Trinity Hewtty
Staff Writer
Bronx rapper, Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known as Cardi B, debuted her second album “Am I the Drama?” after seven long-awaited years. The 23-track album features an array of vulnerable R&B ballads, powerful flow-heavy raps, a merengue sample and dynamic collaborations.
The album broke the Guinness World Record in one hour for most drone deliveries when 176 signed CDs were delivered to the artist’s fans in partnership with Walmart and Wing Drone Delivery – a testament to Cardi B’s influence in pop culture as one of the top reigning female rappers in the music industry.
Outspoken and unfiltered, the opening track, “Dead,” featuring a hook from Summer Walker, starts out with fake news reporters describing the artist committing a crime, signifying a new era unleashed for Cardi B. This message is reiterated in other songs such as “Imaginary Playerz” where she unapologetically asserts her dominance over rival musicians.
The sophomore album also addresses tabloid scandals and personal struggles happening in her life.
In July 2024, Cardi B filed for divorce from rapper Offset amid allegations of infidelity. The song “Man of Your Word” is a sentimental reflection on this time period for the normally confident artist. She raps “I don’t regret it, it’s a blessin’, just know I learned my lesson” about overcoming the downfall of her marriage.
Besides the R&B ballad, my favorite song off the album is “Safe” featuring Kehlani. The song reveals in spite of turmoil in Cardi B’s life, she is still finding happiness in a new relationship. She raps in the song, “I’m feelin’ right at home, safe in your arms, baby, comе hold me down,” about her boyfriend, Stefon Diggs, professional football player for the New England Patriots. In a CBS interview with Gayle King, Cardi B announced she is expecting her fourth child with Diggs and described how he makes her feel physically safe.
Another song to add to your playlist is “Bodega Baddie,” a Latin tempo that samples “Ta Buena (Tipicio)” by Magic Juan featuring El Prodigio. A reference to Cardi B’s Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, the song is an anthem to Latin culture with a mix of trap and reggaeton. It mentions “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee and the Tejano Latina legend Selena Quintanilla.
Other big-name artists such as Janet Jackson, Cash Cobain, Selena Gomez and Lizzo also collaborated with the rapper.
Overall, this album is an eight out of 10 as it showcases Cardi B’s versatility as an artist and is perfect for vibing with friends or playing at parties. “Salute” will definitely be on my family’s car ride playlist. Although I do not recommend listening to all the songs with your parents as they are explicit even with the clean version.
Album Details:
Label: Atlantic Recording Corporation
Release Date: Sept. 19, 2025
Writer’s Top 5:
- “Safe” (feat. Kehlani)
- “Pick it up” (feat. Selena Gomez)
- “Man of your word” (feat. Dougie F)
- “Salute”
- “Bodega Baddie”
