Cardi B admits throwing speaker at Rah Ali during airport confrontation, Rah denies it [VIDEO]

Cardi B and Rah Ali Clash at Cannes Airport Lounge

The hip-hop world thrives on drama. However, few moments have sparked as much interest as the recent confrontation between Cardi B and Rah Ali at a Cannes airport lounge. This explosive encounter is rooted from a 2018 brawl tied to Nicki Minaj. It saw Cardi allegedly throwing a JBL speaker at Rah Ali. Meanwhile, Rah claims it was shoes and bags. With both artists sharing conflicting stories, the incident has set social media ablaze. Therefore, reigniting one of hip-hop’s most enduring feuds. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, the history behind it, and what it means for both women.

What Happened at Cannes Airport?

The clash occurred just days ago at a private lounge in the Cannes airport, where Cardi B was traveling to shoot the cover for her upcoming album, Am I The Drama?. According to Cardi, speaking on X Spaces last night, she spotted Rah Ali, who was reportedly in a wheelchair due to illness after attending Paris Fashion Week. Cardi claims she initially asked Rah if she was okay, but Rah’s “stare-down” triggered her. “She’s looking at me like she want smoke,” Cardi said. In response, Cardi admitted to throwing a JBL speaker at Rah’s head as “payback” for a 2018 altercation. She emphasized her need to “stand on business” in front of her Bronx-native bodyguard, who witnessed the event. Airport police and security stepped in. Thus, preventing further escalation, and no arrests were made.

Rah Ali, however, paints a different picture. On her OnSite podcast with guest host Ray Daniels, Rah said she was unwell and using a wheelchair when Cardi approached. Thus, yelling and accusing her of hiding behind social media. Rah denies being hit by a speaker, claiming Cardi threw shoes and bags instead. Therefore, causing a scene. “Had anyone hit me in the head with a speaker, I’d be in handcuffs defending myself,” Rah posted on X this afternoon. She accused Cardi of “embarrassing Black people” and insisted she remained calm throughout the ordeal.

The conflicting accounts—Cardi’s speaker-throwing claim versus Rah’s shoes-and-bags narrative—have fueled intense debate. Both agree a confrontation happened. However, the specifics remain murky, with no video footage surfacing to clarify the truth.

The 2018 Feud: Where It All Began

The Cannes clash stems from a 2018 incident at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons Party during New York Fashion Week. Thus, a pivotal moment in the Cardi B-Nicki Minaj rivalry. At the time, Cardi, then 25 and a new mother to daughter Kulture, confronted Nicki over alleged comments about her parenting. The argument turned physical, and Rah Ali, a close friend of Nicki and former Love & Hip Hop: New York star, allegedly attacked Cardi. Meanwhile, security restrained her. Cardi left the event barefoot with a visible knot on her forehead. However, later claiming security caused the injury.

Nicki Minaj, on her Queen Radio podcast, said Rah “beat Cardi’s real bad,” delivering “the hardest punches.” Cardi initially downplayed Rah’s involvement but, in her recent X Spaces, seemed to confirm Rah’s role. Thus, stating, “You and your friend’s security attacked me.” This suggests Cardi had been holding a grudge for seven years, waiting for a chance to retaliate. The bad blood continued over the years, with Rah escalating tensions in 2022 by posting a diss track targeting Cardi’s daughter Kulture. Therefore, further deepening the rift.

Social Media and Fan Reactions

The Cannes incident exploded on X, with fans and commentators dissecting both sides. One user, @iamcoryb, posted, “Cardi B addresses the airport drama, says she threw a JBL speaker at Rah Ali.” Meanwhile, @RealTeaWithTia summarized, “Rah says Cardi was yelling and throwing bags. Cardi says it was a speaker for her ‘lick back.’” The lack of footage has left fans split. Some are praising Cardi’s unapologetic attitude—“Cardi stays true to her roots,” one user wrote. Meanwhile others criticized her as immature. “Three kids later and still acting like this?” a Lipstick Alley user commented.

Rah’s supporters argue she showed restraint, with one X post stating, “Rah stayed calm while Cardi made a fool of herself.” However, Cardi accused Rah of clout-chasing by publicizing the incident first, a claim Rah countered by saying she was simply defending her reputation. The back-and-forth has kept the feud trending on various social platforms.

The Impact on Cardi B and Rah Ali

For Cardi B, the incident comes at a critical time. Her sophomore album, expected later this year, is highly anticipated, but this drama risks overshadowing her music. Fans love her raw, confrontational persona, and the speaker-throwing story aligns with her “Bronx girl” image. “I didn’t care if I got arrested,” she said on X Spaces. Thus, doubling down on her defiance. However, the legal risks of such actions in an international airport could have been severe, a fact she acknowledged but dismissed.

Rah Ali, meanwhile, has used her OnSite podcast to frame herself as the mature party. Therefore, emphasizing her restraint despite Cardi’s alleged outburst. The controversy has boosted her platform’s visibility. However, her denial of the speaker incident suggests an effort to avoid legal trouble. Rah’s history of staying relatively quiet about 2018 contrasts with her vocal response now. Thus, indicating she’s ready to stand her ground.

Why This Matters in Hip-Hop

The Cardi B-Rah Ali clash is more than just a personal beef—it’s a snapshot of how feuds drive hip-hop culture. Social media amplifies these conflicts. Therefore, turning private disputes into public spectacles. The lack of clear evidence in this case mirrors other high-profile hip-hop spats, where competing narratives often overshadow the truth. Fans play a key role, picking sides and fueling the drama through memes, posts, and debates.

The incident also highlights the pressure artists face to maintain their image. Cardi’s refusal to “grow out” of her confrontational side resonates with fans who see her as authentic, but critics argue it reinforces negative stereotypes. Rah’s call for Cardi to “grow up” reflects a broader conversation about maturity in the industry, especially for women in hip-hop navigating public scrutiny.

What’s Next?

The Cannes clash is unlikely to be the final chapter. Cardi’s upcoming album may address the incident, given her track record of turning personal drama into music. Tracks like “Press” and “Be Careful” have tackled past conflicts, and Am I The Drama? seems tailor-made for this moment. Rah, meanwhile, may continue to use her podcast to shape the narrative, keeping her relevant in the conversation.

For now, the hip-hop world is glued to this drama, waiting for the next move. Whether it’s new music, another social media rant, or an unlikely reconciliation, Cardi B and Rah Ali have ensured their feud remains a hot topic. As fans await clarity—perhaps through security footage or further statements—one thing is certain: in hip-hop, old grudges die hard.