It was a windy day in September a day I’ll always remember. That was the day I was tempted to stay up until midnight for an album drop but the streets of NYC had already heard it pre-release.
Cardi B – AM I THE DRAMA?! After a seven-year hiatus that felt like an eternity in the fast-paced world of hip-hop, Cardi B released her sophomore album, AM I THE DRAMA?, on September 19, 2025, via Atlantic Records. Clocking in at 23 tracks and over an hour long, this project is a sprawling testament to Cardi’s unfiltered personality, blending her signature brashness with moments of vulnerability, all while addressing the “real-life drama” that’s defined her public life since Invasion of Privacy. In a year where she’s juggling motherhood (now with three kids, including a new jit with boyfriend Stefon Diggs on the way), this feels like a powerful statement of resilience; deciding to release new music while going through what can be viewed as a bitter and expensive divorce to someone using limited information they have taken away from public quotes sourcing herself and former rap-artist husband, Offset.
A self-reflective question amid her tabloid-fueled existence & certified Platinum by the RIAA upon release—proving her commercial pull remains intact—but does the music live up to the hype?
Sonically, AM I THE DRAMA? is Cardi at her most eclectic, pulling from trap, R&B, Latin influences, and even pop-leaning collaborations. The production is polished yet gritty, with beats that range from MIDI-synths to high-energy live merengue rhythms.
The features are a highlight, bringing fresh dynamics to the mix. Janet Jackson’s influence shines on ‘Principal’ , a buoyant flip of one of her classics, while collaborations with Selena Gomez, Tyla, and Lourdiz deliver sultry R&B bops that add levity amid the chaos. Dougie–additional vocals on track nine sang like a retainer was on the line nd rent was due.
Kehlani joins on ‘Safe’ , echoing their chemistry from ‘Ring’ on Cardi’s debut, and it’s a smooth, playlist-worthy vibe. Megan Thee Stallion appears on the recycled ‘WAP’ , which—along with ‘Up’—feels like padding for hits that “deserve a home,” but draws criticism for recycling old material but not changing the landscape of the album.
Cardi’s lyrical prowess is on full display in diss tracks like ‘Pretty and Petty’ , a hilarious takedown of BIA that lands hard and feels overdue but satisfying. From the opening line beat hits hard, I’m dying! If pettiness is a sport, Cardi’s gold medal. 9/10, pretty funny!
‘Bodega Baddie’ , more on that when folk and nem can catch the beat. Rep your regional roots cool just warn to stay out the way because if the regional sound is broad the next release we should not have to wait an extreme time para un release. However, the album’s length is its biggest flaw— different sounds from the same producers stumbles cringy.
Bogged down by its excessive runtime and inclusion of dated singles Cardi delivers—but trim a few tracks, and it could’ve been iconic.
At only two albums Cardi is moving like a veteran from getting local attention release week through brand deals and post release personalized diss responses which have already been commented on in the rap-girly culture scene. Press play on ‘Magnet’ , Oh, this is a diss track? Sounds like shots at JT from City Girls over old tweets. Beat is club-ready, bouncy bass. Cardi: “You a magnet for the wrong shit.” [Nods head] Witty, catchy hook. Features no one, but she carries it. This could bang in the club.
Unc been Team Cardi since she made yellow bodaks a thing, loving her savage energy and how she turns beef into a full-course meal.
Cardi B’s mantra If it’s drama, recycle it! AM I THE DRAMA? is Cardi owning the chaos. Overall, the album’s strengths lie in her ability to blend drama with danceable production, making even the disses feel celebratory. Titled after her chaotic life, the album targets rivals and reflects her and Offset divorce. If it is the drama you are there for it is plenty of it.
Here a few lines even men can use in their everyday life
“Nobody ever made me feel
Safe like you (Facts)
'Cause when I'm with you, I just know I'm fine
You take all the pressure off my mind
Patient and kind when I be going out my mind
Safe from the problems”
(Safe ft. Kehlani) ~ Love Notes
“Shit I was doin' in like 2016, type shit
Like
You bitches don't even know the difference between vintage and archive, like”
(Imaginary Playerz) ~ 💩 on ‘em
“I got the hottest shit, hop out, poppin' it
They say I walk around lookin' like a compliment”
(Imaginary Playerz) ~ Rizz
“Can't be out here playin' with a bitch like me (Why?)
There's niggas out here prayin' for a bitch like”
(Principal ft. Janet Jackson) ~ Rizz
“Ain't that your homegirl friend? Tell her to hook me up (Let's do it)
Shit, ain't y'all havin' fun? Let's have fun together
Baby, I'm with the shits, you know I'm with whatever, look (Woo)
I know I'm cute and funny (Funny), I know somebody want me (Want me)
I might go celibate
(Outside) ~ Rizz
“Put in lotta work, I'm gonna kill it this summer (Kill it this summer)
Been on a yacht, no ceilin' this summer (Summer)
Bitch been bad, so it make you curious
Never switched up, so you can't be serious”
(Salute) ~ Business proposals
“Salute the real bitches
Salute the real bitches”
(Salute) ~ Salutations
“Face pretty, I know I could probably win a pageant, baby
They say I'm attractive, I be feelin' like a magnet, baby
I'm just young and ratchet, baby, love it when you smack it, baby
If it ain't 'bout money, cut it short, Toni Braxton, baby”
(Magnet) ~ Workplace rizz / Social Media
“Who you know got it like you? Who you know pop it like you?
Who you know soon as you walk in the spot, make niggas' heart stop like you?
Makin' bitches' heart drop like you, givin' them hell nonstop like you”
(Better Than You ft. Cash Cobain) ~ Self-Affirmation
“She say my name, she getting belt, she think I'm playing, she getting belt
When we go in the store, don't touch nothing, you complain or you getting belt”
(Dead ft. Summer Walker) ~ UMH Education / F**k dem jits
“You been here since "Washpoppin," then we basically locked in
You done seen me get knocked down nine times, still get up ten”
(Dead ft. Summer Walker) ~ Valediction
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