6/10
AM I THE DRAMA?, Cardi B’s latest release and first studio album since 2018, dropped last Friday, featuring an impressive roster of collaborators like Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Janet Jackson, Kehlani, and Summer Walker. Since the success of “Bodak Yellow,” Cardi has been a defining voice in female pop—and this project reflects on that legacy, particularly her roots in New York’s Washington Heights. While Cardi includes her typical explosive rap bars, she also steps out of her comfort zone—experimenting with R&B and Merengue, a Dominican dance-music genre. The album is fun and innovative, but dull at times. Many songs seem to have been written merely to address industry-beef. Still, Cardi pulled through, producing a satisfactory album.
Ahead of her album release, Cardi took to the stand in a $24 million lawsuit filed by a security guard who accused the rapper of striking her outside a doctor’s office in 2018. The trial produced many sensational moments, where the Bronx native responded to cross-examination questions with prime-time sass.
Fittingly, AM I THE DRAMA? brought the same heat: dissing several rappers by name, including JT and her husband Lil Uzi Vert, BIA, and Ice Spice. The captivating insults, invigorating beats, and powerful lyrics make AM I THE DRAMA? an all-around solid album.
The album kicks off with “Dead,” featuring Summer Walker, offering a pleasant hybrid between R&B and hip-hop. The song opens up with Walker’s melodious vocals, which suddenly contrast Cardi’s mordant flow. “I don’t think these bi**hes know / I want they heads / I want ’em begging for they life, I want ’em dead,” Walker sings. What stands out is the juxtaposition between fiery lyrics and Walker’s whispery and intimate timbre.
However, in later songs, Cardi’s lyrics fall short, or in the case of “Magnet,” are questionable. “Magnet,” where Cardi scathingly disses JT and Lil Uzi Vert, is currently going viral on the internet for a line where Cardi says she would rather be with a cheating partner than someone who is homosexual. Besides the homophobia, “Magnet” sounds more like a tirade than a witty diss. It’s safe to say Cardi did bring the drama on this one.
Other songs, such as “Imaginary Playerz,” meander with overly repetitive beats. Here, the track follows an extremely distinct loop. Coupled with Cardi’s slow, conversational rapping “Imaginary Playerz” missed the mark. “Hoes kept complainin’, so I copped more diamonds / And more archive, vintage couture on me / I got more Gaultier than Jean probably,” Cardi sings. While she is usually clever with her rhyming schemes, this song lacks the creativity Cardi has accustomed audiences to.
Nevertheless, Cardi rebounds with track six, “Bodega Baddie.” In a nod to her Afro-Latino roots, Cardi samples Dominican-American artist Magic Juan’s song “Ta Buena.” Cardi’s up-tempo rap complements the energetic Merengue rhythms.
However, some songs offer slower, less hype lyrics—such as “Pick It Up,” featuring Grammy-winning artist Selena Gomez. Per the artist’s typical style, Gomez opens up with upbeat pop vocals. In parts, Cardi sings along—a rare but rewarding diversion from her typical hip-hop style. Cardi displays true musical talent: she is a hardcore rapper who can also sing harmoniously while intertwining these two genres of music. “Pick It Up” reflects on rekindling past relationships. The song is vulnerable, commenting on feelings of jealousy and longing. While Selena’s talk about love being “like a drug” is cheesy at times, Cardi brings raw and emotional reflection on romantic relationships.
“What’s Goin On,” featuring Lizzo, is arguably the most memorable song on the album. It samples the alt-rock band 4 Non Blondes’ hit “What’s Up.” When you first play the song, you almost have to do a double-take—it’s not every day a vulnerable and belting alternative song is included in a hip-hop album. Yet, the result is flawless and catchy.
“Outside” is likely already familiar to many listeners. Released back in June, the song quickly soared on the Billboard charts, where it remains one of the most popular songs on TikTok. With an electric rhythm and potent lyrics, “Outside” deserves a spot on playlists. Building up to the verse, Cardi layers in horns and a suspenseful synth line. Cardi opens up the track with a defiant outburst. “Good-for-nothin’, low-down dirty dawgs, I’m convinced,” she sings, speaking on her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband, Offset, who she recently divorced. Cardi confidently and unapologetically celebrates her relationship with her new boyfriend, Stefon Diggs, and calls out Offset—et al—for treating her poorly. It is evident why this song is a crowd-favorite.
Overall, AM I THE DRAMA? features animated yet universal songs that don’t feel generic. Cardi’s creative and unapologetic lyrics are on full display. But at times, Cardi’s callousness towards other musicians feels derogatory—ultimately distracting from her talent. Public feuding is commonplace in the music industry, and Cardi has mastered this. However, her disses on other albums feel more clever. While the album is titled AM I THE DRAMA?, Cardi’s raps are overshadowed by her broadsides against successful female musicians.
