Joe Budden recently shared his thoughts on Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion‘s latest collaborative track, “Bongos,” during an episode of The Joe Budden Podcast. The failed rapper expressed his opinion that the song lacks the staying power of their previous hits.
According to Budden, the hook of “Bongos” doesn’t have the catchiness he’s come to expect, and he believes it may struggle to maintain its popularity.
“This record don’t seem like it has lasting power,” he began. “The hook is not hookin’ for me. There’s nothin’ in it to make it stay, one, and two…this commercialized ratchet has passed, it’s ghetto ratchet time. And neither one of them are ghetto ratchet on this song.”
He added that both artists seem a bit out of their element on this track. “We need a ‘Bodak Yellow’ now,” he continued. “This sounds like two women who can’t make a song.”
Budden went on to suggest that Cardi and Megan might benefit from working with their previous collaborators, including Megan’s ex, Pardison Fontaine, to infuse a fresh sound into their music. It’s worth noting, however, that Pardi is actually a credited writer on “Bongos” as well, which Budden might have overlooked.
The two super stars dropped “Bongos” on Friday (Sept. 8), three years after the release of “W.A.P. Since its premiere, the video which reportedly cost $2 million to produce has amassed over 6.5 million views on YouTube.
While Joe Budden may not be fully on board with “Bongos,” Cardi and Megan are set to perform the track live at the 2023 VMAs on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
In other news, Cardi B has received an impressive 12 nominations for the upcoming 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards. She’s up for categories including Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, and Hustler Of The Year. Additionally, she’s nominated twice for Best Collaboration for her tracks “Tomorrow 2” (with GloRilla) and “Put It On Da Floor Again” (with Latto). Viewers can catch the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards on Oct. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on BET.
Watch “Bongos” video below.
