, she became the face of Pepsi’s Super Bowl campaign, where she let loose her famous “okurrr” in front of millions.

Since then, she’s teamed up with Reebok, Balenciaga, and Fashion Nova, where her clothing line reportedly earned over $1 million in just 24 hours. Oh, and don’t forget the Cardi B & Offset Meal at McDonald’s, launched in 2023, which even got promoted during—you guessed it—the Super Bowl.

What makes Cardi so powerful in the marketing world? Authenticity. She doesn’t change who she is for a brand—instead, brands change for her. “I feel like I represent the average woman,” Cardi said in a 2021 interview with Interview Magazine. That relatability has helped her turn personality into profit.

Despite controversies (and there have been a few), her influence keeps growing.

Cardi B didn’t just cross over from reality TV to music—she built a whole empire along the way. She’s proof that talent, hustle, and a healthy dose of personality can take you from memes to mogul status.