Cardi B Breaks Her Silence on Industry Plant Allegations
For years, rumors have swirled around Cardi B, claiming the Bronx-born rapper was strategically placed in the music industry to eclipse Nicki Minaj. Now, Cardi is setting the record straight.
In a candid interview with Alex Cooper on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Cardi dismissed the notion that she was an “industry plant.” She reflected on the narratives that have dogged her since the release of her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow”:
“People have made this whole story that I came into the industry to like take over somebody’s career. But it’s like, I never thought that. I just wanted to become famous at what I like to do … Sometimes people just don’t get along with each other.”
Though she stopped short of naming Minaj directly, the remarks clearly reference the long-standing speculation of tension between the two rap icons.
The Kanye West Connection
The drama traces back to 2018 when Kanye West reportedly called Cardi an “industry plant” in a leaked conversation, claiming she had been deliberately positioned to replace Minaj. He allegedly said:
“She literally replaced Nicki Minaj. Purposely, they put her there. And now, she doesn’t know what to do.”
Until now, Cardi had not publicly responded to the remark—but her recent interview makes it clear she rejects the narrative.
“This is what I was destined for. I was meant to become this, no matter who signed me, no matter what. I was going to be famous and I was going to be a rapper,” Cardi affirmed.
Since 2017, when Bodak Yellow topped the charts, Cardi has become a defining voice in modern hip hop. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, earned a Grammy and set streaming records, cementing her as both a musical force and a cultural icon.
Feud Timeline: Minaj and Cardi
The rivalry between Cardi B and Minaj is layered and longstanding. Their tension reportedly began with the 2017 collaboration MotorSport with Migos, which Minaj claimed altered her verse.
The feud continued in 2018 at New York Fashion Week, when Cardi allegedly threw a shoe at Minaj during a Harper’s Bazaar party, one of several widely circulated incidents highlighting their public disagreement.
Adding fuel to the fire, Minaj recently teased a potential album release, posting on X on September 24:
“3.27.26 [CD emoji]”
Fans immediately speculated about whether the timing could intensify the ongoing rivalry, especially following Cardi’s second studio album, Am I The Drama?, which dropped on September 19.
The Larger Conversation
Beyond gossip and social media debates, Cardi’s remarks highlight the challenges female rappers face in a male-dominated industry: navigating public perception, artistic integrity, and global scrutiny while asserting ownership of their own careers.
Her response underscores a key point: Cardi B’s rise wasn’t orchestrated by corporate forces—it was earned through talent, hustle, and authenticity.
As fans dissect her words and the ongoing saga with Minaj unfolds, one thing is clear: the story of Cardi B is as much about breaking barriers as it is about chart-topping hits.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@newsscardi}