Cardi B isn’t backing down from critics questioning her choice to include her hits “WAP” and “Up” on her new album, ‘Am I the Drama?’ The rapper is addressing the chatter with her characteristic flair, pointing out that these tracks are already fan favorites.
Released in 2020 and 2021, “WAP” and “Up” have become anthems for Cardi B’s followers. Despite being older tracks, she insists they deserve a place on her upcoming album. On social media platform X, she shared, “This will be the last and only time I’m gonna address this.. ‘WAP’ and ‘Up’ are two of my biggest songs, my fans have been asking me to put them on an album, and people search for them on IOP all the time… they deserve a home.”
Cardi expressed frustration that criticism once made her hesitate to submit ‘WAP’ for the Grammys. Now, she’s resolute in giving her audience what they want. “These two songs don’t even count for first week sales so what are y’all even crying about?” she continued, challenging detractors to reflect on common industry practices.
The hip-hop artist’s remarks came ahead of the release of her long-awaited second album. ‘Am I the Drama?’ is set to drop on September 19, marking a monumental seven-year gap since her debut ‘Invasion of Privacy.’ Cardi showcased the album’s unique cover art featuring herself in a distinct red dress with two crows, teasing a bold new era in her music.
Her dedication to her art and audience is unwavering. In a video on Instagram, she described her journey over the past seven years as one filled with ‘love, light, and loss,’ emphasizing that she’s not simply returning—she’s evolving beyond the old Cardi. ‘I’m not back, I’m beyond. I’m not your villain, I’m your karma. The time is here. The time is now,’ she declared with intensity.
Meanwhile, Cardi’s personal life is weaving into her music. Her first single from the album, “Outside,” takes a lyrical swing at estranged husband Offset amid ongoing divorce proceedings. The line, “Good-for-nothing, low-down dirty dogs, I’m convinced / Next time you see your mama, tell her how she raised a bitch,” showcases her fiery side, giving fans a glimpse into her raw emotional state.
Cardi B is not just dropping an album; she’s making a bold statement. Determined to cater to her fans and to own her narrative, she’s unafraid to bring her past into her present. Whether critics like it or not, ‘WAP’ and ‘Up’ are here to remind everyone of the superstar’s indomitable spirit.