Cardi B, the Grammy-winning rapper, has finally dropped her highly-anticipated “Like What” freestyle, marking her first official release of 2024. The track, which Cardi began teasing earlier this week on social media, samples Missy Elliott’s iconic 1999 hit “She’s a Bitch” and comes accompanied by a music video directed by none other than Offset.

In the fiery freestyle, Cardi reaffirms her dominance in the rap game and sends a clear message to her detractors. With lines like “I ain’t even got dressed, Any L that I took, come after YS,” Cardi asserts her unapologetic confidence and prowess on the mic.

The release of “Like What” comes just weeks after Cardi’s husband, Offset, teased her forthcoming music in a now-deleted Instagram Story. In the post, Offset can be seen vibing in the studio, urging Cardi to “stop being scary and drop the album.”

While Cardi has not confirmed whether “Like What” is a standalone single or part of a larger project, fans are hopeful that it could signal the arrival of her long-awaited sophomore album, following her acclaimed debut “Invasion of Privacy” in 2018. The music video ends with a tantalizing promise: “This is just the beginning. Stay tuned.”

During a September interview with Ebro Darden, Cardi hinted at the imminent release of her sophomore album, stating that it would drop “very soon.” However, she emphasized the importance of perfection, acknowledging the high expectations surrounding her music.

Interestingly, Cardi is not the only artist to draw inspiration from Missy Elliott’s iconic track. Last year, BIA released her song “I’m That Bitch,” which also sampled “She’s a Bitch,” showcasing the enduring influence of Elliott’s groundbreaking work.

Reflecting on the impact of “She’s a Bitch” and its music video, Missy Elliott herself has spoken about how she, along with producer Timbaland and director Hype Williams, were “decades ahead” of their time, cementing their status as trailblazers in the music industry.