Cardi B says the music video for AH HA ended up costing more than $1 million after what she initially imagined as a straightforward New York street shoot became a much larger production. During recent comments about the project, the rapper pointed to permits, security requirements and other city-related expenses as major factors behind the final price.
While discussing the Brooklyn shoot, Cardi B also said around 40 NYPD officers were present during filming. She described the heavy police presence and logistical requirements as frustrating, especially for a video designed to capture the feel of a summer day in New York.
The AH HA video was filmed in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood and leans heavily into local street culture. It includes motorcycles, dancing, neighborhood scenes and a fire hydrant sequence, along with an appearance by Kash Doll.
The production highlights how quickly costs can rise when a major artist films on public streets, where permits, staffing, crowd control and security can add significant expenses.