Killa’s uncle was right: “You can’t get paid in a Earth this big? You worthless, kid.” In recent years, social media has created a space for unique personalities to thrive like never before. Cardi B is a testament to that. The Bronx, N.Y., native hustled to build a sizable following on Instagram by posting the thirstiest of traps and hilarious videos of herself commenting on everything from how to keep relationships steady to why cheap weaves are a no-go. Cardi B got so poppin’ off of her IG that she was able to stop stripping and start hosting parties and modeling full-time. Most recently, she was cast to be in season six of VH1’s Love & Hip-Hop: New York.
If you were hoping that, due to her IG fame, you would have a good chance sliding into her DMs, we’ve got some bad news. “I’m not really a DM person,” says Cardi. So, then, how does one go about stepping to one of Instagram’s biggest stars? We got Cardi B to share some of her thoughts on dating and courting in the digital age. She opened up about dick pic etiquette, eggplant emojis, and what happens when you leave your iPhone’s “read” receipts on.
How does one holla at Cardi B?
You know what I hate? I hate when guys be like, “Let me take you out to dinner.” I don’t want to eat. I want to shop. That’s what I want.
How do you feel about people sliding into your DMs?
I’m not really a DM person. A lot of people just be trying to set you up. They’ll say, “I’ll fly you out for $10,000,” and then you be like, “Send me a direct deposit.” Then they be like, “Ah ha! She’s a hooker. Look at that!” But that’s just not really my style. When I was 19 and Instagram came out, there wasn’t even DM. There was this guy. I was liking his pictures and he was liking mine so we exchanged numbers. He was so beautiful. He was like a dark milk chocolate with some dreadlocks and everything. He looked like a Jamaican god. When I saw him, he was ugly as hell. After that, I don’t even try it. Some people look better in person and some people are ugly as hell in person. So I don’t want to take my chances. If a guy is trying to pursue a female, just send her pictures of something she can never afford.
Nowadays, people text more than they call. Does a guy get extra points if he calls you?
If a guy that I like calls me, he gets extra points. If I don’t like you, I’m just using you because you’re doing something beneficial for me. Just text me. I don’t want to hear your voice.
Have you ever been left on “read?”
Yeah. And every single time they leave me on “read,” you know how that makes me feel? I feel like it’s a game. So I play the game.
You’ve left people on “read” before, though, right?
The guys I don’t like. But if a guy that I do like texts me, I leave him on “read” for 20 or 30 minutes. I don’t ever want to reply back fast. I don’t ever want to look thirsty.
Do you take away points when a guy sees you in public and doesn’t approach you but then tries to holla on social media?
Yeah, thank God you didn’t come up to me. Save yourself some embarrassment. I would curve your ass, destroy your dreams.
What’s the thirstiest thing a guy has done to get your attention?
Sent me pictures of his wack-ass penis. Why do they do that? I don’t care.
So unsolicited dick pics isn’t a go?
Sending pictures of your penis is a no. Don’t send it. It’s disgusting.
Is there a good time to send a dick pic?
Yeah, after I have sex with you and I like you.
What’s the best type of dick pic?
If you have a small penis, just don’t send it to me at all. Or matter of fact, send it to me. So if you ever try to play me, I’ll blackmail your ass.
How do you feel about male rappers being Instagram thots nowadays?
It’s poppin’. Yeah. Go ahead. That’s what Instagram is for.
How do you feel about a guy who uses emojis when he texts you?
I think it’s kind of cute. I like that. You know that wet-looking one and the tongue one?
How about the eggplant emoji?
If he were like, “Damn, you got my dick wet. Eggplant emoji. Eggplant emoji.” That’s if I like you, though. But if I don’t like you, shut up, cornball.
This feature appears in Complex's Feb/March 2016 issue. Buy a copy today!
