Cardi B, one of the most outspoken stars in the music industry, has never been one to shy away from addressing rumors or criticisms. The 32-year-old rapper recently found herself at the center of financial speculation after partnering with Shein, an affordable fast fashion brand, for a sponsored social media deal. This move sparked debates among fans, with some questioning her financial stability and even suggesting she might be “going broke.”
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Criticism Over Shein Deal Sparks Financial Questions
Cardi’s collaboration with Shein raised eyebrows among fans who are used to seeing her decked out in high-end luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel. Comments flooded her social media after the partnership went live, with critics labeling the endorsement “embarrassing.” One follower wrote, “Girl, you wear Hermès and Chanel, not Shein,” while another commented, “This is so embarrassing, Shein promo.”
The backlash seemed to touch a nerve for Cardi, who took to social media to set the record straight, offering a candid and fiery response that left little doubt about her financial standing.
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A $3 Million Monthly Spending Habit
Firing back at the speculation, Cardi dropped a bombshell about her extravagant spending habits during a rant on X Spaces. The rapper revealed she spends a jaw-dropping $3 million every month. To further shut down rumors, she shared text message receipts showing she had recently turned down a $65 million tour offer.
“People are saying I’m surviving off Shein deals and brand deals,” Cardi said. “I want to let y’all know I could wake up tomorrow, sign a contract, and have half of $65 million—or half of $70 million—in my account.”
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Turning Down a $65 Million Tour
Despite the lucrative offer, Cardi chose not to accept the deal, explaining her strategy to wait for the release of her long-awaited sophomore album, which is now scheduled for 2025. According to Cardi, timing is everything when it comes to maximizing her earning potential.
“I’m not taking tour deals until I announce my album because once I do, I know those offers will go up,” she explained. “You have to move smart. You can’t act hungry when you’re not.”
The tour offer reportedly included $1.1 million per tour date, $1.5 million for festival appearances, and an overall guarantee of $65 million. By holding out, Cardi aims to secure even more lucrative deals post-album release.
Flashing the Receipts: Luxury Spending on Bling
In typical Cardi fashion, the rapper wasn’t content with just words; she backed up her claims by sharing receipts of her spending habits. Among her recent purchases:
- $200,000 on custom jewelry from Eliantte & Co.
- $120,000 spent with Benny the Jeweler, a favorite among hip-hop artists.
- $65,000 on luxury items from the resale website Adore the Couture.
Cardi’s willingness to share the details of her purchases underscores her commitment to transparency, albeit in her own over-the-top way.
Chart Struggles and Endorsement Wins
Despite her immense popularity, Cardi’s music career has hit a few bumps recently. Her last solo single, “Enough (Miami),” debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 but quickly dropped off the charts. Similarly, her 2023 collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, Bongos, failed to replicate the success of their smash hit WAP, missing the top 10 altogether.
Her last major solo hit, Up, reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 back in 2021. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting her sophomore album, which has faced delays since 2022.
However, while her chart performance may have waned, Cardi remains a force in the endorsement world. Over the past 18 months, she has inked deals with major brands like McDonald’s, Marc Jacobs, and Nyx Cosmetics. In addition, her alcohol-infused whipped cream brand, Whipshots, has been a hit in its niche market.
From $200 to $5 Million: Cardi’s Brand Evolution
Cardi also took a moment to reflect on her rise in the endorsement world, noting her humble beginnings. In a post on X, she reminisced about her first brand deal with Fashion Nova in 2016, where she earned just $200 per post. Today, she boasts brand deals worth as much as $5 million per campaign.
“Right now I get brand deals for over $5 million for a campaign… I got social media famous in 2014… my first brand deal from Fashion Nova was in 2016 and $200 a post,” she wrote.
Her message to fans: “You could reach any height no matter how ghetto or where you come from.”
Sophomore Album Delays Spark Questions
One of the key factors fueling speculation about Cardi’s career trajectory is the repeated delay of her second album. Initially slated for release in 2022, the album’s timeline has now shifted to 2025, leaving fans impatient. The delays have also led to questions about whether Cardi can sustain her dominance in the music industry amid a competitive landscape.
Nevertheless, Cardi remains confident in her strategy, prioritizing smart financial moves over rushing into deals or releases.
Cardi B has never been one to let public opinion dictate her life, and this latest episode is no exception. Whether it’s spending millions on jewelry or turning down a $65 million tour, Cardi’s approach to life and career remains unapologetically bold. While her music output may have slowed, her financial savvy and brand power continue to solidify her status as one of the most influential artists in the world.
