PRESS PLAY: Cardi B Teams Up with DJ Khaled for Family-Friendly Hit on Smurfs Soundtrack

Cardi B and the Smurfs were not on our Bingo card, but that’s what’s great about Bingo: you never know what will happen next. The Bronx emcee embraces a new side of her musical persona, lending her voice to the upcoming Smurfs movie with a feel-good track. Collaborating with DJ Khaled, Cardi delivers a fresh tune titled Higher Love, which offers a family-friendly vibe far from her typical explicit style. The upbeat track, which samples Belinda Carlisle’s classic “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” dropped on Friday, marking a new chapter for the rapper as she explores a more wholesome sound.

Get this: while the track is geared toward a younger audience, Cardi still infuses it with personal touches that fans are picking up on. In her verse, she raps, “Everybody need love and I need some too / Diamonds look sad ’cause each one blue … Sweet like dessert but do you deserve it? / Think about me, I’m on your mental.” Some fans speculated that the lyrics could be a nod to her past with Offset, especially considering her recent Valentine’s Day outing with NFL star Stefon Diggs. It seems Cardi is keeping her options open as she steps into this new career era.

What’s more, for DJ Khaled, the release of Higher Love offers a much-needed moment of positivity following some public tension. Recently, Khaled found himself at the center of drama when Drake subtly threw shots at him, and a mysterious casket with anti-OVO messages showed up at his doorstep. But with this latest hit, Khaled is back on top, continuing his streak of catchy anthems.

Here’s what you may not know: The Smurfs soundtrack also showcases up-and-coming artists, including Natania and Subhi. They represent Desi Trill, a record label co-founded by Ty Ty Smith, a long-time collaborator of Khaled’s. Their inclusion signals the expansion of diverse voices within mainstream music.

In terms of the actual movie, the Smurfs film is gearing up for its July release, the star-studded cast keeps growing. Rihanna is set to voice the iconic character Smurfette, adding even more excitement to the film’s impressive lineup. With a mix of big-name stars and fresh talent, Smurfs is primed to be a summer hit for both kids and adults alike.