Cardi B Responds to Funk Flex’s Criticism of ‘King of New York’ Line from ‘Who Want The Smoke?’
When it comes to bold declarations in hip-hop, few lines have stirred as much conversation as Cardi B’s claim in Lil Yachty’s track, Who Want The Smoke? Featuring Offset and adlibs from BlocBoy JB, the song dropped on July 5 and quickly gained attention, not just for its catchy beat produced by Tay Keith, but for Cardi B’s assertive lyric: “The fur on my shoulder mink, tell me what Hov would think/ I get the money, I am the king of New York.”
This line sparked controversy, especially from Hot 97’s veteran DJ, Funkmaster Flex, known for his outspoken critiques within the rap community. Taking to Twitter shortly after the song’s release, Flex dismissed Cardi’s self-proclaimed title:
“Hahaha! A below average rapper that doesn’t write could never be King or Queen of NY! #JustMyOpinion BIGGIE/JAYZ/NAS BUILT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THAT TITLE!”
Flex’s comments ignited a wave of reactions from hip-hop enthusiasts, many of whom debated the evolving standards of what it means to be a “King of New York.” Traditionally, the title has been associated with lyrical prowess and influence, with legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z often cited as benchmarks.
Cardi B, never one to shy away from addressing critics, responded candidly on Instagram the following day:
“Why y’all so mad about that? Did I say I was the best rapper from NY? No. Does this s**t have to do with rapping? No,” she stated emphatically.
She elaborated on her connection with her hometown, explaining that her sense of pride and belonging transcends rap credentials:
“I know street ns and street bhes that feel like they’re the King and Queens of New York. Why can’t I feel like I’m the King of New York? Every time I go to my city, people cheer me on and show so much support. It has nothing to do with rapping. I’ve been packing out clubs even when I was a stripper. I go to my hood and I’m comfortable. A bh is rich and famous and I’ll still go to the projects and show love. There are n****s that can’t even go back to their hood. I love my city. Let me be a king. Why can’t I be a motherf**king king?”
Cardi’s response highlighted her journey from the Bronx to international stardom, emphasizing that her influence and authenticity resonate with her fans, regardless of traditional hip-hop hierarchies.
While it’s unclear if Funk Flex directly acknowledged Cardi’s rebuttal, he continued to share his opinions on Twitter, reiterating his stance on what constitutes the “King of New York” title.
This debate underscores a broader conversation within hip-hop about legacy, authenticity, and the evolving criteria for cultural icons. Whether or not one agrees with Cardi B’s claim, her impact on the music scene and her fearless approach to self-expression are undeniable.
For those who haven’t heard the track yet, Who Want The Smoke? offers a glimpse into Cardi B’s unapologetic style and the kind of bold statements that continue to keep her at the forefront of hip-hop culture.
News
s – My Husband Left For A 2-Year Job — I Feigned Tears, Took Our $375k Savings and Filed For Divorce!
My Husband Left For A 2-Year Job — I Feigned Tears, Took Our $375k Savings and Filed For Divorce! My…
s – Husband’s MOTHER Left Me Out at a LUXURY Dinner, So I Asked For The OWNER — She Had No Idea that…
Husband’s MOTHER Left Me Out at a LUXURY Dinner, So I Asked For The OWNER — She Had No Idea…
s – My Parents Invited Me To A “Family Celebration,” But When I Arrived, They Told Me There Wasn’t A Seat For Me. My Sister Smirked, “Only Immediate Family Gets A Spot.” I Nodded And Walked Out… The Next Day, They Showed Up At My Door, Begging.
The first thing I saw wasn’t the banner or my sister’s smirk. It was a neat row of white place…
s – I Paid My Parents’ Bills For 5 Years While My Sister Did Nothing. When I Asked Them To Babysit My Daughter For One Night, They Laughed, “We’re Not Your Servants.” So I Cut Them Off. Days Later, They Were Crying Outside My House.
The first thing I noticed through the frosted glass wasn’t my mother’s tears or my father’s grim mouth. It…
s – For My 30th Birthday, I Rented A Lake House, Stocked The Fridge, And Sent Invites Weeks In Advance. No One Came. Two Days Later, My Sister Posted: ‘Family Weekend Vibes!’ — At A Lake Two Hours Away. I Didn’t Say A Word. I Just Stopped Paying Mom’s Mortgage, Dad’s Truck Lease, And The Business Loan They All ‘Forgot’ I Co-Signed. That Night, Mom Texted, ‘Did Something Happen?’ I Replied, ‘Yeah — I Finally Took The Hint.’
The lake was the first thing I noticed when I arrived. Not the house. Not the gate code. Not…
s – My Family Laughed When I Showed Up In A $6 Hoodie To My Sister’s Engagement Party — Her Fiancé Gave Me A Smirk And Said, ‘Did You Uber Here?’ I Just Nodded. The Next Morning, He Showed Up To A Board Meeting… And Saw Me At The Head Of The Table.
The first laugh hit me before I’d even reached the drink table. It floated over the vineyard courtyard in…
End of content
No more pages to load
