Cardi B's song AH HA has reached the top 10 of Billboard's Hot Rap Songs chart, HotNewHipHop reported on August 14. The same report says Cardi has been airing frustration over what the video shoot for the song cost.
During a recent X Spaces conversation, Cardi said the AH HA video ended up costing close to $1 million, pointing to permits, security and the logistics of filming in public New York City locations as the main drivers. She said the shoot needed around 40 NYPD officers and that managing crowds of fans made filming harder, adding that she will not do another shoot like it in public again.
Cardi pushed back directly on fan comparisons to her past work: "Not everything's gonna look like that," she said, responding specifically to comparisons with WAP.
New York City officials have reportedly said NYPD assistance for permitted film shoots is provided at no cost, which sits at odds with Cardi's account of where the money went, though private security, crew, equipment and location logistics can still add up on a large production. Fans had compared the AH HA visual to her more elaborate past work, including 2020's WAP with Megan Thee Stallion.
The chart placement lands during a busier stretch for Cardi, who has also pushed back on fans pressing her for new music and added a Jamaica stadium show to her tour run, keeping her near the top of hip-hop headlines through the summer.
The facts
- AH HA is in the top 10 on Billboard's Hot Rap Songs chart
- Cardi B says the video shoot cost close to $1 million
- She points to permits, security and public filming logistics as the cost drivers
- The shoot reportedly needed around 40 NYPD officers
- NYC officials say NYPD film assistance is provided at no cost
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