Latest news with #ImaginaryPlayers
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cardi B drops '90s-inspired 'Imaginary Playerz' with JAY-Z sample clearance ahead of new album release
Cardi B has released her latest single, 'Imaginary Playerz,' on August 15, 2025, as the second track from her upcoming sophomore album Am I the Drama?, due September 19. The song channels '90s Hip-Hop, sampling JAY-Z's 1997 classic 'Imaginary Players,' with the rap icon personally approving the clearance. Speaking in an X Spaces conversation earlier this week, Cardi explained that Jay-Z himself signed off on the sample. 'If he didn't approve it, I probably wouldn't even feel a certain type of way neither,' she said. 'But I'm glad that I came hard and he loved it.' She later revealed the approval text from her manager arrived at exactly 4:44 p.m., a nod to both his 4:44 album and her personal angel number. Determined to honor the iconic beat, Cardi delivered sharp-edged verses, declaring her dominance with lines like: 'Cardi B, every song platinum, I'm not the other b####… Whatever you was gon' pay hеr, you gotta double it.' The accompanying music video doubles down on the luxury vibe, featuring scenes aboard a private jet and yacht—imagery that helped fuel fan excitement. Within hours of release, 'Imaginary Playerz' trended at No. 1 on X (formerly Twitter), with praise for bringing back a raw, classic rap energy reminiscent of Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown. One fan wrote, 'This type of hip hop is missing in today's music… Cardi bringing some of that real rap energy back,' while another declared, 'OH CARDI B CHEWED THIS UP — SHE'S SO BACK OMFG.' bWith Am I the Drama? set for release on September 19, 'Imaginary Playerz' is positioning Cardi B's return as both a nod to Hip-Hop history and a bold statement of her place in its present.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Cardi B Joins Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé And Rihanna
In about a month, Cardi B will release one of the most highly anticipated sophomore albums in history. Am I the Drama? is scheduled to arrive more than seven years after she broke out in a major way with Invasion of Privacy. The rapper has been pushing tunes from the forthcoming set for years, and her latest, 'Outside,' is still working its way up several Billboard charts. Just before she shares 'Imaginary Players,' the next promotional cut from the full-length, 'Outside' soars at radio — where Cardi is still a favorite — and helps her join an incredibly exclusive club on one specific tally. 'Outside' Jumps to No. 1 'Outside' climbs from No. 3 to No. 1 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart. Cardi earns her ninth career No. 1 on the radio list. As her current focus cut soars, she claims the fifth-most leaders of all time among female musicians. Cardi B Joins Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Doja Cat Rihanna leads the charge among women with 17 No. 1s on the Rhythmic Airplay chart. Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj are tied for second place with 12 each. Doja Cat follows with 11 winners. Cardi B's History on the Rhythmic Airplay Chart Throughout her career, Cardi has sent 36 tunes to the Rhythmic Airplay chart. 21 of them have broken into the top 10. Nearly half have now reached No. 1, and she could collect a milestone tenth in the coming weeks as excitement around Am I the Drama? builds. Cardi B's Many No. 1 Smashes About half of Cardi's No. 1s have spent just a single frame on top. 'I Like It' with Bad Bunny and J Balvin and her breakout smash 'Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)' are tied as her longest-running leaders, with four weeks at the summit apiece. 'Up' managed three stays on the throne, while 'Finesse' with Bruno Mars and 'No Limit' alongside G-Eazy and ASAP Rocky racked up just two turns. 'Outside' could match those latter tunes in about a week when Billboard refreshes its rankings, if it holds. 'Outside' Rises on Multiple Radio Lists While 'Outside' declines on the Rap Digital Song Sales chart and sits in lower positions on several other lists, it is gaining ground on almost every airplay ranking it appears on. Cardi also conquers the Rap Airplay ranking and moves within striking distance of the summit on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay list as 'Outside' rises from No. 3 to No. 2.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cardi B Is Offering ‘Just a Lil Taste of the Drama' With ‘Imaginary Players' Single Coming Soon
Bardi Gang, rejoice, because Cardi B just revealed that her next single is coming sooner than you think. The MC announced on Monday (Aug. 11) that she'll be releasing her newest single 'Imaginary Players' on Friday (Aug. 15). 'Just a lil taste of the drama. IMAGINARY PLAYERS THIS FRIDAY,' she wrote on Instagram while sharing a photo of herself sporting pink hair, posted up in front of a white Rolls Royce while draped in a matching white fur coat. More from Billboard Offset Says He Knew About Cardi B's 'Outside' Before Its Release: 'Everything Be a Timing Thing' Cardi B's 'Outside' Tops Billboard Rhythmic, Rap Airplay Charts Cardi B's Creative & Brand Manager Patientce Foster & Music Exec Bun Monroe Want to Build Artists' Careers Beyond Music 'Imaginary Players' will arrive two months after her 'Outside' hit that reached No. 1 on both Rhythmic Airplay and Rap Airplay earlier this month. It also debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 last month, becoming the rapper's 13th top 10. 'Imaginary Players' and 'Outside' will be featured on Cardi's long-awaited sophomore album Am I the Drama?, which is out Sept. 19 via Atlantic Records. Her Hot 100 No. 1s 'WAP' with Megan Thee Stallion and 'Up' will also be featured on the album, a decision that Cardi has defended since announcing the album. 'This will be the last and only time I'm gonna address this,' she wrote on X. 'WAP and Up are two of my biggest songs, my fans have been asking me to put them on an album, and people search for them on IOP all the time… they deserve a home.' Am I the Drama? will arrive seven years after her critically acclaimed debut studio album Invasion of Privacy, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2018, won the Grammy for best rap album in 2019 and made RIAA history in 2022 when all 13 tracks became certified platinum or higher. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
