The anticipation for Cardi B’s sophomore album has been building throughout 2024, but fans were hit with disappointment when the Bronx superstar revealed during an Instagram Live session on November 17 that her album won’t drop until 2025. This announcement reignited tensions between Cardi and retired rapper-turned-podcaster Joe Budden, who had publicly doubted her album release plans earlier this year.
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A Rollercoaster Year for Cardi B
In her Instagram Live, Cardi opened up about the emotional and personal challenges she faced throughout 2024, describing it as the “weirdest year” of her life. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared:
“I’ve been feeling so emotional lately… I don’t know what the fk happened this year. I fell in love. Then fell out of love, then got a divorce. I’m going through a very different transition in my fking life, and life is moving a little bit too fast.”
Cardi acknowledged that she needed time to refocus and assured fans that 2025 would bring big things, including her long-awaited album and secret business ventures. “Next year, my album will be out, my secret businesses will be out. Hopefully next year I get me a little boyfriend. I’m hoe-less right now,” she joked.
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While Cardi’s candid admissions garnered sympathy from many fans, the delay in her album’s release was a hard pill to swallow for others, especially given that it’s been over six years since her record-breaking debut, Invasion of Privacy (2018).
Joe Budden’s Prediction and the Fallout
The delay also fueled speculation about a recent jab from Joe Budden, who tweeted:
“Wonder if I’ll get an apology for saying _____ wasn’t dropping an album this year lol.”
Although he didn’t name Cardi directly, fans quickly deduced that she was the target of his comment. The tweet references Budden’s remarks earlier in July on his Joe Budden Podcast, where he doubted that Cardi would release another album this year—or perhaps ever again.
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Budden had said:
“We’ll never get another album again. I am standing on it… Cardi got something dropping with my man Rob[49] on Friday, but that’s what Cardi’s gonna be now. A single artist.”
He added a pointed remark seemingly directed at Cardi’s personal life:
“I’m sure Offset wants Cardi to put an album out… Fellas out there, boyfriends, y’all know that feeling, right? When you want your bi**h to get a job… Ain’t you got an album to do?”
These comments didn’t sit well with Cardi, who fired back on social media, accusing Budden of harboring a long-standing vendetta against her.
Cardi’s Clapback: Lap Dances, Comparisons, and Criticisms
In a fiery response, Cardi recalled an encounter with Budden at a club, claiming:
“Bro, I gave you a lap dance two times in Starlets. You was high as fk on coke… For the past two years, this nia has only talked bad things about me.”
She also criticized Budden for frequently comparing her to other female rappers, accusing him of using her name to spark controversy.
“Every five or six months, you compare another female rapper to me… If you love these bi**hes so much, why are you not talking about their albums? You compare females to me that my worst records beat their best records.”
Cardi expressed frustration that Budden seemed overly critical of her career, particularly her music releases.
“You really want my album to come out so you can criticize it. Every time I drop something, you don’t like it. The sht is in motion. Merch is in motion. The box sets are in motion. You don’t know sht.”
Joe Budden’s Response
Budden, known for his outspoken personality, addressed Cardi’s allegations on his podcast. He denied her claims about drug use and the lap dances but issued an apology for his past remarks. He promised to steer clear of discussing Cardi’s career on future episodes of the show, seemingly bringing an end to their public feud.
Fan Reactions and the Future
Cardi’s album delay and her feud with Budden have sparked widespread debate among fans and industry observers. While some sympathize with her personal struggles and appreciate her honesty, others have expressed frustration at the prolonged wait for her new music.
As for Budden, his commentary has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his candidness and others criticizing him for his seemingly harsh critique of female rappers.
Despite the controversy, Cardi remains determined to make 2025 her year. With promises of new music, secret ventures, and perhaps even a new relationship, fans are eager to see how she bounces back from a turbulent 2024.
What’s Next for Cardi B?
As Cardi continues to navigate her personal and professional life, the stakes couldn’t be higher for her sophomore album. Whether it lives up to the hype or not, one thing is certain: Cardi B knows how to keep people talking.
Stay tuned for updates on Cardi’s journey and more insights from the ever-eventful world of hip-hop.
