Cardi B is back with a bold new single that’s already getting fans talking. On Friday, the rap superstar released “Imaginary Playerz”, a song that samples Jay-Z’s 1997 track Imaginary Players. This is the second major single from her upcoming album Am I The Drama?, and it’s filled with style, attitude, and confidence.
The Song: Old-School Flavor with a Cardi Twist
“Imaginary Playerz” isn’t just another rap track—it’s Cardi B blending her personality with a classic hip-hop sound. By sampling Jay-Z’s original, she’s giving a nod to one of rap’s greats while putting her own spin on the theme.
In the lyrics, Cardi makes it clear she’s not here to compete on small numbers:
“My flop and your flop is not the same / If you did my numbers, y’all would pop champagne / If I did your numbers, I would hop out a plane.”
The bars are sharp and full of swagger—typical Cardi confidence. She explained earlier this week that the song was a big deal for her and needed Jay-Z’s approval.
“This song is like a staple for me and I had to get it approved by the one and only,” she said on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. “It’s a very hip-hop record and I hope you guys enjoy it.”
Getting clearance from Jay-Z shows both respect for the original and that Cardi’s in a position where rap legends are willing to co-sign her work.
The Music Video: Jets, Yachts, and Luxury
Alongside the single, Cardi released a glam-packed music video. It’s a visual celebration of excess:
- Cardi sipping champagne on a private jet
- Strutting in luxury outfits on the deck of a yacht
- High-end jewelry and custom designer looks
It’s the kind of over-the-top imagery her fans expect, but with a polished, cinematic feel. The video also plays into the song’s bragging rights vibe—Cardi’s not just talking about success, she’s showing it.
Avoiding a Release Date Clash with Taylor Swift
A few days before dropping “Imaginary Playerz,” Cardi admitted she was a little nervous about the release date. Her concern? Taylor Swift.
She joked that if Taylor released something on the same day, Cardi’s single might get overshadowed. When Swift later revealed her album The Life of a Showgirl was coming October 3, Cardi breathed a sigh of relief. She even posted memes to laugh about the situation, showing her playful side.
The Upcoming Album: Am I The Drama?
This single is part of the build-up to Cardi’s second full studio album, Am I The Drama?, which comes out September 19, 2025. Fans have been waiting for this since her Grammy-winning debut Invasion of Privacy back in 2018.
The new album will be 23 tracks long and include:
- “Outside” (released earlier this year) as Track 14
- Her 2021 hit “Up”
- The 2020 smash “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion
Cardi has explained that including older hits was intentional—they’re part of her story, and she wants the album to reflect her whole journey over the last several years.
The Alternate Album Cover
On Tuesday, Cardi surprised fans with a new album cover variant. This wasn’t just a small tweak—it was a whole different look for the project. The main cover shows Cardi in a bold red bodysuit surrounded by black crows. The alternate cover has a more stripped-down, mysterious vibe, making it a must-have for collectors.
Fans can pre-order both versions, along with limited-edition merch and posters. It’s a strategy that not only builds hype but also rewards her most dedicated supporters.
The Album Trailer: Cinematic Drama
To match the title Am I The Drama?, Cardi also released a dramatic album trailer. In it:
- She’s inside a lavish mansion
- Black crows swarm the building, smashing through windows
- She tries to escape, only to encounter an evil version of herself
- That version sits on the hood of a classic car, seemingly in control of the birds
It’s visually striking and feels like a short movie—mixing luxury, horror, and surreal imagery. This kind of high-concept promo shows Cardi’s thinking bigger than just music videos.
The Making of the Album
Cardi has been open about how hard it was to finish Am I The Drama?. Speaking to Rolling Stone last year, she explained:
“I’m a different person every single day. When I’m in a good mood and I’m with my friends, I’m like, ‘Damn, I want my shit to be played in this club.’ But then I might be mad with my man, so it’s like now I want to do this song. But then I want to do a pop record. I want to do my sing-y shit.”
That variety might explain why the album has taken years to complete—it’s a mix of moods, styles, and sounds, all tied together under her dramatic theme.
Why “Imaginary Playerz” Matters
- Hip-Hop Heritage: Sampling Jay-Z connects Cardi to a major moment in rap history.
- Star Power: It’s been over seven years since her debut album, so every release now feels like an event.
- Visuals: Cardi knows how to make a music video that fans will replay over and over.
- Cultural Playfulness: The Taylor Swift meme moment shows she’s tuned into pop culture in real time.
- Album Build-Up: Between trailers, alternate covers, and singles, she’s keeping anticipation high.
What’s Next
Now that “Imaginary Playerz” is out, the countdown is on for the full album. Fans will be watching:
- Chart performance: Will the single hit number one?
- Album reception: How will critics and fans react to the mix of new and old tracks?
- Tour plans: Cardi hasn’t confirmed dates yet, but a big album usually means a big tour.
If “Imaginary Playerz” is any sign, Am I The Drama? is shaping up to be a larger-than-life return for Cardi B—full of glamour, humor, and unapologetic confidence.