Cardi B is opening up about the hefty price tag behind her latest music video. The Bronx rapper recently addressed criticism surrounding the visual for “AH HA.” Some fans compared the video to her more elaborate past releases, including the blockbuster visual for “WAP.” According to Cardi, however, shooting in New York City came with its own expensive set of challenges.
During a recent X Spaces conversation, Cardi claimed the “AH HA” video ended up costing close to $1 million. She pointed to permits, security and the logistics of filming in public as major factors.
“Not everything’s gonna look like that,” she said while responding to comparisons to “WAP.”
Cardi B then claimed she needed around 40 NYPD officers for the shoot. She also expressed frustration with the number of permits required and said crowds of fans ultimately made filming even more difficult.
“I will never again do sh*t in public settings,” Cardi said.
Cardi B Vents To X
However, there appears to be some confusion surrounding exactly where that money went. New York City officials reportedly maintain that NYPD assistance for permitted film productions is provided at no cost. That would seemingly conflict with Cardi’s claim that the police presence contributed directly to the video’s massive budget.
Still, a major production in a public New York location can rack up costs elsewhere. Permits, private security, crew, equipment, location logistics and managing large crowds can quickly turn an ambitious concept into an expensive undertaking.
Cardi’s frustration also reveals fans' expectations surrounding her visuals. “WAP,” her 2020 collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, set a particularly high bar with its colorful sets, celebrity cameos and elaborate production. For Cardi, though, recreating that scale every time isn’t necessarily the goal.
After the headaches surrounding “AH HA,” it sounds like she may be keeping future video shoots away from crowded NYC streets.
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