I Like It

"I Like It" is a jubilant and multi-layered anthem celebrating success, wealth, and, most importantly, cultural pride. At its surface, the song is an unapologetic ode to the lavish lifestyle Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin have achieved. Cardi's verses are filled with references to luxury goods like diamonds, Balenciaga shoes, and Ferraris, which serve as symbols of her hard-earned success and a stark contrast to her past life. However, the song's meaning runs deeper than materialism. It's a powerful statement of self-acceptance and empowerment. For Cardi B, of Dominican and Trinidadian descent, the track is a bold embrace of her Latin heritage, a theme that had been a cornerstone of her identity but was brought to the forefront of global pop culture with this song.

The collaboration itself is significant, uniting three of the biggest names in American hip-hop and Latin trap. By featuring verses entirely in Spanish from Puerto Rican Bad Bunny and Colombian J Balvin, the song becomes a celebration of pan-Latin identity. They each bring their unique flavor, with Bad Bunny asserting the dominance of "Latino gang" and J Balvin paying homage to salsa legend Celia Cruz. This multilingual approach was a deliberate act of cultural fusion, bridging the gap between Latin boogaloo, modern trap, and mainstream pop. The song's success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, was a cultural milestone, proving the global appeal of Spanish-language music in the post-"Despacito" era and cementing Latin trap's place in the mainstream. Ultimately, "I Like It" is a declaration that one can achieve massive success without sacrificing cultural identity; instead, it can be the very source of that power and appeal.

The song is a bombastic and unapologetic celebration of newfound fame, wealth, and cultural identity, delivered through the distinct perspectives of its three performers. It kicks off with Cardi B taking center stage, immediately listing the luxurious things she now enjoys: diamonds, expensive deals, and high-fashion items like Balenciaga sock-sneakers and a diamond-encrusted watch. Her verses are a narrative of her ascent, contrasting her current success with past struggles. She boasts about her ability to prove naysayers wrong and revels in her status, using vivid, spicy imagery like "spicy mami, hot tamale" to describe herself, intertwining her success with her vibrant persona and Dominican-Trinidadian roots. She positions herself as a dominant force in the music industry, running things "like cardio." The recurring chorus, built around the infectious hook from a 1967 boogaloo classic, becomes a powerful, affirmative chant, reinforcing her approval of this new life—from dropping the top on a car to being a "bad bitch" who makes men nervous.

Bad Bunny then enters with a swaggering verse delivered entirely in Spanish. He continues the theme of opulence but grounds it in a distinctly Latin-trap context. He contrasts his status with that of wannabes, rapping that while others buy Jordans, he gets them for free. He boasts about his spending habits in clubs and moving Gucci into his house because he has so much. His verse is a powerful assertion of "Latino gang" pride, name-dropping Puerto Rican wrestling legend Eddie Guerrero with his catchphrase "¡Viva la Raza!" This isn't just about money; it's a declaration of cultural power and authenticity on the global stage. He celebrates his roots and his people, positioning their culture as the "new religion."

J Balvin follows, seamlessly continuing the party atmosphere with his smooth, melodic Spanish flow. He echoes the themes of living a high-profile life, mentioning the paparazzi and his global influence, referencing his own hit "Mi Gente." He pays homage to the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, cleverly linking her famous catchphrase "¡Azúcar!" (Sugar!) to his own sweetness and appeal. He describes a life of constant celebration with his people, clarifying he's not high on drugs but "high on life." Together, the three artists create a multi-layered narrative. It's a story of individual triumph against the odds, a bold celebration of Latinx culture's mainstream breakthrough, and an infectious invitation to a global party where success, confidence, and heritage are all celebrated without apology.

The creation of "I Like It" was a meticulous, seven-month process that began in October 2017 and concluded just weeks before Cardi B's debut album, Invasion of Privacy, was due in April 2018. The initial idea came from Atlantic Records CEO Craig Kallman, a former DJ with an extensive vinyl collection. Wanting a track that paid homage to Cardi B's Latin roots, Kallman dug through his records and selected Pete Rodriguez's 1967 boogaloo classic "I Like It Like That" as the foundation. He brought in producer J. White Did It, who had produced Cardi's breakout hit "Bodak Yellow," to develop the beat. To avoid complex sample clearance issues with the original master recording, Atlantic Records hired musicians to replay all the elements of the Rodriguez sample, only needing to clear the songwriting rights.

The collaboration with Bad Bunny and J Balvin was also orchestrated by the label. In fact, Bad Bunny has stated that his and Balvin's contributions were initially a surprise for Cardi B, with the producers working on their parts without her initial knowledge. The process involved multiple producers, including Tainy, Invincible, and Craig Kallman himself, who came out of production retirement for the track. The song was one of the last to be finished for the album, with a pregnant Cardi B reportedly spending long nights in the studio to perfect her vocals. The music video was filmed in Little Havana, Miami, in March 2018, directed by Eif Rivera, who drew inspiration from the neighborhood feel of the area known as Calle Ocho to create distinct scenes for each artist.

The rhyme and rhythm of "I Like It" are central to its energetic and danceable quality, creating a compelling fusion of Latin and hip-hop sensibilities.

Rhythm and Tempo: The song's rhythmic foundation is a masterful blend of two worlds. It pairs the syncopated piano and percussion patterns of salsa and boogaloo, inherited from the Pete Rodriguez sample, with the signature booming 808s and rapid-fire hi-hats of modern trap music. This creates a powerful, upbeat tempo that is undeniably built for dancing. The rhythm is propulsive, constantly driving the track forward and maintaining a high level of energy. The piano functions as a percussive element, a common technique in Latin music, playing short, staccato notes that cut through the mix and add to the rhythmic complexity.

Rhyme Scheme and Flow: The lyrical rhythm and rhyme schemes vary between the three artists, showcasing their individual styles. Cardi B employs a confident, aggressive flow with a mix of multisyllabic rhymes and punchy one-liners (e.g., "Now I like dollars, I like diamonds / I like stunting, I like shining"). Her verses often follow AABB couplets but are delivered with a conversational swagger that feels less rigid. Bad Bunny and J Balvin, rapping in Spanish, bring their own distinct cadences. Bad Bunny's flow is more laid-back and trap-influenced, while J Balvin's is melodic and smooth, fitting the reggaeton style. The interplay between these different vocal rhythms and the underlying beat creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

"I Like It" is a masterful blend of musical and literary techniques that contribute to its infectious energy and cultural resonance.

• Musical Fusion and Sampling: The song's core is the interpolation of Pete Rodriguez's 1967 boogaloo hit "I Like It Like That." This is fused with modern Latin trap production, characterized by heavy 808 bass, crisp hi-hats, and a propulsive rhythm. The combination of the classic salsa piano riff with the contemporary trap beat creates a bridge between generations of Latin music and modern hip-hop, giving the song a unique, cross-genre appeal. The piano itself is played in a staccato, percussive style typical of Latin music.
• Vocal Delivery and Code-Switching: The track showcases three distinct vocal styles. Cardi B's delivery is aggressive, charismatic, and rhythmically complex, punctuated by her signature ad-libs. Bad Bunny employs a deeper, more laid-back trap flow. J Balvin provides a smoother, melodic counterpoint. The effortless code-switching between English and Spanish is a key stylistic feature, reflecting the bilingual reality of the artists and their audience and making the song a powerful cultural statement.
• Literary Devices and Wordplay: The lyrics are packed with clever wordplay. Cardi B's line, "I run this shit like cardio," is a pun that asserts her dominance in the music industry. Bad Bunny's verse includes intricate rhymes and cultural shout-outs, such as rhyming the names of musicians Bobby Valentín and Charytín with the allergy medicine Claritin, showcasing a sophisticated lyrical style. The entire song is built on a boastful, celebratory narrative voice, a common convention in hip-hop, but it's given a fresh, multicultural perspective here.

"I Like It" had a monumental cultural impact, solidifying Cardi B's superstar status and marking a pivotal moment for Latin music in the global mainstream. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. This achievement made Cardi B the first female rapper in history to have two number-one singles. It was also the first chart-topper for both Bad Bunny and J Balvin, bringing Latin trap to the pinnacle of American pop music. The song's success was a powerful follow-up to the previous summer's hit "Despacito," helping to prove that the global appetite for Spanish-language music was not a fleeting trend but a significant cultural shift. The track received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards and being ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2021, it was certified Diamond by the RIAA for selling over 10 million units, extending Cardi B's record as the female rapper with the most Diamond-certified songs. The song's fusion of boogaloo, salsa, and trap has been widely influential, and its success opened doors for more cross-cultural collaborations in pop music. Its legacy is that of a barrier-breaking anthem that celebrated Latinx pride on a global stage and redefined the sound of a summer hit.

"I Like It" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate it from a simple party track to a declaration of status and cultural identity.

• Luxury as a Symbol of Triumph: Cardi B’s opening verse is a litany of high-end brands and expensive items: “dollars,” “diamonds,” “Balenciagas,” and “rocks all in my watch.” These are not just objects of desire but potent symbols of her success and upward mobility. They represent her victory over past struggles and her new position of power, a tangible result of her hard work and proving her doubters wrong.
• Food and Spice as Persona: Cardi's line, “They call me Cardi Bardi, banging body, spicy mami, hot tamale,” uses food metaphors to describe her personality. A "hot tamale" is a classic symbol for a fiery, attractive, and energetic woman, encapsulating her bold and unfiltered public persona while also giving a nod to her Latin heritage.
• Cultural References as Pride: Both Bad Bunny and J Balvin use powerful cultural symbols in their verses. Bad Bunny's reference to wrestler Eddie Guerrero's famous catchphrase, “¡Viva la Raza!” (“Long live the race”), is a direct and proud assertion of Latino identity and strength. J Balvin's line, “Como Celia Cruz tengo el azúcar” (“Like Celia Cruz, I have the sugar”), is a tribute to the legendary Queen of Salsa, connecting his own success to a titan of Latin music and claiming her iconic "Azúcar!" catchphrase as a symbol of his own flavor and appeal.
• Language as Cultural Bridge: The seamless blend of English and Spanish throughout the song is itself a powerful symbol. It represents the fusion of cultures and the reality of bilingual life for many in the U.S. and globally. It challenges the English-only hegemony of pop music and symbolizes a new era of mainstream cross-cultural collaboration.

"I Like It" utilizes several key recurring motifs and phrases that enhance its structure, meaning, and memorability.

• The "I Like It Like That" Hook: The most prominent recurring element is the chorus, built around the sampled vocal and piano riff from Pete Rodriguez's "I Like It Like That." This phrase, repeated throughout the song by Cardi B and the original sample, acts as the central thesis of the track. It's a simple but powerful affirmation of her enjoyment of her new life, her success, and her cultural identity. Its repetition serves as an infectious, unifying anchor for the entire song.
• Motif of Wealth and Success: Lyrical motifs of wealth are woven throughout all three verses. Cardi begins with "dollars," "diamonds," and "million dollar deals." Bad Bunny boasts about spending lavishly at the club, and J Balvin references paparazzi and his global fame. This recurring theme reinforces the song's celebratory nature, framing financial success as a key component of the lifestyle they enjoy.
• Cardi B's Signature Ad-Libs: While not a specific phrase, Cardi B's characteristic ad-libs, such as her famous trills and exclamations, function as a recurring sonic motif. These personalized sounds stamp the song with her unique personality and brand, making it instantly recognizable as a Cardi B track and adding to its energetic and confident feel.
• Declarations of Cultural Pride: A recurring thematic motif is the open celebration of Latin heritage. This appears in the form of the boogaloo sample, the Spanish-language verses, and specific cultural shout-outs like "spicy mami," "¡Viva la Raza!," and references to Celia Cruz. This consistent thread solidifies the song's status as a cultural anthem.