‘AM I THE DRAMA?’ Album Review: Aggressively Authentic

Confidence doesn’t contradict the softness within a person, and Cardi B is no exception. She released her newest album, “AM I THE DRAMA?” on Sept. 19 amid circulating commentary on her family, clearance of an assault charge, and hype over her glamorous appearances in court. Four years since the release of her last album “Invasion of Privacy,” Cardi B’s fierce spirit isn’t lost on songs like “Magnet,” “Pretty & Petty,” and “Outside.” The vulnerability and candidness she brings to sensitive topics in this phase of her life are equally important to understanding her music.

The album begins with a series of sound bites resembling reports on a criminal history, possibly including the assault on security guard Emani Ellis, which Cardi B was cleared of earlier this month. In a menacing and confrontational manner, “Dead” calls out haters from all stages of her life, including those “still mad about that Grammy” or those that are “telling lies” while listeners “just be eating it up.” Embedded in the morbid theme underlying most of the lyrics is a sense of gentleness as Cardi B says, “I cried three hundred days last year and none of y’all called me up,” or “I tried to come in peace, they tore me into pieces.” Opening with brief mentions of struggle but already reclaiming her fire, Cardi B prepares listeners for a powerful album grounded in defiance and revival.

Cardi B is well known for her collaborations, and this album is filled with notable names like Selena Gomez, Lizzo, and Tyla. With 11 tracks featuring other artists, and only two being rappers (Cash Cobain and Megan Thee Stallion), these collaborations could be Cardi B’s method of adding dynamic and nuance to the album. Noticeably slower and softer, the featured artists contribute romantic or melancholic qualities to tracks that still center on Cardi B’s narrative lyricism. Of these collaborations, “Principal” stands out as the most uplifting one. Elevated and effortless, Janet Jackson’s vocals combined with the rap add a distinctly nostalgic feel. On the other hand, “Safe” with Kehlani may offer the most balanced and seamless blend with Cardi B’s vocals.

“Salute” expands upon Cardi B’s humble beginnings and how they inform her personal approach to life, as she states “Might help somebody out ’cause I came up from nothin.’” In contrast to lines regarding her fashion sense or possession of expensive cars, she delves into her relationships with people who know and appreciate the deeper side of her, declaring “Don’t turn on that street, it’s not for tourists.” Ultimately, she emphasizes her respect for genuine people by repeating, “Salute the real bitches.”

This theme of gratitude extends to “Safe,” a more warm and tender track rumored to be devoted to Cardi B’s boyfriend, Stefon Diggs, with whom she announced her pregnancy just days before the album dropped. Amid personal struggles, she assures listeners that she feels supported and loved as she says, “You take all the pressure off my mind / Patient and kind when I be goin’ out my mind.” She is unafraid to admit her own faults — “When I spaz and I crash, you ain’t gon’ dip, right?” — and allows herself to rely on someone she truly trusts, saying, “That’s when I need you the most.” Cardi B’s values are clearly defined here. Although songs like “Imaginary Playerz” or “Check Please” describe a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle, she reiterates, “I don’t need a rich [N-word], just somebody that can make me feel safe.”

Towards the middle of the album, the drama delves into Cardi B’s past marriage with rapper Offset. Dougie F, featured in “Man Of Your Word,” likely voices her ex-husband speaking back to her. Cardi B’s emotion is apparent in the simple rhythm and intimate lyrics. She confesses, “As a wife, I should’ve realized when you was hurt / But instead, I put my music first,” while also calling him out with, “I could’ve cheated too.” Ultimately, she wishes him well, “I hope she satisfy your needs and everything that I didn’t / And I mean that, it’s a lot of pressure when a bitch an icon.” This sentiment continues in the following “What’s Goin On,” which reflects on the delicate situation: “Still, I stay, I don’t regret it.”

Exposing Offset’s shortcomings again in “Shower Tears,” Cardi B asks, “How you textin’ bitches from my bed?” Her exhaustion increasingly becomes evident: “I’m sick of fightin’, sick of cryin’, shit, it’s 4 a.m.” Reckoning with their complicated relationship, she tells herself “We should be good now.” Cardi B delivers a complete story arc that is messy, but emotionally true all the way.

Fans might recognize the last two tracks “Up” and “WAP,” released as singles in 2021 and 2020 respectively. Closing out on old, and successful, singles doesn’t particularly punch in the same way her newer songs do, but they still contribute to the intensity of the album. Meanwhile, songs like “Bodega Baddie” are definitely enjoyable ones that can energize crowds.

Despite those tracks’ contributions, “AM I THE DRAMA?” primarily finds its success when building a narrative on Cardi B’s relationships and the pressures of being in the public eye. The balance of both of these extreme experiences are at the heart of the album’s drama.