Cardi B is ushering in her next musical chapter with unapologetic flair, unveiling a new track that samples Jay-Z’s 1997 classic Imaginary Player. Produced by DJ SwanQo, Sean Island, and OctaneThisThatGas, the swagger-heavy anthem doubles down on Cardi’s signature bravado while paying homage to one of hip-hop’s most respected icons.
Speaking to fans during an X Space session, Cardi revealed just how much Jay-Z’s approval meant to her. “I was so happy because you guys understand, the song is kinda long… This song is like a staple for me and I had to get it approved by the one and only,” she said. “It’s a very hip-hop record and I hope you guys enjoy it.”
The single arrives with a cinematic music video co-directed by Cardi herself alongside longtime creative collaborator Patience Foster. It continues Cardi’s trend of pairing bold visuals with her music, reinforcing her reputation as both an artist and a storyteller.
Beyond the music, Cardi has already leveraged her influence through creative merch rollouts. Her Imaginary Playerz box set, complete with alternate album cover art, dropped in limited quantities at CardiB.com. This follows her headline-grabbing WWE collaboration, part of a series of sold-out limited-edition releases that showcase her entrepreneurial edge.
The WWE connection extends further. On August 2, Cardi made her hosting debut at SummerSlam, where she teased new music and electrified fans. That same week, she released Outside, the lead single from her upcoming album Am I The Drama?. The track debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her 13th career Top 10 hit, while also hitting #1 on Apple Music her first chart-topper since 2021’s multi-platinum smash Up.
Her new era officially began earlier this summer at Spotify’s Cannes Beach Party, where she performed Outside live for the first time. Now, with her latest Jay-Z-inspired release, Cardi is keeping momentum high as she prepares to drop Am I The Drama? on September 19.
If the early buzz is any indication, Cardi’s latest project is set to be another defining moment in her career.
