Cardi B taps into the ’90s vibe on her new single “Imaginary Playerz,” which features a sample from Jay-Z

Cardi B Drops New Single Imaginary Playerz Sampling Jay-Z Ahead of Album Am I The Drama?

Cardi B has officially released her brand-new single “Imaginary Playerz”, a track that pays homage to Jay-Z by sampling his 1997 classic Imaginary Players from In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. The single not only nods to hip-hop history but also serves as the newest preview of her highly anticipated sophomore album Am I The Drama?, set for release on September 19, 2025, via Atlantic/Warner.

A New Era After Invasion of Privacy

Cardi B’s upcoming project marks her first full-length album since her Grammy-winning 2018 debut Invasion of Privacy, which was praised by critics and fans alike for its bold lyrics and crossover appeal. In the seven years since, the Bronx rapper has dominated the charts with unforgettable singles such as “WAP” (with Megan Thee Stallion) and “Up.” Both hits will officially be included on the 23-track record, alongside the lead single “Outside.”

When announcing the album back in June, Cardi shared an emotional statement: “Seven years and the time has come. Seven years of love, life and loss… I’m not back, I’m beyond. I’m not your villain, I’m your tyrant. The time is here. The time is now.”

The Rollout of Imaginary Playerz

Fans first got wind of Imaginary Playerz on August 11, when Cardi hinted on Instagram that a new track was on the way. Four days later, on August 15, she confirmed its release with the caption: “Just a lil taste of the drama. IMAGINARY PLAYERZ THIS FRIDAY.” She also revealed the striking cover art, showing herself draped in a luxurious white fur coat beside a Rolls-Royce—an image that perfectly captures the lavish energy of the single.

The track itself stays true to Cardi’s fearless style while weaving in Jay-Z’s legendary flow, making it a bridge between modern hip-hop and its golden-era roots. Speaking on X/Twitter, Cardi confirmed that Jay-Z personally approved the use of the sample: “If he didn’t approve it, I probably wouldn’t even feel a way… but I’m glad I came hard and he loved it.”

Teasers and WWE SummerSlam Appearance

In addition to the single, Cardi has been teasing fans with snippets of what’s to come. During her surprise hosting appearance at WWE’s SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, she made a dramatic entrance and previewed another unreleased track containing the lyric: “Hello, it’s Me.”

This calculated rollout is keeping fans buzzing with anticipation as the September release date approaches.

Why Am I The Drama? Is One of 2025’s Biggest Albums

With 23 songs, major collaborations, and a mix of past chart-toppers and brand-new anthems, Cardi B’s second album is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2025. By blending her signature brash confidence with nostalgic references to hip-hop icons like Jay-Z, Cardi is positioning herself not only as a dominant force in rap today but also as an artist deeply aware of the culture’s legacy.

Her debut, Invasion of Privacy, earned a four-star review from NME, where critic Nick Levine wrote: “Overall, this is a remarkably confident and compelling debut from a superstar who’s put in the graft. ‘My little 15 minutes lasting long as hell, huh?’ she boasts… On this evidence, it’s going to last a lot longer yet.” Seven years later, Am I The Drama? looks set to prove that Cardi B’s reign in music is far from over.