For the first time in recent memory, a relatively lighthearted coronavirus (COVID-19) headline is making waves, as DJ iMarkkeyz’s remix of Cardi B saying “coronavirus” has become immensely popular on music-streaming services and social media.
On March 11th, Cardi B took to Instagram to voice her concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The post was quick to garner approximately 20,000,000 views, and predictably, this social-media impact was accompanied by ample press coverage.
Even so, only iMarkkeyz was wise enough to craft a short-but-sweet remix of Cardi B’s rant, and the track’s chart performance speaks for itself.
Cardi recently acknowledged the song’s iTunes popularity in an Instagram post, but a couple hours after the fact, she felt compelled to craft another message, as “Coronavirus” had climbed from number 96 to number 11 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap track list. The song has also earned a prominent spot on iTunes’ highly competitive list of top singles across all genres.
Twitter users are enjoying Cardi B’s newest—and most unexpected—song, and the 27-year-old has been commenting on the track’s chart progress and growing global influence. Additionally, Cardi B and iMarkkeyz have indicated that a portion of the remix’s earnings will be used to assist individuals, families, and organizations that have suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend, Australian artist and actor Cody Simpson, didn’t hesitate to get in on the trendsetting action. The two released their own take on Cardi B’s coronavirus video, and like the original, it’s been well-received among fans.
In other (relatively uplifting) coronavirus news, The Dropkick Murphys announced this morning that they’ll still perform in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and the corresponding audience-free concert will be live streamed to fans free of charge.
Artists, promoters, and fans appear to be banding together to overcome the coronavirus crisis and assure the health, safety, and entertainment of as many individuals as possible. Experts have indicated that the pandemic will require more time yet to pass, but unity—and a bit of humor—certainly won’t inhibit the recovery process.