Cardi B’s upcoming “Am I The Drama?” project becomes first female rap album to earn multiple Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits

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Jul 6, 2025

Cardi B’s “Am I The Drama?” makes history with lead singles

Cardi B’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, is set to drop on September 19, and it’s already rewriting music history. With the third lead single “Outside” debuting at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, the album has become the first female rap project to spawn multiple top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits, as this is also before its official release.

Previous singles “WAP” (featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and “Up” also reached the top 10. Cardi now holds an unprecedented achievement in female rap — a feat that redefines what it means to dominate in a genre long controlled by male voices.

Chart-Topping Momentum: Cardi B’s Billboard Domination

Cardi has steadily built a legacy as one of hip-hop’s most consistent hitmakers. Each lead single from Am I The Drama? landed in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, a rare accomplishment for any artist — let alone a female rapper.

  • “Up” showcased Cardi’s ability to command the charts as a solo artist.
  • “WAP”, with its bold visuals and unapologetic message, became a pop culture earthquake.
  • Now, “Outside” continues that energy, debuting strong and hinting that more hits may be on the way.

This momentum matters. It’s not just about commercial success; it’s about cultural presence and long-term impact.

What Makes Am I The Drama? Stand Out?

🔥 Infectious Hooks and Anthemic Energy

Cardi B’s singles are known for their sticky hooks, infectious beats, and punchy lyrics. She blends humor, raw emotion, and boldness into every track. Whether it’s the fierce “Up” or the provocative “WAP,” her music taps into confidence, freedom, and resilience — topics that connect deeply with listeners, especially women.

🎯 Thoughtful Rollout Strategy

By spacing out her single releases and keeping visuals front and center, Cardi has built sustained hype. Instead of flooding the market, she lets each release breathe — gaining traction across social media, radio, and streaming platforms.

🌎 Real-World Relevance

Her songs aren’t just hits — they become events. They ignite debates, spawn memes, and spark dance trends. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a major role in amplifying Cardi’s music to global audiences.

Track Breakdown: “Up” → “WAP” → “Outside”

Let’s take a closer look at the three singles driving this historic run:

  • “Up” – Released in early 2021, it was Cardi’s first solo single after her Invasion of Privacy debut. The track’s hard-hitting production and confident lyrics showed growth in her artistry.
  • “WAP” – A blockbuster collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, it debuted at No. 1 and became one of the most talked-about songs of the decade. It challenged traditional norms in music and opened doors for bolder female expression in mainstream rap.
  • “Outside” – Her newest single, released last month, blends Cardi’s streetwise storytelling with a radio-friendly bounce. Its top 10 debut cements the album’s place in history before it even drops.

Why Cardi’s Success Matters in the Bigger Picture

🌟 Representation in Hip-Hop

Cardi’s chart achievements help normalize female dominance in spaces that have long favored men. Her success paves the way for upcoming female rappers to thrive without needing to fit traditional molds.

📈 Longevity in the Streaming Era

Many artists experience fleeting viral fame. Cardi, however, continues to evolve while maintaining relevance — a testament to her talent and adaptability in an industry that’s constantly shifting.

💬 Connecting With Fans on a Human Level

Cardi’s transparent nature, whether online or in interviews, fosters deep fan loyalty. Her fans feel like they’re part of her journey — through the music, the drama, and the wins.

A Closer Look at Cardi B’s Rise to Stardom

Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, Cardi’s journey began not in a studio, but on social media. Her honest and often hilarious videos gained traction on Instagram and Vine, eventually leading to her appearance on Love & Hip Hop: New York. That exposure was just the beginning.

With the release of her debut single “Bodak Yellow” in 2017, Cardi shifted from viral personality to music star. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — the first solo female rap song to do so in nearly two decades.

Since then, she’s:

  • Won a Grammy for Invasion of Privacy
  • Headlined major festivals
  • Become a fashion icon
  • Continued to expand her brand into TV, beauty, and activism

Why Am I The Drama? Is Set to Be a Cultural Event

Cardi B doesn’t just release albums — she launches movements. Here’s why her second studio album could change the game once again:

1. High Anticipation = High Stakes

Fans have waited over five years since Invasion of Privacy. Expectations are sky-high, and Cardi’s rollouts suggest she’s ready to deliver.

2. Genre-Bending Possibilities

Rumors suggest the album might feature reggaeton, trap, drill, and R&B influences, expanding her sound and audience.

3. Possible Collaborations

With Cardi’s industry connections, more high-profile collabs are expected. Whether it’s Doja Cat, SZA, or even a surprise Megan reunion, the possibilities have fans buzzing.

Music Marketing Lessons From Cardi’s Album Rollout

If you’re an aspiring artist — or even a brand — there’s plenty to learn from Cardi’s approach:

  • Drip release content: Spread out your major releases to stay top-of-mind longer.
  • Use your voice: Cardi’s authenticity builds trust. Speak directly to your audience.
  • Collaborate widely: Bring in partners who align with your vision but expand your reach.
  • Engage communities: Cardi’s music fuels user-generated content across platforms.

This rollout isn’t just about one album. It’s a masterclass in modern audience engagement.

What to Expect on September 19

As Am I The Drama? finally drops, here’s what fans, critics, and industry insiders will be watching:

  • First-week album sales
  • Global Spotify and Apple Music charts
  • Viral TikTok moments tied to album tracks
  • Music video releases and visuals
  • Any upcoming tour or performance announcements

This moment could shift how female rap albums are marketed and received in the streaming era.

More Than Just Drama

Am I The Drama? may be the title, but what Cardi B delivers is more than spectacle. It’s chart history, cultural disruption, and industry evolution — all packaged into one bold release.

With three Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits — “Up,” “WAP,” and “Outside” — Cardi B has achieved something no other female rapper ever has. And the album isn’t even out yet.

As September 19 approaches, one thing’s clear: Cardi B isn’t just part of the culture. She’s shaping it.