Drama Queen Energy: Cardi B's Scathing Return
- mariahsturdivant21
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop Label: Atlantic Records
Rather than a linear tracklist, the album unfolds like a mood board of her psyche—rage, heartbreak, and fame. Cardi's long-awaited return comes after a seven-year gap since the Grammy award-winning album Invasion of Privacy. In the years between, she dropped viral singles like "WAP" and "Up," starred in films, launched fashion lines, and became a cultural force. But following up on a successful debut was intense. In an interview with the morning talk show, The Breakfast Club, Cardi admitted that she scrapped dozens of songs and delayed the album repeatedly, saying, "I only liked six songs" and didn't want to release something half-baked.
Cardi B’s latest project, Am I The Drama?, lives up to its name—it’s chaotic, dramatic, and remarkably candid. At times, it feels like a diss tape, while at other times, it resembles a personal diary exposed for everyone to hear. The interplay between anger and vulnerability makes this her most daring work yet. Even before the album's release, it had already fulfilled its title. Cardi B included her body-positive hit WAP featuring Megan Thee Stallion and her 2021 boasting track Up, both of which were released well before the album was conceived. This led to some controversy, as the album already included two long-established hits. Nonetheless, Cardi B does what she does best, and she ignores the haters.
The album has drama before, and it definitely had drama after. The recent and timely X (formerly known as Twitter) feud with Nicki Minaj has only heightened the album's importance in Cardi B's body of work. The opening track, Cardi is already in combat mode. Dead (feat. Summer Walker), Cardi frames herself as a public menace, even staging a mock news report about her “crime spree.” She aims at her haters with some of her sharpest punches to date, mocking low ticket sales and struggling pockets. In fact, the first lyrics that Cardi utters are:
"Can't compete with me, I'm not the one"- Cardi B on Dead ft Summer Walker
A bar that sets the tone for the majority of the album. Magnet finds her throwing shade at
multiple targets at once—Ice Spice gets a slick jab about being a “Dalmatian” (a spot Cardi claims is hers forever), while JT catches a more explicit drag tied to their infamous social media fallout. She doesn’t have to name-drop on this track; it seems pretty clear.
Pretty & Petty strays away from avoiding the name-dropping. Instead, she goes straight for the throat of BIA, flipping her 2024 diss on its head with Cardi’s biting challenge:
" Name five BIA songs, gun pointed to your head...Bow, I'm dead"- Cardi B on Pretty and petty
This line quickly became a viral sensation and the standout of the album. BIA has not yet replied to Cardi's challenge, highlighting the impact of the remark. By the time we get to Killin' You Hoes and Imaginary Playerz, the Bronx energy is at its peak—Cardi is openly criticizing those who have doubted her or continue to do so. All while incorporating a sample from the Jay Z classic.
"If you ain't on the same page, then bloop-bloop, watch me lane switch (On)"- Cardi B on Principal (feat. Janet Jackson)
Musically, Am I the Drama? is Cardi’s most adventurous project yet. Bodega Baddie and Pick It Up showcase her Dominican roots and pop versatility, while “Principal” (feat. Janet Jackson) pays homage to legacy and control in the relationship.
But then the mask slips. Unfortunately, every track can not be a heavy-hitter diss track.
"I held back for you, was really biting my tongue.Should've fell back from you, instead, I gave you a son"- Cardi B on Man of Your Word
Man Of Your Word stands as a central piece, imbued with regret and honesty. It's widely recognized that her heartache is linked to Offset from the rap group Migos. Despite having three children together, they couldn't maintain the love needed for their relationship. Both confessed to infidelity, leading to their divorce, which serves as a compelling basis for Cardi's song. This transitions to What's Goin On (feat. Lizzo), a track that incorporates 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” with a youthful, sing-song bounce. Shower Tears (feat. Summer Walker) is heart-wrenching, capturing the solitude of crying in secret, while Safe (feat. Kehlani) resonates with mistrust and doubt. What’s Goin On (feat. Lizzo) portrays the turmoil of an emotional breakdown, part rage, part therapeutic release. In Hello, Cardi strips it down to the point where it feels like she's leaving herself a voicemail, processing the aftermath. On My Back (feat. Lourdiz) fuses Latin pop with raw sensuality, and Nice Guy (feat. Tyla) features a breezy Afrobeat as Cardi playfully tests boundaries.
Cardi knows when to pivot. The flex tracks remind listeners why she’s a heavyweight. Salute commands attention like a general at roll call, Trophies doubles as a victory parade, and Check Please is brash, bougie, and unapologetic. Errtime rides on repetition but sticks like glue—proof that Cardi can turn even a simple hook into a crowd chant.
The final act leans into her playful, seductive side. Better Than You (feat. Cash Cobain) is all about bounce and flirtation.
Ultimately, Am I The Drama? transcends being merely an album—it's a performance piece. Cardi casts herself as both the villain and the victim, skillfully shaping perception while retaining control over the narrative. Whether she's taking down rivals, expressing heartbreak, or showcasing her resilience, one thing is certain: she is the drama, and she embraces it. This album earns a solid 7 out of 10. With 23 tracks, some become muddled and seem like fillers; if the album were about 4 or 5 songs shorter, its impact would be more pronounced.
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