Cardi B delivers some of her most biting lyrics yet on her new album “Am I The Drama?”—her long-awaited sophomore release, arriving seven years after “Invasion of Privacy.” The Bronx rapper uses the project to address her tumultuous relationship with Offset, silence critics, and, most notably, confront her rivals head-on.
Since the album’s drop at midnight on Friday, September 19, online chatter has zeroed in on Cardi B’s direct shots at fellow rapper BIA on the album’s thirteenth track, “Pretty & Petty.” The ongoing tension between the two artists comes to a head as Cardi B laces the song with pointed jabs:
“Name five Bia songs, gun pointing to your head/ Bow! I’m dead/ That melatonin flow putting us to bed/ I’m doing you a favor, Epic, run me my bread.” “Pop (expletive) and buy bags, only thing that I do/ Everytime I pray I thank God I’m not you/ I rather die on the surgery table before I got to walk around here looking like you/ You want to be with me, you sure? Do she even have a BET Award?” “You from Boston? Let’s have a little tea party/ Why you got kicked out of that condo? Why you be online and be lying though?” “Why you all on people’s face with that (expletive) mouth? / Diarrhea BIA, breath so stank/ You can smell her before you see her.” This feud between Cardi B and BIA reflects several current trends in hip-hop rivalries:
- Online Escalation: Modern rap feuds often start with subtle jabs or fan comparisons on social media, gaining momentum on platforms like Twitter and Instagram before making their way into tracks.
- Diss Tracks as a Battleground: Both artists have leaned into tradition by airing grievances and asserting dominance through their music, turning their conflict into a public spectacle.
- Personal Attacks: The lines between professional critique and personal insult continue to blur, with both rappers referencing each other’s looks, backgrounds, and accolades.
- Women at the Forefront: The feud highlights the increased visibility and competitive spirit among female rappers, a space that has grown as more women gain mainstream recognition in hip-hop.
- Fan Involvement: Social media and dedicated fanbases play an outsized role, fueling the drama and keeping the feud in the spotlight longer than in previous eras.
BIA’s Notable Music and Collaborations:
BIA, from Medford, Massachusetts, has built her reputation on distinctive flows and high-profile collaborations. Her most notable songs and features include:
- “Whole Lotta Money” (and its remix with Nicki Minaj), a viral charting hit
- “London” featuring J. Cole, which broadened her audience
- “Safari” with J Balvin, gaining her international exposure
- “Best on Earth” with Russ, a Gold-certified radio favorite
- Collaborations with Timbaland (“I’M THAT”) and Dreezy, among others
Recognized for her unique delivery and global collaborations, BIA continues to carve out her space in the rap world as her profile grows—regardless of the drama swirling around her name.
