It’s been a long time coming.
Rap superstar Cardi B is finally releasing her sophomore album, after a seven-year hiatus since her wildly successful debut, Invasion of Privacy.
A Historic Debut
Cardi’s 2018 album, Invasion of Privacy, was a smash hit:
Included her breakout single “Bodak Yellow”
Went four-times platinum
Won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2019
Since then, Cardi released chart-topping singles like “WAP” (featuring Megan Thee Stallion), but fans have been eagerly awaiting a full album.
Album Reveal: A Nod to Drag Culture?
Cardi took to Instagram to reveal the cover art and name of her new album:
“Am I The Drama?”
The cover features Cardi in an extravagant, Lady Gaga-esque outfit, surrounded by a flock of ravens—dramatic, bold, and iconic.
But what truly caught fans’ attention was the album title, a clear nod to the world of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Origin of “Am I The Drama?” — Enter Scarlet Envy
The iconic phrase originated from drag queen Scarlet Envy, who appeared on:
Drag Race Season 11
All Stars Season 6 (where the quote was born)
In a “Meet the Queens” promo, Scarlet famously said:
“Is it me? Am I the drama? I don’t think I’m the drama… maybe I am. Am I the villain? I don’t think I’m the villain.”
This moment went viral across social media, with fans lip-syncing and creating memes around it.
Reactions from the Drag Race Family
Scarlet Envy herself responded on X (formerly Twitter):
“You are the drama mamaaa.”
Other queens joined in the celebration:
Jan reposted the cover and said: “Scarlet Envy i am shaking.”
Luxx Noir London (Season 15 finalist) joked: “Scarlet Envy should sue.”
It’s safe to say: Drag Race royalty approves.
Why the Title?
Fans immediately speculated whether the title was a direct tribute to Scarlet Envy.
A representative for Cardi B told Entertainment Weekly:
“While Cardi’s album inspiration comes from her real-life drama, she loves Scarlet Envy and they’re in talks to work together soon.”
The title, they confirmed, is a playful nod to Cardi’s tabloid-filled life — a way to own the drama and reclaim her narrative.
Cardi B’s Real-Life Drama
Despite her musical absence, Cardi has remained firmly in the public eye:
Relationship Drama
Ongoing breakups and reconciliations with Offset
Filed for divorce in July 2024
“Every single day there’s rumors about me and my dude… I start to believe them. I don’t have no proof. I don’t have receipts.”
Feud with Nicki Minaj
Infamous brawl at New York Fashion Week (2018)
Cardi accused Nicki of “taking shots” at her mothering
Legal Victories
Won $4 million in a libel lawsuit against blogger Tasha K
Tasha falsely claimed Cardi was a prostitute and drug user
Cardi said the rumors damaged her mental health and reputation
Taking the Power Back
With “Am I The Drama?”, Cardi is doing what she does best — taking control of the narrative, poking fun at her past, and making it iconic.
After everything she’s been through, this album title isn’t just catchy — it’s cathartic.
Whether it’s a drag-inspired meme, a tabloid headline, or a viral moment, Cardi B is proving that she is the drama — and she’s owning it.
