Okay, this is going to be the last time we talk about WAP and UP on Cardi B’s new project. The Bodak Yellow emcee is making it clear she is calling the shots on her next album, and anyone with complaints can keep them to themselves. After officially revealing the release date and title of her long-awaited second studio project, Am I The Drama?, Cardi quickly found herself addressing critics over her choice to include two older tracks on the upcoming release.
As we all can agree, fans and industry watchers have waited years for Cardi’s follow-up to her debut, and now that the September 19 drop date has been confirmed, some online voices have shifted their focus. Their issue? The chart-topping singles “WAP” and “Up,” which came out in 2020 and 2021, are included in the tracklist. With “WAP” certified 8x Platinum and “Up” 2x Platinum, some have argued that their inclusion could unfairly boost the album’s numbers and potentially help it reach Platinum status shortly after release.
Bet this, but Cardi wasted no time setting the record straight. On June 25, she jumped on X to clear the air and defend her decision with signature Cardi flair. “This will be the last and only time I’m gonna address this.. WAP and Up are two of my biggest songs, my fans have been asking me to put them on an album, and people search for them on IOP all the time… they deserve a home,” she wrote.
The trailblazing rapper also reflected on a past regret, revealing she had previously allowed online pressure to influence a major decision. “I let haters make me not submit WAP for the Grammy’s and at this point I’m giving my fans what they want!” she shared.
She closed her post by pointing out that including the songs won’t even impact first-week sales, calling out the double standards in the industry. “These two songs don’t even count for first week sales so what are yall even crying about??? Do ya say anything when all these artist pull out all their little tricks and ponies to sell out??? Exactly….Now let them eat cake. Go cry about it!!!”
That part.