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It’s hard to brood when tunes ease the mood.
Cardi B and Bruno Mars’ “Please Me,” released on February 15th, peaked at number five on Billboard Hot 100 and remained there until the week of February 24th-March 2nd. The duo are no strangers to success, having collaborated on the remix of Mars’ “Finesse,” which peaked at number three on Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually certified 2x Platinum.
“Please Me” presents itself as a passionate R&B slow jam, despite explicit rap lyrics, focusing on the sexual banter between Cardi and Mars. From sweating out tracks to breaking backs, the song is filled with suggestive lines and blatant calls to action while preserving a relaxed feel. One call to action comes from Cardi when she raps, “Don’t want no young dumb shit/Better fuck me like we listenin’ to Jodeci.” There is irony in these lyrics, considering she and Mars are engaged in a sexually charged musical collaboration. Adding to this, Cardi presents the idea that certain music can encourage sexual behaviors (i.e. intercourse).
Listen to the full song below:
