Cardi B, the Bronx-born rapper known for her candid and unapologetic personality, has once again captured headlines. This time, the femcee took a moment to address the unique backlash she faces, not just from critics but also from those who secretly admire her. In an interview on The Breakfast Club while promoting her new single “Bongos” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi opened up about her experiences with online hate and the complexities of being a polarizing figure in the music industry.
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“People Are Afraid to Admit They Like Me”
During her appearance on The Breakfast Club, Cardi B spoke openly with co-host Charlamagne Tha God about her relationship with criticism and hateful comments. When asked if she reads negative comments online, the rapper didn’t hesitate to confirm.
“Yeah, yeah,” Cardi responded, adding a layer of introspection. “You gotta also know what people like, though. You know what? I be feeling like a lot of people hate to admit that they like me. A lot of people are afraid to say that they like me. When people say that they like me, they get attacked. Or if they take my side on anything. So I have to accept that.”
This sentiment reveals the double-edged sword of Cardi’s fame. Despite her massive success and loyal fanbase, the rapper recognizes that public support for her can lead to backlash for those who voice it. This reality, Cardi explained, is something she’s learned to live with, though it doesn’t make it any less perplexing.
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The “Fake Haters” Phenomenon
Cardi B went on to share an anecdote about individuals who publicly bash her but secretly admire her.
“There’s even people that I’ve seen comment nasty st about me,” Cardi said. “Some of my friends have pressed them about them. ‘Why you be going so hard on my girl?’ ‘I don’t know, I really do like her, though.’ It’s like, ‘B*h!'”
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Her frustration is understandable, especially when these so-called “haters” emulate her style. Cardi recounted an example of someone she doesn’t know personally but has been critical of her online while mimicking her iconic birthday looks.
“She got so much st to say about me, but she always copying my birthday looks! I mean, she does the s*ty version, but it’s like… How you don’t like me? You like me,” Cardi exclaimed, her tone equal parts disbelief and humor.
For Cardi, this behavior underscores a strange dynamic in her relationship with the public: the paradox of being loved and hated simultaneously.
Overcoming Mental Hurdles
Despite the challenges of navigating online criticism and fake hate, Cardi B remains unbothered by lies and rumors.
“I feel like I’m already getting over that [mental] hurdle. As long as motherf***ers don’t lie on me, it’s okay,” she said, signaling her growing resilience. Cardi’s approach reflects a seasoned understanding of the pitfalls of fame and a determination not to let negativity derail her.
Championing Women in the Rap Game
Cardi B also used the interview as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and talent in the current female rap scene. She highlighted how each artist brings something unique and special to the table, making this era of hip-hop one of the most exciting yet.
While her comments on the backlash she faces are deeply personal, they also reflect broader issues within the entertainment industry and society at large. The expectation for artists—particularly women—to navigate fame flawlessly while enduring intense scrutiny creates an environment ripe for the kind of contradictory behavior Cardi described.
“Bongos” and the Power of Collaboration
Cardi’s latest single, “Bongos,” serves as a testament to her ability to rise above the noise and focus on her craft. The track, a follow-up to her wildly successful “WAP” collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, showcases her dedication to pushing boundaries and keeping her music fresh.
In discussing the song, Cardi emphasized the importance of collaboration among female artists. She acknowledged that while there’s often pressure and expectations placed on women in hip-hop, working together is a way to challenge those narratives and uplift one another.
A Complex Legacy
Cardi B’s candid reflections on hate, admiration, and the intricacies of fame offer a glimpse into the challenges she faces as a cultural icon. Her ability to address these issues with humor, grace, and honesty only solidifies her place as one of the most relatable and influential figures in music today.
As “Bongos” climbs the charts and Cardi continues her press run, one thing is clear: the Bronx rapper isn’t slowing down. Whether loved, hated, or secretly admired, Cardi B is here to stay—and she’s doing it on her own terms.
