Ms. Cardi B, aged thirty-two, recently engaged in a publicity effort that has generated both attention and controversy among her fan base. The Grammy Award–winning artist, who prevailed in a $24 million civil assault action earlier this year, elected to employ traditional marketing tactics in connection with the promotion of her forthcoming album.
In a video released on Friday, Ms. Cardi B depicted herself in the role of a struggling musician attempting to sell compact discs aboard a subway train. As the train doors opened, she entered the frame dressed in white joggers and a black hoodie, with her long red hair visible beneath the hood, thereby embodying the persona of an aspiring artist seeking recognition through grassroots efforts.
Ms. Cardi B, aged thirty-two, has released a promotional video in advance of her forthcoming album Am I The Drama, which is scheduled for release on September 19. In the staged skit, the Grammy Award–winning artist portrayed herself as a struggling mother attempting to sell compact discs on a subway train for $9.99, with vinyl copies purportedly priced between $20 and $30.
Dressed in white joggers, a black hoodie, and black slide sandals, Ms. Cardi B walked through a sparsely occupied subway car, addressing passengers with appeals such as: “I used to be a professional ballerina… I’m trying to make a better example for my kids. Please support a mother of three.” Upon receiving money from a participant, she expressed gratitude before once again urging viewers to purchase her new album. The video concluded with footage of a rat scurrying through the subway station, prompting her to exclaim repeatedly, “Oh my God,” before requesting to be escorted out.
The publicity stunt elicited divided reactions online. Detractors criticized the performance as “embarrassing,” with some alleging that her appearance was akin to homelessness and others condemning it as an act of desperation. Conversely, supporters praised the campaign as innovative, describing it as “genius marketing” and an effective strategy for generating discussion and anticipation surrounding the project.
Am I The Drama marks Ms. Cardi B’s first album since her 2018 debut, Invasion of Privacy. On Instagram, she captioned the skit with tongue-in-cheek commentary, writing: “7 more days until I find out if I’m going to lose my home. Buy my album to help me save it.”
While Ms. Cardi B has publicly denied experiencing financial distress, the narrative appears to play upon persistent rumors of monetary difficulties following her divorce from fellow rapper Mr. Offset, aged thirty-three. Reports have suggested that Mr. Offset is facing substantial financial obligations, including alleged unpaid tax liabilities amounting to several million dollars.
The former couple share three children: Kulture, aged seven; Wave, aged four; and Blossom, aged twelve months.#newsafro_
