Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s sexually explicit collaboration released August 7, 2020, that sparked nationwide debates about female sexuality, censorship, and empowerment while becoming one of the biggest hits of 2020.
The Controversy
“WAP” (Wet Ass Pussy) was unapologetically explicit, celebrating female sexual pleasure in ways rarely heard in mainstream music. The song and its Kylie Jenner-featuring music video immediately sparked reactions ranging from celebration to moral panic.
Conservative commentators condemned it as vulgar, with Ben Shapiro infamously discussing the song’s lyrics in a viral video. Progressive voices praised it as women reclaiming sexuality on their own terms. The hashtag became a battleground for culture war debates.
Commercial Dominance
Despite (or because of) the controversy, “WAP” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the biggest streaming week ever for a female collaboration. It spent four weeks at #1 and became one of the best-selling songs of 2020.
The TikTok #WAPChallenge saw millions attempting the music video’s choreography, though TikTok restricted content using the uncensored version.
Cultural Legacy
“WAP” became a cultural touchstone of 2020, representing how female rappers were dominating hip-hop while refusing to tone down their sexuality for mainstream acceptance. It sparked ongoing conversations about double standards in music.
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