Cardi B – “Outside”

Cardi B releases highly anticipated “Outside” single

Cardi B has officially returned to the music scene in 2025 with the launch of her new single “Outside.” The track made its live debut on June 18 at Spotify Beach in Cannes, France, and its official release followed on June 20. Fans have been eagerly anticipating new music from the Bronx-born rapper, and she did not disappoint.

This release marks Cardi’s first solo single since 2024’s “Enough (Miami),” which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance. With her second album now turned in to Atlantic Records, anticipation is building to a fever pitch.

The Return: Cardi B Releases “Outside”

Cardi B announced “Outside” on June 17, generating instant buzz on social media. She then took the stage at Spotify’s Cannes Lions 2025 celebration just a day later. Performing the track live before its official drop added to the hype.

The song, with its brash, unapologetic lyrics and thumping beat, feels like a classic Cardi move. It’s bold. It’s loud. It’s real. While the track is upbeat and club-ready, many fans are speculating it could also contain references to her rocky relationship with Offset. Cardi hasn’t confirmed anything about the song’s lyrical inspirations, but the internet is, of course, doing its thing.

Though some online critics slammed her Cannes performance, her core fanbase—the Bardi Gang—is loving the energy.

What Is Spotify Beach at Cannes?

Spotify Beach at Cannes Lions is a major cultural and industry event. Every year, Spotify hosts an immersive space on the French Riviera that brings together top artists, creators, and marketing professionals. In 2025, acts like John Legend and Mark Ronson shared the stage with Cardi B.

The idea? Merge music, media, and marketing. Attendees can chill at the Mix Bar, record podcasts, ride the Jam Bike, or experience exclusive artist sets under the Mediterranean sun. Cardi’s presence added star power to Spotify’s growing influence in music discovery and global brand partnerships.

Performing “Outside” at Cannes made perfect sense. It was glamorous, buzzy, and international—just like Cardi herself.

Cardi’s Album 2: Officially Turned In

Now, onto the biggest news: Cardi B’s second studio album is finished and turned in to Atlantic Records. After years of teasers, delays, and social media hints, the album’s completion is official.

Moreover, Cardi has said this follow-up to Invasion of Privacy is deeply personal. It’s emotional. It’s “messy.” It reflects her growth as an artist and woman over the past seven years.

Key Album Details:

• Status: Album is complete and in the hands of Atlantic Records
• Tone: Emotional, raw, experimental
• Themes: Love, heartbreak, fame, motherhood, resilience
• Release Date: Still being finalized by the label

The creative process took time. Cardi wanted every song to feel authentic. She even paused dating and took breaks from social media to stay focused. In her own words: “No distractions. Just vibes.”

A Look Back: “Enough (Miami)”

Before “Outside,” Cardi released “Enough (Miami)” in March 2024. The track brought her back into Grammy contention and reintroduced her distinctive rap flow to a global audience.

As a result, the song debuted in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and quickly racked up millions of streams. Fans and critics praised its balance of aggression and vulnerability. It also marked a shift in tone—a more mature Cardi B, but still with the fire that made her a household name.

Furthermore, the success of “Enough (Miami)” created the perfect runway for “Outside” and the album rollout to come.

The Evolution of Cardi B

Cardi B’s journey hasn’t been traditional. From reality TV star to Grammy winner, she’s never followed industry norms. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), set records. It went triple platinum, earned her a Grammy, and produced iconic singles like:

• “Bodak Yellow”
• “I Like It” (with Bad Bunny & J Balvin)
• “Be Careful”
• “Money”

Since then, she’s been featured on chart-toppers like:

• “WAP” (with Megan Thee Stallion)
• “Up”
• “Taki Taki” (with DJ Snake, Selena Gomez, and Ozuna)

As of 2025:

• Cardi B is the most streamed female rapper on Spotify
• She holds the most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles for a female rapper
• She has earned Guinness World Records, BET Awards, VMAs, and more

Now, she’s entering a new chapter—one that’s expected to further cement her legacy.

What Fans Are Saying

Fans have been begging for a second album since 2020. When Cardi teased music earlier this year with an Instagram post saying, “Let me stop playing and release 🤭,” the comments exploded.

On Reddit, reactions ranged from hopeful to hilarious:

• “I sure hope so!”
• “Because baby, it’s been way too long!”
• “If she drops this summer, the streets are hers!”

Cardi’s fanbase remains one of the most loyal in hip-hop. They’ve waited patiently for new music. And now, they’re ready to ride into a Cardi-dominated summer.

Why This Matters for the Music Industry

Cardi’s next album isn’t just another release—it’s a cultural moment. It reflects where hip-hop is headed in the streaming age: emotionally intelligent, genre-blending, and designed for both virality and longevity.

For Spotify and Atlantic Records, it’s also a major business move. Cardi B draws streams, views, headlines, and cultural relevance.

And for other artists? Cardi sets a high bar. Her success proves that you can balance commercial appeal with artistic depth.

Cardi B’s release of “Outside” marks the start of a major comeback. The song sets the tone for what could be one of the year’s most important albums. With her sophomore project finally complete, fans are entering a new Cardi era—one shaped by personal growth, emotional expression, and undeniable star power.

Whether you’re a die-hard Bardi fan or a curious newcomer, one thing’s clear: Cardi B is outside, and she’s not going anywhere.