Cardi B to release album after 7 years, credits fans for confidence
Cardi B’s second full-legnth album, AM I THE DRAMA?, is set to drop on Sept. 19, making it her first full-length release in seven years.
Despite the long gap, she has managed to stay relevant growing her cultural presence stronger over time.
In an interview with Billboard, Cardi opened up about paving the path herself, from becoming a global fashion and brand powerhouse to learning emotional growth and balance as a mother of three.
When she was asked about her strong position in the music industry amid a wave of new female rap talent, Cardi opened up about the love she’s seen from her fans. She said, “So many girls come and go. They’re great, but yet [the fans are] asking for my product. Every year there’s a debate on social media about when is my album dropping. They’re not saying that about other people, so y’all need to ask them. That’s why I’m so confident.”
In 2019, she won Best Rap Album at the Grammys, making her the first solo female rapper to win the award. The Bronx native also has five Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s, 13 Top 10 hits, and is the first female artist to have every track on an album RIAA-certified platinum or higher.
She’s also become one of music’s most in-demand collaborators, with a roster that includes top pop artists like Bruno Mars and Maroon 5 and rap stars Latto and GloRilla — all without ever headlining her own tour.
“What’s special about Cardi is that she knows her audience, her fan base, and how to stay relevant,” her manager, Shawn Holiday, told Billboard. “She hasn’t put out an album in seven years, but she knows how to stay current because she knows how to do features that keep her in the marketplace.”
AM I THE DRAMA? is paving the way for a possible Super Bowl halftime show
While she’s keeping her forthcoming album’s features under wraps, Cardi is confident the project — which includes “WAP” and “Up” — will be worth the wait. She’s never been one to rush music to satisfy demand; for her, it has to be great. “I’m very picky with my music,” she said.