Cardi B has warned she will “give them hell” as she prepares to unleash her long-awaited second studio album. The announcement comes after years of anticipation from fans worldwide who have been eagerly awaiting new music from the Grammy-winning artist.
The WAP rapper will officially unveil her long-delayed follow-up to 2018’s Invasion of Privacy on Monday (23.06.26), and she has cautioned those who have done her wrong I’m “your tyrant”, ahead of what looks set to be an explosive record. Industry experts predict the album could mark a significant evolution in her artistic journey and musical style.
“Seven years and the time has come. Seven years of love, life and loss. Seven years I gave them grace, but now, I give them hell. I learned power is not given, it’s taken. I’m shedding feathers and no more tears. I’m not back, I’m beyond. I’m not your villain, I’m your tyrant. The time is here. The time is now,” Cardi said. This powerful declaration reflects the personal transformation she has undergone since her breakthrough success.
Last week, Cardi dropped the fiery tune Outside, on which she takes aim at her ex-husband Offset and mentions her new beau, NFL star Stefon Diggs. The track showcases her signature bold lyricism and unapologetic approach to addressing personal matters through her music.
Cardi recently explained that the delay to her album was because the featured artists were yet to deliver the goods. The music industry has experienced various collaboration challenges in recent years, affecting release schedules for many major artists.
“I really need these f****** features,” she said during an Instagram Live in May. “And it’s like I’m not really trying to press or go crazy on these artists because I love them down. But it’s like, come on now! I need that! I need that right now! Helloooo! Y’all don’t want to miss this opportunity. I’ll sing this s*** myself! But I really need y’all and I need y’all to hurry up and I love y’all. I feel like nobody want to miss being on this album.” Her candid social media presence continues to connect her directly with her massive fanbase.
Cardi – who has collaborated with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Bruno Mars, Lizzo and Migos in the past – revealed she worked with artists she has teamed up with before and some new faces, too. Her previous collaborations have consistently topped charts and earned critical acclaim across the hip-hop community.
“I don’t have a lot of features, but I’m working with artists, some that I have worked with before and some that I haven’t worked with before. And the ones that I have not worked with before, I feel like it’s gonna really, really surprise y’all,” she went on. Music industry insiders are speculating about potential surprise collaborations that could span multiple genres.
“It’s such a vibe. I’m 100 per cent confident with this album. I just don’t think what I got is out there,” she teased. This confidence reflects her maturation as an artist and her understanding of what resonates with audiences globally.
The extended gap between albums has allowed Cardi to experience significant life changes, including motherhood, personal relationships, and continued success in the entertainment industry. These experiences are expected to heavily influence the themes and content of her upcoming release.
Since her debut album’s success, Cardi has maintained her position as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices, consistently making headlines for both her music and outspoken personality. Her ability to blend vulnerability with strength has become a defining characteristic of her artistry.
The upcoming album represents more than just a musical release; it’s positioned as a statement of resilience and empowerment. Fans and critics alike are anticipating how Cardi will channel her experiences into what promises to be her most personal and powerful work to date.
With her track record of creating culturally impactful music and her unwavering authenticity, Cardi B’s second album is shaping up to be one of the most significant releases in contemporary hip-hop.
