Are you a certified freak seven days a week?

For many students at San Luis Obispo High School, the lyrics and music video of Cardi B’s latest song “WAP” is an empowering image of female authority and sexuality, as seen in the lyrical component of the song.

Others, including YouTubers and political commentator Ben Shapiro, have viewed it as vulgar and degrading, as the oversexualization of the video poses as a bad influence on today’s teenagers. To understand “WAP”’s impact on the younger generation, Expressions spoke to three students about their opinions on this popular song and music video. 

  “It’s empowering because it highlights female sexuality in ways not previously explored. Many songs in the rap genre describe women as pawns and objects, while ‘WAP’ treats women as strong and confident go-getters capable of portraying and enjoying (on their own terms, nonetheless) the same message men have been rapping about for decades,” said junior Lil Daane. 

  Many female listeners feel the same way, as if they’re gaining a sense of more control over what they want to do with their own bodies and lives. 

  “‘WAP’ has probably empowered a lot of women to feel more comfortable about their bodies. When I listen to it, my thoughts are like ‘Wow’. The bass is on fleek and so is the singing and lyrics,” said junior Sarah Bailey. 

  While there is a lot of support for this song, a large number of people also see a problem with the overly-sexualized and foul imagery depicted in it, with many others staying neutral. 

  “I just listened to it and thought it was more funny than anything,” said junior Gavin Mcdiarmid.

“I personally don’t see how it could be empowering. The entire song is just about being good at sex. I will admit it has a good beat but the lyrics are pretty wack.”

  “WAP” has especially been popular among teenagers and young adults, despite its mature subject matter. 

  “I think ‘WAP’ reminds female teenagers that they aren’t meant to serve their male counterparts, and that they are their own entities, capable of enjoying the same luxuries openly enjoyed by men for years. It encourages them to love themselves and remind them that they are worth a song about their wants and needs too,” said Daane. 

  At the end of the day, everyone needs that one song that makes them feel good about themselves. For many young women, “WAP” is one of them.