Digest Art
After a seven-year hiatus, Cardi B returned to the rap game with a vengeance. Her second studio album, AM I THE DRAMA?, was released on September 19, 2025. Featuring 24 energetic—and yes, drama-filled—tracks with appearances from Summer Walker, Tyla, Kehlani, and more. The record is projected to sell around 150,000 units in its first week, and in less than a week since its release, over 15 songs have charted on the Apple Music Top 100 USA, the highest charting being “Safe” featuring Kehlani. While Cardi’s energy remains consistent throughout the album, Kehlani and Tyla’s gentle, smooth vocals create a pleasing contrast to her aggressively bold rapping style. Similarly, Summer Walker’s ability to express raw, relatable emotion brings a softer side of Cardi to center stage in “Shower Tears.”
“AM I THE DRAMA?” is not only Cardi’s verbal revenge on several people, but also a project where she speaks life into herself and listeners while paying homage to her background. “Bodega Baddie” is an upbeat, rapid-paced track that blends Cardi’s Spanglish lyricism with her Dominican roots. Songs like “Better Than You,” “ErrTime,” and “Trophies” showcase her confidence and her ability to command attention.
True to its name, the album also acknowledges the drama surrounding Cardi herself, her family, and her career while she was on her hiatus. Much of the publicity has come from her confrontational nature and her ongoing online feuds with other artists. Less than a month before the album’s release, Cardi was found not guilty in a $24 million lawsuit alleging assault against a former security guard, a case that added even more buzz to the album’s debut.
“Pretty & Petty” is arguably the most controversial track, with Cardi ruthlessly mocking rapper BIA—who had mentioned Cardi’s children—by calling her “Diarrhea BIA” and daring listeners to name five of BIA’s songs. “Pretty & Petty,” though controversial, is proving to be a fan favorite, according to freshman Alise W., who claims, “Cardi B is my spirit animal.” “Magnet” follows closely in controversy, as Cardi subtly shades other artists, including Ice Spice, who claimed she would “take Cardi’s spot” in the rap game, and ex-City Girl JT, whom Cardi accuses of betraying former partner Yung Miami. Each of Cardi’s disses is carefully crafted and peppered with references to hip-hop icons. Sophomore Laila Bennett expressed her appreciation for the commotion, saying the “versatile lyrics and drama” are what made her enjoy the album.
Overall, AM I THE DRAMA? marks Cardi B’s powerful return to the spotlight and proves that her time away hasn’t dulled her sharp tongue or fearless style. The album is bold, entertaining, and offers at least one song for everyone—even those who aren’t Cardi fans.