Cardi B has built her career on being unapologetically real, and that energy extends far beyond music. In a new conversation with Billboard, the Grammy winning rapper admitted that when it comes to politics, she has been holding back more than usual.
“I really, really had to bite my tongue, but you know the reason why I’ve been so silent about politics? It’s because when I used to complain the past four years, I know for a fact that people watch my stuff. I know it. I know the White House watches my stuff. I have a big platform. I know they listen to what I say.”
She went on to explain why she believes the country is stuck in a cycle of turmoil. “All I’m going to say is America is in a very bad place. No matter who’s in charge, it’s going to stay like that because we’re paying for bad karma. Why [are we] paying for bad karma? Because we have been involved in something morally illegal, morally that God hates, morally that is disgusting. I’m not going to speak about it. Y’all should know why.”
For Cardi, being tapped in politically is not just about her own voice but about passing that awareness down to her kids. “Yes, please! I hope they take that trait from me. You always have to be aware of what’s happening to the world and what’s happened before, because things really do repeat themselves.”
Even if her delivery isn’t polished, she is clear about standing firm in her perspective. “I might not say it the prettiest way, but I know they listen to what I’m saying.”
Once again, Cardi proves that whether she is lighting up the stage or sounding off on the state of the nation, her words land heavy, sparking real conversations across the culture.