While the spread of the coronavirus has people around the world having to make drastic changes to their life, it has also inspired people to work together and help each other. Cardi B and DJ iMarkkeyz, after making the most unlikely hit of the year around COVID-19, are planning to use its success for good.
As the news of the pandemic began to hit a fever pitch, Cardi B posted a video to her Instagram where, despite attempting to be light-hearted, she shared her confusion and fear around the coronavirus. DJ Markkeyz flipped the vocals from her rant – “Coronavirus! Sh*t is getting real!” – into a catchy club banger. “Stream I guess,” Cardi B tweeted. The song went viral through TikTok and rose through the iTunes charts, becoming a hit song that reflects the crazy times we’re living in.
A fan of the song suggested that Cardi B and DJ iMarkkeyz donate some of the proceeds of the song to food banks and shelters, to help people impacted by the coronavirus. Markkeyz said that was his plan all along, and Cardi B agreed.
“Yes! That’s what [we’re] going to do!” Cardi B tweeted. “Keep in mind you don’t get your money right away…but even months from now there would be families with financial issues for getting laid off due to the virus. We will donate!”
YES !THATS WHAT WE GOING TO DO ! Keep in mind you don’t get your money right away …but even months from now there would be families with financial issues for getting laid off due to the virus .We will Donate ! https://t.co/ehAo8TCUhN
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) March 17, 2020
The contagiousness of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has had an immense financial impact on the country, with various city and state governments around the world implementing shutdowns to slow the spread of the disease. Places such as New York City have closed all entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants aside from allowing takeout orders, leaving many people out of work. Cardi B’s plans to donate join the efforts of celebrities like Zion Williamson and Blake Griffin, who have both pledged to donate money to the hourly workers at their respective NBA stadiums.
Listen to “Coronavirus” below.