Cardi B clears the air: Why ‘WAP’ and ‘Up’ belong on her new album

Ahead of her long-awaited sophomore album Am I the Drama?, Cardi B is making a bold creative choice: including two of her biggest hits — “WAP” and “Up” — years after their initial release. While fans are thrilled, the rapper is addressing the online backlash head-on, defending her decision and promising more surprises on the way.

Giving the hits a home

Cardi B is no stranger to controversy, but this time, she’s taking it head-on with confidence. On June 25, the Grammy-winning rapper responded to fan speculation about the tracklist for her upcoming album Am I the Drama?, which is slated to drop on September 19. The conversation focused on the inclusion of two of her chart-topping singles — 2020’s “WAP” and 2021’s “Up.”

“This will be the last and only time I’m gonna address this,” Cardi wrote bluntly in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “WAP and Up are two of my biggest songs. My fans have been asking me to put them on an album.” She explained that fans consistently search for the singles on her 2018 debut album Invasion of Privacy, but come up empty-handed. “They deserve a home,” she added.

Despite the criticism from detractors accusing her of recycling old material, Cardi defended the choice as fan-driven. “At this point I’m giving my fans what they want,” she said. She also revealed that she had originally held back WAP from Grammy consideration due to online hate — a decision she now regrets.

Defying expectations, on her own terms

Critics have accused Cardi B of trying to inflate her upcoming album’s streaming numbers by including already-successful singles. She quickly shut that narrative down. “Those songs won’t even count toward first-week sales,” she pointed out. “So what are y’all even crying about?”

In true Cardi fashion, she didn’t hold back. “Do y’all say anything when all these artists pull out all their little tricks and ponies to sell out??? Exactly… Now let them eat cake. Go cry about it!” Though the rapper’s direct tone can be polarizing, many fans applauded her for speaking her truth and staying authentic. And while some asked for even more throwback hits — like “Money,” “Press,” “Finesse,” or last year’s “Enough” and “Bongos” — the general sentiment has been one of excitement. For her fan base, the official inclusion of “WAP” and “Up” feels like overdue recognition for two career-defining anthems.

A cultural reset, now preserved

Cardi B’s decision to include “WAP” and “Up” isn’t just a strategic move — it’s a cultural timestamp. “WAP,” her explosive collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, made history as the first female rap duet to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remained there for four consecutive weeks and ignited a national conversation about sex positivity, censorship, and women’s empowerment in hip-hop.

“Up,” released the following year, followed suit with a No. 1 debut on the Hot 100 and a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance. Both singles have become staples in Cardi’s repertoire and fan-favorite performance tracks — the kind of songs that define an artist’s era.

By placing these cultural milestones on Am I the Drama?, Cardi is building a body of work that reflects not just her growth, but her influence. It’s a statement that her discography isn’t just a series of chart achievements — it’s a reflection of the moment.

What’s next in the Cardi universe?

Alongside “WAP” and “Up,” Cardi B recently released a new single from Am I the Drama? titled “Outside.” After debuting it live at a Spotify-hosted event during the Cannes Lions Festival, she officially dropped the track on June 20 — and it’s already sparking conversations.

“If y’all wouldn’t have asked for it, I wouldn’t have put it out,” she said candidly on Instagram Stories. She shared that the song was written during a particularly intense emotional period. “I made this song a few months ago when I was very, very angry. I had to change some bars because I was angry, honey.”

In a previous X Spaces conversation held in March, Cardi teased more about what fans can expect from the album, especially when it comes to collaborations. “The features on my album are really good,” she said, while noting that she’s keeping the list lean. “I’m working with artists, some that I have worked [with] before and some that I haven’t worked [with] before. And it’s such a vibe.” She added, “I could tell you this — I’m 100 percent confident with this album. I just don’t think what I got is out there.”

Owning the narrative, shaping the legacy

Cardi B has always been unapologetically herself — whether she’s addressing backlash, embracing vulnerability, or celebrating success. With Am I the Drama?, she’s crafting an album that seems less concerned with industry rules and more focused on personal truth.

By anchoring the record with some of her most impactful hits, Cardi is not only honoring fan demand, she’s reclaiming moments she once downplayed out of fear of criticism. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the music: trust your voice, acknowledge your wins, and stop waiting for permission to shine.

As September 19 approaches, Am I the Drama? is shaping up to be more than just a follow-up — it’s a declaration. And with tracks like “WAP,” “Up,” and “Outside” leading the charge, Cardi B is once again proving that she knows exactly who she is — and she’s not here to play by anyone else’s rules. Cardi B’s new album Am I the Drama? releases on Friday, September 19.