Cardi B Blames NYPD Permit Fees for Million-Dollar 'Ah Ha' Video Budget
Cardi B revealed on X Spaces that her 'Ah Ha' music video cost over $1 million, far exceeding her initial estimate of $250,000. She said the NYPD overcharged her for permits and assigned about 40 officers, making the Brooklyn shoot difficult and stressful. The rapper vowed never to film in an uncontrolled public setting again, citing overstimulation from onlookers.
The "AH HA" visual was ultimately shot in Brooklyn's Sunset Park after Cardi originally pushed to film in her home borough of the Bronx. She estimated a $250,000 budget but the final cost exceeded $1 million, with roughly 40 NYPD officers assigned to the shoot. Cardi described the experience as overstimulating and underwhelming, noting that hundreds of onlookers made her uncomfortable and that the open set felt uncontrollable.
The single, produced by DJ SqanQo, arrived July 31 as Cardi's first release of 2026. It debuted at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and currently sits at No. 40 on this week's chart. The video premiered August 28, nearly a month after the song's release, and features Cardi twerking across Brooklyn landmarks including a stoop, salon, and street.
This story could resonate with other artists who face similar logistical hurdles when filming in major cities, potentially influencing how musicians approach public shoots. It may also spark conversation about municipal fees and whether celebrity status inflates costs. Fans might gain sympathy for the production challenges behind seemingly simple visuals, while the music industry could see more controlled, private set shoots as a trend.