Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has shut down ongoing rumours suggesting she was introduced into the music scene as part of a plot to overshadow fellow rapper Nicki Minaj.
The speculation, which has trailed her career for years, resurfaced recently after a leaked video showed rapper Ye alleging that Cardi was an “Illuminati plant” created to dethrone Minaj.
Cardi B insists her success is self-made
Speaking on the latest episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Cardi B described the narrative as unfounded, stressing that her career growth was based on hard work and destiny rather than a scheme against another artist.
“I was destined for this,” Cardi said, explaining that no label signed her with the intent of sabotaging Minaj or anyone else’s career. While she avoided calling Minaj’s name directly, her remarks clearly addressed the long-running rumours.
On female rap rivalries
Cardi also reflected on how rivalries among women in hip hop are often exaggerated. She noted that sometimes artists simply don’t get along, but that shouldn’t automatically be seen as part of a conspiracy.
A history of tension with Minaj
Her comments come against the backdrop of her long-documented feud with Nicki Minaj. The conflict hit its peak in 2018 during New York Fashion Week, when a heated altercation ended with Cardi reportedly hurling a shoe at Minaj an incident that dominated global headlines.
Now, Cardi seems eager to move past the rivalry narrative and redirect attention to her accomplishments as one of hip hop’s top voices.