Cardi B has released her latest single, “Imaginary Playerz,” on August 15, 2025, as the second track from her upcoming sophomore album Am I the Drama?, due September 19. The song channels ’90s Hip-Hop, sampling JAY-Z’s 1997 classic “Imaginary Players,” with the rap icon personally approving the clearance.
Speaking in an X Spaces conversation earlier this week, Cardi explained that Jay-Z himself signed off on the sample. “If he didn’t approve it, I probably wouldn’t even feel a certain type of way neither,” she said. “But I’m glad that I came hard and he loved it.” She later revealed the approval text from her manager arrived at exactly 4:44 p.m., a nod to both his 4:44 album and her personal angel number.
Determined to honor the iconic beat, Cardi delivered sharp-edged verses, declaring her dominance with lines like: “Cardi B, every song platinum, I’m not the other b####… Whatever you was gon’ pay hеr, you gotta double it.”
The accompanying music video doubles down on the luxury vibe, featuring scenes aboard a private jet and yacht—imagery that helped fuel fan excitement. Within hours of release, “Imaginary Playerz” trended at No. 1 on X (formerly Twitter), with praise for bringing back a raw, classic rap energy reminiscent of Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown. One fan wrote, “This type of hip hop is missing in today’s music… Cardi bringing some of that real rap energy back,” while another declared, “OH CARDI B CHEWED THIS UP — SHE’S SO BACK OMFG.”
bWith Am I the Drama? set for release on September 19, “Imaginary Playerz” is positioning Cardi B’s return as both a nod to Hip-Hop history and a bold statement of her place in its present.