A viral claim suggesting a collaboration between rappers Nicki Minaj and Cardi B has been debunked, revealing the promotional materials were likely AI-generated. The claim, widely shared on social media, alleged the duo released a single titled “Mami” on November 22, 2024. However, investigations have confirmed the claim to be false.
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The Viral Claim
The rumors originated from a Facebook post on November 17 by a verified page named “Papi,” which has over 4.1 million followers. The post claimed, in Spanish, “Nobody saw it coming: Nicki Minaj announces her new single, ‘Mami,’ with Cardi B for this Friday,” referring to a supposed November 22 release date. The post included an image of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B posing on jet skis, which garnered significant attention: over 153,000 reactions, 5,200 comments, and 35,000 shares.
Despite the excitement among fans, the claim lacked credibility and raised suspicions due to the absence of announcements from the artists.
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Analyzing the Promo Image
AI detection tools were used to analyze the viral promotional image, and the results pointed strongly to manipulation:
- Sightengine’s Analysis: The tool flagged the image with a 99% probability of being AI-generated and a 69% likelihood of facial manipulation.
- “Is it AI?” Tool Results: This tool concluded that the image was “highly likely” AI-generated with an 80% probability.
- TrueMedia.org Findings: Further analysis revealed “substantial evidence” of manipulation, noting the image’s artificial appearance. Experts cited the styling and posing of the figures as “too perfect and symmetrical,” often indicative of image editing.
Moreover, the promotional image was found to resemble a photograph from apparel website Vuitino.com, suggesting it may have been repurposed for the hoax.
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No Official Announcement or Release
A review of the social media platforms of both Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, showed no evidence of any announcement regarding the alleged collaboration. Furthermore, no new single titled “Mami” featuring both artists was released on November 22 or any other date.
The last time Minaj and Cardi B collaborated on a track was in 2017 on Migos’ hit single “MotorSport.” Their relationship has since been marked by a public feud, culminating in an altercation at the Harper’s Bazaar Icon Party during New York Fashion Week in 2018.
Debunking the Rumor
The lack of an official announcement, combined with evidence of image manipulation, makes it clear that the claim is baseless. This is not the first instance of disinformation spreading online, as fan-made or AI-generated content has previously been used to stir excitement among music lovers.
Impact of the Rumor
The viral post highlights the power and pitfalls of social media. With over 4.1 million followers, the “Papi” Facebook page’s claim reached a vast audience, misleading many fans into believing in a collaboration between the two iconic rappers. Posts like this exploit fan enthusiasm and contribute to the spread of false information.
The quick spread of the rumor underscores the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before accepting or sharing it. Tools like AI image detection and platforms dedicated to debunking false claims, such as TrueMedia.org, play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of online content.
The Ongoing Feud Between Minaj and Cardi B
The public feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B has been a significant topic in the music industry since 2017. Tensions flared in 2018 during the infamous Harper’s Bazaar Icon Party, where a confrontation between the two made headlines. Video footage from the event appeared to show Cardi B attempting to confront Minaj, leading to security intervention. The incident marked the peak of their animosity and fueled ongoing speculation about their relationship.
Given this history, fans eagerly await any potential collaboration, but the possibility remains uncertain. Their shared feature on Migos’ “MotorSport” in 2017 remains their only professional collaboration to date.
The claim that Nicki Minaj and Cardi B released a single titled “Mami” has been thoroughly debunked. The promotional image was confirmed to be AI-generated, and no evidence supports the claim of a collaboration. Fans are encouraged to verify information through credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed rumors.
As technology advances, the rise of AI-generated content poses new challenges in distinguishing authentic information from fabricated material. Vigilance and critical thinking are essential in combating the spread of disinformation online. For those intrigued by celebrity collaborations, it’s best to wait for official announcements from the artists themselves.
