Cardi B Opens Up About the Darkest Year of Her Life

My marriage, I felt the love dying. I. was crying every day. I fell in the. deepest depression that I had ever had. >> The number one health and wellness. podcast. Jay Shetty. Jay Shetty. The. one, the only, Jay Shetty. Cardi B, welcome to On Purpose. >> Hi. >> Oh my gosh. I I have to tell you. something, and I mean this. You can go. back six years when I launched the. podcast. People would always ask me, they'd say, "Who do you want on the.

show?" Yeah. >> Like who would who would be your dream. guest? And I'd always say Cardi B, and. I'll tell you why. I'll tell you why. Because no one would ever put us in the. same room together. We're just so. different externally, but I believe. there's a there's a spiritual connection. that we'll find out today. >> You know what's so funny? I saw a video. of you, and I definitely won't I was. like, "I want to send it to my. boyfriend, but. it's about like asking uh difficult. questions, and it's like when you when.

you ask difficult questions, and you get. through and you get over the difficult. question, and you discuss the difficult. questions, it really do make you. stronger. It really do make the. relationship stronger. It's like, "Oh my. gosh, he really. It's like, "Is he a psychic?". Did you send it to him? Huh? Did you. send it to your boyfriend? What did he. say? He was like, "Yeah, exactly." And I. was like, "Yeah, exactly." Did it Did it. change any behavior? Did it Will see. Okay. Okay. On the next question.

I love it. I love it. I wanted to ask. you, first of all, I heard that you have. a hidden talent. That you can name the. 46 presidents in order. Is that real? >> It It go It comes and go. It comes and. go. I just know a lot of weird different. facts about presidents. >> Okay. And people will be like, "Well, why? That is so random." Like when I was. younger, I didn't really have like. Nintendos, and I didn't Sometimes I had. cable, and sometimes I didn't. So, I. just really didn't have no choice but to.

read and like I like to read like. factual stuff. So, I would just read. like a whole bunch of. history things. Like me, I would. literally when I'm bored, like you know. how they give you the history books in. your school? I would literally read the. whole history book in a week from front. to back just just cuz I'm bored. Wow, that's impressive though. Do you still. get bored now? Do you even have time to. be bored or I don't be bored, but that's. like what I really just like to watch. and everything. So, like I watch it like. I watch YouTubes on like factual things.

Like I just get into certain. certain topics and I always go down a. rabbit hole and then I'll be obsessed. with it for a week and then it's just. like whatever. Yeah, I feel like you. can't go anywhere without being. recognized. I mean you have such an. iconic look. Even today I was admiring. it when you walked in. I was like what. inspires this? But if you could be. anonymous for 24 hours, what would you. do? If if no one could recognize you, no. one could see you, what would you do? Well, you know what's so funny? Like I. really do. like I don't always look like this. So,

I usually go outside probably with. glasses or probably not, but I always go. outside with like a oversized hoodie and. then I'm not even going to lie due to. COVID for like a long time. It really. did help using the mask. But I I do a. lot of things by myself with no security. just. cuz I'm a person that if I want to. if I want to go and buy. uh. a steak to cook, I will go downstairs to. Whole Foods and buy it and I don't care.

>> one will know. And no one will see you. They might or they might not, but I feel. like already maneuver how to like oh, it's Cardi B and I just walk fast and. maneuver my way around. That's. impressive. >> Yeah. You know, this show is all about. getting to know the person behind. the music, behind the stardom, behind. the fame, getting to know the human. behind it. Yeah. And I feel like your. journey, even though you've talked about. it, I'd love to dive into some parts. that I find fascinating. And I wanted to. ask you, what's a childhood memory that. you have that you think defines who you.

are today? Oh. It's it's a lot. Well, it's not really like a childhood memory, but me and my sister, we used to go to. the same school, right? Even though like. she's 3 years younger than me. And she always be telling me this thing, right? She always be telling me this. She used to say she's always tells me. like, "Oh, I used to see you. in the cafeteria in the morning by. yourself with your head down.

And I used to feel so bad for you." And. it's like, "Why?" And she's like, "I. don't know cuz you just looked so. lonely." And I used to tell her like. it's like, "I was not lonely. I just. always need time to think and be by. myself." Like I'm a person that I have. friends, but I don't really like to be. around people that much sometimes. I. just I'm always in my thoughts. Like. there's like a hundred people and I feel. like it's been like that since I was 5. years old that talk in my head and plan.

things out, plan my future, plan my. life. It's like I'm playing doll house in my. head. You know like when you play with. your dolls? >> yeah, I get it. And you make a scenario. Not a scenario or like you you. build your home and this and you're. that. >> Yeah, like a little universe or world. >> Like a little universe. I'm always. planning a universe in my head and it's. just sometimes people say that I have. like an interesting look, like like if. I'm spaced out. I'm not spaced out. I'm. I'm deep in my universe and.

planning 5 years ahead. Wow. So, you're. dreaming, planning, visioning. You do. these different workers, different yous. in your head have different names or. personalities or no, it's just No, it's. not really no different personalities. It's just straight planning. tomorrow, straight planning for 5 years, straight straight imagining what I what. I want. >> Wow. And it's crazy because it's like. everything that I planned for since I.

was five. and dreamed of. I really gotten it. Wow. Even when I was. like younger. you know when I was like younger, I used. to look at my mom and I used to be like, I want to be. so pretty and beautiful like her. And I grew up to be. the pretty beautiful woman that she is, but I also wanted like to be very. successful. Very.

I'm not going to say rich, but like very. successful. I really hated being poor. Mhm. And I used to say like is that I refuse. to have kids and raise them in the hood. I have to find a way to never do that, but I always wanted kids and I figured. it out. And I Not only did I figure it. out, but it's like I always have plan. B's, and D's. But I don't have I didn't have to settle.

for plan B, C, and D. I had I settled. for my dream. Like this is my dream job. and I have it. It's a little bit more. difficult than what I saw in my dreams, but. I'm living it. It's what I always. wanted. Yeah, that's incredible. As as. that little girl who was sitting alone. that your sister said she would see you. and she'd feel sorry for you, but inside. your head you were dreaming, was it. dreaming about music? Was it dreaming. about getting out of the hood? What were. those dreams? What did they look like to. that little girl back then? I always.

felt like I was going to be a superstar. And it's so weird because my grandma, she has like a lot of grandkids. But she always used to tell me that. And. it's like why you always used to tell. like I don't understand why she used to. tell me that all the time. Like. I used to be. like a little black sheep. I used to like nag a lot. I have like. cousins that they're very pretty. They. have beautiful beautiful eyes. They just.

stand out so much. And I it's not that I. don't stand out. It's just like. out of everybody my grandma used to be. like you going to be a superstar. You. need to practice how to sing because you. going to be a superstar. And I just knew I was meant to be. something. Like for some reason me and. my sister we have like. really strong personalities. And I feel. like like the things that they used to. tell me they would tell her the same. thing too. Like all my teachers. all my friends they going to be like you.

going to be somebody. You going to be. somebody someday. But I always used to. wonder like it's like what is my. calling? Cuz I used to like acting in. school. But I'm not a good actress. I. used to like singing. But I'm not a good. I'm not the greatest singer. Like from. the pack from the school I'm not the. greatest singer. Like if I would. audition for a play they would pick. somebody else because they sing better. than me. Or they'll pick somebody else. because they act better than me. So and. then it's like oh people used to like. I'm so funny. But it's like I'm not a.

comedian stand out show. Like it's like. I am I'm naturally funny. But I I can't. see it as my job. This is just just my. mouth. This is just me being me. So it's. like what is my calling? And I always. wonder what is my calling that everybody. say that it's like I'm going to be. somebody. But what am I going to be? I. don't know. And and God gave it to me. God showed it to me. And and God really. did gave it to me. And. here I am. And I just can't believe that. millions of people know me. Yeah,

congratulations. When I hear you say. that and you always exude this. confidence. You're outspoken. You're. bold. Was it always like that since you. were a young girl or did that develop. over time? What did Where did that come. from? I was like born like this. I was always I I always been like this. I guess I got my real quiet side. And I always got. like into myself side cuz like I said, I'd be in my own universe, quiet, planning and planning. But.

I feel like when I open my mouth. or when I am who I am, it's just this is just how I am. But. if I kind of think about it, I mean, like my family are very like funny. They're very loud. I. My parents are a little different from. each other, but they're very loud. They. have very strong personalities, both of. them. So, I feel like it just all. Came into you. Came into me. Yeah. So, it's like you know how people I don't. know. Maybe You know how people uh.

parents give pe- uh their kids their. looks? Yeah. I think my parents gave me. a mix of they both personality. I'm a. little bit of both of them. Cardi B even. still today finds time for her quiet. side. I'm naturally quiet, though. >> I I mean, like tell me about that. I. want to know about that. I mean, like I. don't think people know that. >> Yeah, like I'm naturally in my room, just deep in my thoughts. And just deep, deep, deep. I might just. talk to you the whole day as a friend on. the phone, but I don't really want to see you.

Which is so weird. Like I could talk to. my friends all day long, but I like to. be by myself. all the time. I don't really. >> surprised when they figure that out with. you? Yeah. And my friends don't feel a. certain type of way about that because. they know me. They know Yeah, they know. I'm not the the friend that want to go. out to dinner. They know that I'm not that. They know. I'm not the friend that Oh, I'm just. going to go to your house and chill and. blah blah blah. But we will be on the. phone like forever. So, what about like. parties, events, all of that kind of.

stuff? That's like is it work? Is it. networking or I do like to party, but. some sometimes I have I haven't even. really had the time for it. Lately, I haven't really had the time. for it. And to be honest with you, even. before I was like famous and everything, I wasn't really a club girl. I was. already a dancer. Mhm. So, I work in the. club. So, it's like I didn't really. care to like, "Oh, I'm going to the club. today. For what?". I work in it. Like, it's just like I've.

always been like a person that just work. work work work work work work work work. Focus on the bigger picture. Just focus on the biggest thing. Yeah. I. always wanted kids. So, the goal is to. be comfortable before the kids get get. here. Yeah. Yeah. That was always my. goal. I My goal was always to be a. mother, but having your own. I had my. own before I became a mother. Yeah, I. mean, you said just a few moments ago. that you didn't want to raise kids in. the hood. Mhm. Talk to me about what we. don't know about that. Like, how hard. was it? What What was it that was so bad.

that you were like, "I could never raise. my kids in the place I grew up in.". It's It's just It's just a lot of. things. Like, sometimes when kids are. like bad or they get into trouble, people automatically blame the parents. And you can have the best parents. Like, my parents, they are not criminals. They. have never even committed a crime. My grandma used to tell my mom a lot, like, "Is it you're pretty for no. reason.". And I feel like they used to tell her. that because it's like she's so pretty.

So, it's like, you know, Caribbean folks. is like when you're pretty and you're. this and that, it's like they always. expect you to be with a man that got a. lot of money. And my mom, she was never even that that. type of person. She was a very modest. and honest, hard-working woman. So, and my dad, he's he's a good man. He's he's a party animal, but he's a. good man. Man, he's a good person. He's. a good dad. However, you will end up going in the. wrong path or going in the wrong. direction. because the influence.

around you because certain peer pressure. or because you almost have no choice, especially if you're a boy. You never know if you're going to have a. boy or girl, especially if you're a boy. And when you are a girl, it is a little. bit difficult. It is a little bit. tougher. I feel like people just grow a. little bit faster in the hood. Mhm. Like. when I was 11 years old. there was girls in my class in the sixth. grade, 11 years old. I have nieces that. are 11 years old. They all they want to. do is play Roblox nowadays. But when I.

was 11 years old. >> Yeah. there was girls that were already. at 11 in sixth grade. So it's like. you go certain paths path of your. environment. Like boys too in the hood, they're a little faster. So you know, you will be walking. down the block and the typical little. bad boy, he'll slap your ass out of. nowhere. He'll slap your ass out of.

nowhere. You start arguing with him, he'll smack the [ __ ] out of your face. There that's how boys. a lot of boys in the Bronx are. They're. very like aggressive. They're aggressive. with girls. They're aggressive. They. groped out. They. they grope you. You just never know. Like one of the one. of the reasons also why I'm so witty. with my mouth. People are like, "Why are you so witty? Why are you so thin?" Like going to. school, it was like. It was almost like like. I think that's why I'm always so tough. Like.

boys or girls, mostly boys. they used to like kind of like make fun. of certain things. But not only just me, to everybody. Like they Like you look at. your shoes, they're leaning. Look at. your hair, your hair is never not done. So I used to go home and I used to go in. the mirror and practice my jokes. And. the next day I will be like, all right, I can't wait till he flame me. I got a. joke or two for him. That's why I'm so. witty, too, as well.

So, it's like I don't want to raise my. kids in that type of environment. I. don't want to. And then on top of that, it's like it is fun. I had a lot of fun. in the hood, but it's like it's not fun. like for me, right? It's not fun. living in an apartment, right? And contrary to what I say, I don't. cook, I don't clean, I grew up with a. mom that would make me brush the corners. the corners of the apartment, like brush.

it by hand. That's how clean my my home. had to be, my crib had to be. Every day. I was doing dishes. Every day I was. mopping floors. Every day I was making. sure that I go outside to the parking. lot and take out the garbage. And even. though, no matter how clean your. apartment is, there would still be roaches, there. would still be mices, because your. neighbor probably a hoarder. The person. downstairs is dirty. Y'all live in the. same building. You cannot avoid certain.

certain rodents and stuff. And it's like. I don't want to put my. my kids through that. And it's like I. have to find another way. And then And. then another thing that always like gets. me in my [ __ ] head. is like this one time, my mom, she was. working very hard, but we still needed. help. So, she went to welfare. to get like benefit, like a benefit card. and stuff like that. And the lady. like my mom, she's the type of person. like it's like if you're rude to her, she going to be like, "Oh, I don't got to take this." And she.

would just throw him out. Like, "I don't. got to take Nobody got to talk going to. talk to me like that." She got a very. strong character. And this lady was. talking so rude and so nasty to my mom, and she was taking it because we needed. the help. I don't I nobody to feel like. they have to talk to me a certain type. of way because I need the help and it's. like this could never ever be me. I. would never want to like be. in a situation where I have to go get. welfare and the and the social worker is.

talking to me like I'm a dog. Like I. need you and I just felt so bad for my. mom because she just felt so I could. tell on her face that she she was just. like. looking for the papers that she needed. like. it just that vision is always in my head. and it's like every getting me mad I. hope that lady I won't punch in her face. to this day. And I don't want that. I ain't wanted. that. Yeah. And as a woman. even if you get with a man with money. you should have your own cuz one thing.

you learn from young one thing I learned. from having aunts. you can have a man. with money you can have a kid with money. if you stop doing what that man ask you. to do or if that man decides to leave or. if you deal with a man from the streets. and he go to jail. that's your child. That's you. That's your responsibility. That's your. hustle. You got to grind for that child. It's always two parents but sometimes. it's not really two parents and if that.

could be a life right there and then. that's why you always got to have your. own. It's not even about oh I don't need a. man I don't need the father I don't need. the thing but sometimes they get to the. point that it's like they're going to. make you feel that way. That's why you. need it. I had cousins and I had aunts and I had. a that is like they they may have a. little bit of money have a little bit of. land have a little bit of this and when. those men are done and through with you. and put you off the ringer is like yeah. I'm not dealing with that kid no more or.

like you go you get these $200. every three four months when I want you. to. I'm not dealing with that chick. Mhm. That's why I was like but I always. wanted to have kids so it's like I have. to have my own [ __ ] before I become a. mom. And that's exactly what happened. And not only do I not only have one kid, I have three kids, and that's exactly. not exactly the number that I want, but. I always wanted a a big family. Like, I'm I love family. I love family. And. there's a higher.

possibility that I won't be in a living. assistant home with all the kids. >> How many kids do you want? >> I want like six. Okay, so three more. Mhm. I want like three more kids. Three more. kids, I love that for you. I mean, I. mean, hearing hearing you say that, I. mean, as I was listening to you, I could. tell there's like a. there's almost like a you can almost. vision what that life was like. Yeah. And there's a part of you that's like so. happy you got out, at the same time. there's there's such a part of it that's. there inside of you that.

you've been fighting against, you've. been breaking out of, right? Like for. all of these years. When was the moment you felt like ah, I'm out, like I broke out. Like, when. was that moment where you really felt. like. I did it. I'm out. I I made it, you. know, I'm safe now. It's crazy because every single time I. feel like I feel like I was safe, I. really wasn't. Oh, interesting. Yeah. When I got on TV, when I first got on. TV, I was like, did I make it? I didn't. feel like I made it because I used to.

see girls go on reality TV shows, and. then they would end up right back in the. strip club where I was at. So, I never. felt like it's like, oh, on TV, I made. it. It's like, I'm almost there, but I. didn't made it. Then when I got signed. to a label, it's like, I'm almost near making it. because I'm signed, but I'm not where I. want to be. Where I really felt like I. made it was when Bodak Yellow came out. The million that I made, the first real.

million that I made, I had to share with. nobody. I had to share with managers. because they signed me to something. it's mine. It's mine, but I never felt. comfortable. I still to this day don't. feel comfortable. Especially with how. everybody is just trying to take it from. you all the time. It's like It's like I. fight every day to keep this level of. success because people want to take it. from you so bad and. people just feel like. they could they could tell you when you.

deserve to to have this success because. it just looks so easy, but it's not. It really is not. It's. It's a It's a challenge to stay here. It's a challenge to stay relevant. It's. a It's a challenge to to to keep your. mental health, right? It's a challenge. to getting up. It's a Every day Every. day is a challenge. It's It's It's It's. a It's It's a job. Everybody has a job. You can't complain about getting up and.

doing a job. The only thing I could. complain about is millions of people. that love you and then millions of. people getting in your head and telling. you that you don't deserve your job that. you work hard for. That's what it is. We all have jobs. That's what it is. about being a Oh, don't don't complain. to me. Everybody want to complain. I. work so hard. I work so hard. I work so. hard. You have to work hard to pay your. bills. But when you work hard and people tell. you that you don't deserve the success.

that you have. and you don't deserve to do what you do. after you put in so much work that's. what with you, for real. What makes you. feel like that every day? What are the. things that make you feel like. there's people constantly coming at you? What does that look like in your life? I'll tell you something that like been. going on for like. a hot minute, right? Like a lot of people. think. that I put out music, that I ain't out a.

album, that I ain't I don't be putting. out. this and that because I don't know, they. always say that like I'm always getting. pregnant all the time. But I don't think people follow. timelines. When it comes to having kids, I'm very seasoned by now. I'm very seasoned right now. When I had my child at the beginning, I canceled going on a tour with Bruno. Mars because it was my first time having. a kid. I did not know anything. I didn't.

have no nanny, no night nurse. I was. figuring out all by myself. I was. figuring out. postpartum. I was figuring out. everything, right? But even when I had a. child, it didn't stop me. 3 months after. I gave birth, I was going I was doing. shows, four, five shows a week into. COVID. Then COVID happened. And I put out this big record, WAP, and. I put up a Then I got pregnant. And.

people thought that I didn't put out an. album because I got pregnant. But the. reason why I didn't put out an album is. because I didn't have a body of work. I just didn't have a body of work, so I. couldn't put out no music cuz I didn't. have a body of work. Then. last year, I was planning to have an album. I was planning to put out an album. But I couldn't focus. I fell in the. deepest depression. that I had ever had. And with that.

depression, I couldn't function. I. couldn't function at nothing. And when I talk about function, it's not. even like, oh, just working. I couldn't. eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't do. nothing. So, that just halted. everything that I had. So, it's not really because of having a. baby. Sometimes, too, I don't be wanting. to put music because I love being in the. studio and I love creating music and I. love perfecting my craft.

And that's like baking a cake. You bake. a cake, you practice baking the cake, you practice baking a cake, and then. when you put out the songs, sometimes. they'd be good and sometimes, like for. ex-. people would just be like. "We hate it and she shouldn't be doing. this." And that's like you baking a. cake. You bake a cake, you bake a cake, and people eat the cake, and then people. be like, "This is the worst cake ever.". And they spat Have you ever seen The. Simpsons movie in the [ __ ] when they. they spat the cake? That's how I'd be.

feeling and it's like, that is the worst. feeling ever. >> Mhm. That's like a guy [ __ ] you. and you think you have the best [ __ ] in. the world and they tell you your pussy's. trash. You should never [ __ ] nobody no. more. That's just how I feel. Like, you. work, you work, you work, you try to do. your best to perform perfect your craft. and somebody just tell you like, "You. shouldn't be doing this. You should. never do this ever in your life.". It brings you down so much and it [ __ ]. with your mental so much that it's like, this is why I kind of avoid it just for.

a peace of mind. Mhm. Just for a peace. of mind. I've been okay. for almost a year. Like after I gave birth to my daughter. I was a little happy. I was going. outside. I started dating. I started feeling really good. Sometimes. I have bad days. Sometimes I have good. days because I feel like I'm I'm. resetting in life. Last week when I put out a song. and it's not really the criticism in the.

song, the way that people ate me up, tore me up, chewed me up. just because of one song, I feel like I. didn't deserve that. Especially for a. song that I put so much work in. That I just was like, this is. this is why I don't really put music out. like this because I remember how this. used to feel. >> Mhm. This is a very terrible feeling to. have. This is a very terrible feeling to have. And you tell yourself like it's like a.

lot of these people that are telling you. these type of things don't have no jobs, don't have no titles, don't have no. this. But when there's millions and. millions and hundreds of thousands of. people like it's like not only are they. criticizing the song, they're. criticizing you as a whole. It just be. like, this is why I don't really put. things up too much. Because it's just like the mental. health, the peace of mind. It's. it's so much it's. it's you just got to ask yourself.

sometimes is is it even worth it? >> Mhm. Is it even worth it? Cuz I haven't felt. down like last week for a very long. time. For almost like almost like a. year. Almost like a year. Wow. I'm very. compassionate and I'm very understanding. and I'm a Libra so I see always two. sides of the scale. I have sympathy for. [ __ ] that my man and they have taken. a family loss and I'm like, damn, I feel. bad for her. Some people have the look,

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are, to be so vulnerable, and I'm so. sorry you went through that. But to be. so honest and open about the fact that a. year ago you were in this. dark depression, and it seems like the. worst it had ever been. Yeah. What What. got you there? Why Why were you feeling. so low? It was just. a lot of pressure from my career. And I also felt like my marriage. Like I felt the love dying. From my end, from from from my end, from.

his end. I was very lonely because I chose to be. lonely. Chose to be lonely. I was saying. like, "You know what? I can't go through. this anymore. I have to put a stop to. it. But when I said I was going to put a. stop to it, cuz you could say you going. to put a put a stop to it, and you could. you could go a month without being. around somebody. It's not It's not until you It's not. when you say so. It's when your heart.

say so. I kept telling myself I will not contact. this person for a month. I will not give. in. I will not forgive this easy. I will. not go back. I will not go to the. patterns. I will not go through it. But. I was crying every day. I was hurt every day. I was out here in. LA in a mansion by myself. I was. thinking about it every single day. And when your heart is not done, your. heart is not done.

Then. I told myself. I'm pregnant. I'm going to accept the. I'm going to accept my flaws, the flaws. that I bring in this marriage. I'm going to apologize for it. And I'm. going to work on it. And when I take accountability. and you take advantage of me taking.

accountability. and you take that as a See, I know she'll be back instead of me. taking accountability and you taking. advantage of that. It really just killed everything. And. while it was dying. I had a human growing in me. And I just had And I just kept thinking. like it's like, what's life going to be. without this person? What life going to. be without raising.

my last child without this person? What's life going to be with that person. not being my friend anymore without. nothing. When you have those type of. thoughts, it would make you sad. It would get you. depressed. It would have you lost. But, I overcame that. And I am the the strongest. that like I have ever been. Like I. almost feel like. When was I ever my strongest? My.

The. I felt my strongest when I was 22, 23, 24. That's when I felt like my strongest. and I was like living in a power. And. that's how I feel right now. Like I feel. like I live in a power. And. it took months. for the heart to say, "You're done." Instead of my mouth and. my brain. My heart had to be like, "You're done.". Cuz you could say it and you could take. actions, but even if you take actions, if you're not done, you're not done. Like I kept asking like around that time.

I was working with Shakira and I was. like, "How the [ __ ] did you over-. overcame this?" Like, "How did you overcame this?" And it's. like, "It's going to happen." And it's. like, "It would never happen." And it. happened. It took some. crying. It took some. thoughts, scary thoughts. It. But I'm here, honey. Yeah. I'm I'm here. and I'm the strongest I've been and I'm. just.

I love hearing that. Mhm. But it was hard. >> I can tell. Like I can tell. I can see. it as I'm speaking to you. It's It's not. easy and. I think those moments in all of our. lives are are the most difficult. moments. What did you do for your mental. health at that time? What What did you do? What actions did. you take? What did you have to. do to keep yourself together and come. back the strongest you are right now? I. think there are so many people who are. listening who've probably been through. similar things, who feel broken, feel. hurt, feel lost and confused. What.

worked for you that helped you come back. to strongest you've ever been? I don't. know if it was just time because I kind. of did a little bit of everything. Like I I did do therapy. I did saw I did saw therapist. She's. really good by the way. It was like on. Zoom and it was like I I was telling. myself like it's like I can't believe. I'm telling a whole stranger. my feelings, my thoughts, my personal.

business for 3 [ __ ] hours straight. I was just like. What the [ __ ] am I doing? That just. feels so weird. Yeah. I was in there I. did therapy for I did a couple of. sessions. They gave me no nothing. Um I was all spring all summer. recording. It just wasn't like enough. I just felt like I just had to let it. die. Mhm.

On its own. Let things die on its own. And the bad. thing about it is that it's like not. only am I dealing with that, that's. that's my personal life. I was also dealing with fans putting. pressure on me. cuz they want you know, they want an. album, they want products from me. I had people that don't like me. talking down on me and then I had peers. trying to start problems with me. And all of that what I was going through.

a mental [ __ ] breakdown at home. So. it was just a lot. It was like. I'm trying to work it. I'm trying to sleep it. After I gave birth to my daughter, my. my baby girl, I was just like [ __ ] it. Take a break from work and I was just. going out. every weekend with my friends. It was scary talking to somebody else. and giving them a little piece of me.

Not just my heart, just a little piece. of me. And. but. I overcame that. And I just That's where I feel like I. just became a little bit more better, like just resetting. Yeah, it's a good. It's a good reminder that. time is the ultimate reset. Mhm. And. time does have a healing power that we, you know, the cliché of time heals all.

wounds. But is it true? >> But it's true. Yeah, it's a cliché. because there's truth in it. There's. some reality in it that time and. distance and and being patient enough. I. was I was working with a client recently. who was going through a breakup. And. when we would speak in the first month, she would tell me every single day that. she couldn't stop thinking about. the guy she was breaking up with. That. broke up with her. And then the second. month, she'd tell me every.

other day. And then the third month, she'd tell me once a week. Yeah. >> the fourth month, she was just telling. me once a month. And I was like, "You. don't see it, but I see Yeah. that it's. affecting you less and less and less as. time goes on. But when it's you, you. feel like you're just still stuck there. And so, it's such a great reminder that. time is the ultimate reset and time does. heal. And and just because time heal, like in. the meantime, don't don't think that. like you shouldn't like try to get help.

Because it's like therapy didn't really. help me like that. >> work for you. Not as much. Well, maybe. because maybe because I didn't get to. the part. of where you get the help. Mhm. I mean, I did do it like six sessions. I. don't know if I don't know how long. Um. like sometimes when I give advice to. girls, I be like, "Bitch, boss up. Boss. up. Go to work. Get pretty." But even. when I was doing that, I had like a pain. in my heart. And sometimes when I was.

going out with my friends and I was. having a good time, it would always be like around 4:30 a.m. when it's time to go home. and I'm drunk and I'm thinking to. myself, "I am alone. I don't have nobody to talk to." And it. feels really weird and it feels very. lonely, especially when. you're used to that. However, don't don't avoid that.

Don't like don't avoid that, but it will. be time that will heal it. It will be time. Time just heals everything. When you said again last week, you're. saying when you put new music out, it's. kind of the lowest you'd felt in another. year. Mhm. What's the hardest part for. you to take that criticism? Because like. you said, you're quick with it. You've. got responses. You've lived in a place. where you had people coming at you. Why. is it so hard to put out something you. love? It seems like you really put your. heart into your work.

>> Yeah. >> And so when you put that out, is is that. why the criticism hurts the most? Because you put so much heart and soul. into your work? Yes, because I put like. a lot. I always. I don't like what like I'm not a lazy. person. Mhm. And I do understand my. flaws. Well, it's not really my flaws. because a lot of people will say. something about my accent, right? But. it's funny because my accent to some. people might be my flaw, but it's also. my superpower and what makes me unique.

Some people say that I have a Spanish a. Spanish accent, but I really don't. really have a Spanish accent. I have a. very unique. accent. I talk very unique. When you try. your best to like. perfect your accent, perfect your flows, perfect everything. I always try to. perfect at everything that I'm doing at. the time. I was trying to perfect it. Like even when I was a stripper, I guess. I okay. I'm a stripper, but I'm going to be the. best pole dancer in here.

And I'm going to [ __ ] bust my ass, bust my knees, get practice every day until I could be. the best at it. That's the same with. music. I'm going to perfect it. That's. the same with my um marketing. I'm going. to perfect it. That's the same with my. business. I'm going to perfect it. I. like to perfect things that and if it's. not the best things, if I if I'm not the. best at it, I could say that I tried to. be and I worked my ass off to be and I. didn't make it easy.

for myself. So when people just throw it. in your face. and then make other narratives on top of. it with that, it's like. that is so mean and and it's also like. different narratives of you like it's. like well, you you don't even know me. You don't even know me and you're making. all these stories, scenarios, all this. this. over one song. I for example, when I did the song and people didn't. like the song, so many people was like.

they just. Cardi was Cardi never deserved to be a. rapper. They just made it so easy for. her. And it's funny because it's like this. [ __ ] was not given to me. I worked my ass off for me and I planned. it. Just like you see when I was a. little girl, I used to plan everything. I planned every step. Every single step. And I might even be inspirational to. other artists coming up because.

for a long time since I have such a big. personality, people just felt like. she's funny, she's funny, she's funny. So it was really hard for labels to take. me serious. And some labels were trying. to [ __ ] give me scraps to do a a. slavering record deal. And. even when I was on TV, and I thought I. was going to be my big break for like. people to recognize me as an artist, it. wasn't. I was doing good numbers on my mixtape.

It wasn't enough. So, the money that I was getting for. partying and hostings, I took that. money. I made my own concerts, and the best. thing about it is that everything is. documented. I did my own concerts. for 400 to 400 people in New York. 800. people came out. singing my songs. And I went to the a label, and I was. like, "This is why you need to sign me. It's not just [ __ ] Instagram.

It is real life.". And the $15,000 that I used to get for. hosting parties, I used it. to rent cars, rent buses, rent venues. to perform my songs, to show these. labels like it's like I'm the one. This [ __ ] ain't fake. This [ __ ] ain't a personality thing. This ain't a Love & Hip Hop thing. This is This is what my music is doing. This is the people singing it.

I'm doing all of that, and now being. this far. after you plan everything, and people will tell you that you don't. deserve it, and you got it because of. this, this, and that. That pisses me the. [ __ ] off. >> Yeah. Cuz everything Everything that I. did is documented. This [ __ ] wasn't. given to me. I didn't open my legs for. it, either. So, that's the type of [ __ ] that be. getting me angry. Like it's like, "Don't. tell me that I didn't put the [ __ ].

work in. when I put the work in." There's days. that I I miss I miss birthdays. I miss I. miss birthdays. I miss family events. This [ __ ] has gotten in the way of like. my my my personal relationships, marriage and everything. Just for. somebody to tell me somebody that never. did [ __ ] in their [ __ ] life. tell me that I don't deserve it. Get the. [ __ ] out of here. Absolutely. I mean. You know what though? I also find that. Instagram and Tik Tok or whatever.

platform it is, the comments that are negative are just. loud. Because you can literally go to. someone's comment section and see. negativity or whatever, but then like. you said, you go to an arena and. everyone in the arena screaming their. name and singing their songs. And so it is this really weird thing. that I happen that happens for the mind. where. you're watching. your page or you're watching yourself on. someone else's page and there's. criticism, but then actually there's all. these other people that love you. The. negativity and the hate is just so loud. and people say stuff. Whereas the people.

that love you, they just press the. heart. Right? So it's always like that. weird thing where I'm like. the mind just overvalues negative. feedback and undervalues the positive. feedback because the negative feedback. is just so critical and loud and heavy. When you reflect on it and after you. think about it for a week, do you think. I want to prove them wrong or do you go. actually who cares about them? Where do. you Where do you end up after a week of. reflecting on it? Like last week, right? I was in tears.

And I was telling myself. I was telling myself like it was like. Not only myself, I told this to my. friend actually. I told this to my friend. I was like. sometimes people say don't let the devil. win. But what happens if you let the devil. win? Maybe I need to let the devil win so I. can have a peace of mind. And then I'm like thinking to myself. like why the [ __ ] would I ever say let. the devil win? Imagine praying to God on your knees.

every single night asking God, God. please bless me with this. God please. give me that. God please give me this. Please give me that. Please bless me. with this. Please bless me with that. Just so you could like. everything that God gave you. tell the devil here you can have it. Mhm. Because he's sending. Sometimes the devil sends. evil in human forms and human mouths. and hu- and humans tongue.

just so you could tell the devil to have. it. Like imagine how God feels. Imagine God. be like all right, baby. All right, girl. Here you Here Here Here have this. You wanted this? Here Here's what you. get. And then. Like imagine Like it's like it's like. he's giving you something. and then you go to school and they'll be. like that's ugly and that's something. that you've been asking for a long time. and now you don't like it because. somebody told you that it's ugly. Yeah, well said. And it's like. how almost that the devil win? Mhm.

And I was telling myself that. I was. telling myself that and like I said. I was telling it but sometimes you got. to have believe it from the heart cuz. your mind could tell you it. Your mouth. could say it but you got to believe it. from the heart. This week though I feel. so much better and I feel so much. confident and I was like I'm not going. to let the devil win. I'm not going to. be like, you know what? I was telling my. team like I said, you know what? I just. need some days off. And it's like how the are you going to. take some days off when your team been. planning all of these all of these.

things that you had to do for your album. roll out because of these people. that are spewing things that the devil. wants you to. to think of yourself. I almost let this. [ __ ] win. Don't let the devil. win. Cuz. How you think God feel? How you think God feel, Cardi? Gave you all this [ __ ] you've been. asking for. forever. just so you could say that. That really. pissed me off about myself cuz I can't. believe I said that. Well, no, I think.

it's human. I mean, even as I'm. listening to you, I'm thinking everyone. will be relieved because. you know, when someone is confident and. as bold as you are. and as outspoken as you are, which is. which are all amazing qualities, the. truth is though that we all have these. human moments. >> Yeah. And it's not a weakness, it's. natural for all of us. to feel pain, to experience sadness, to. experience and it humanizes you in a. good way. It makes me feel like, "Oh, wow, if Cardi feels that, then. hey, I I can feel that, too, you know?

Like, if if she goes through those days. and she gets out of them and a week. later she's feeling better and a year. ago she was in a real mess and she's. feeling better, then then maybe I can. take something from that, as well." I'm. not a perfect person. You know what I'm saying? I'm not a. perfect person and sometimes I'm a. little bit misunderstood. How do you. think you're misunderstood? I don't even want to bring this up. again, but it's like I could tell you. how I'm misunderstood. I actually got dragged for weeks cuz of. this. So, I made.

this uh. I think I'm just a little misunderstood. Sometimes I could be I don't have a dark. I'm not a dark humor person. I'm not a dark humor person, but. sometimes like my humor could be a. little rough. Mhm. And I feel like my. humor could be a little rough because. like. you know, like I said, like. boy boys in the Bronx. >> Mhm. they will make really tough jokes on you. and then on top of that like cuz I like. a family like mine we're always cracking. jokes on each other. Like, it's like.

like being Caribbean Caribbean people. like if you too skinny, they'll be like, "Girl, you shaped like candle. Like, you. shaped like a [ __ ] candle, just small. like a [ __ ] candle, like a white. candle." Or like Dominicans, like when. you shaped like big from the top and. small on the bottom, they'll be like, "Cuerpo de yuca." What does that mean? It's a certain type of yam. Okay, okay. And it's like it's rude, but it's like. it's just something that is like people. just joke around that it's just so. naturally. So, sometimes my jokes might. be a little bit not for everybody. And.

when I make certain jokes like like I. made a joke the other day with my fans. because they they literally started the. joke and then I continued the joke and. because of the joke and I refused to. apologize for it, people was just saying that I'm just. such a mean person, that I was trying to. bully people, that I'm hurtful to. people, but it's like I wasn't even. trying to hurt nobody. My intent wasn't. to hurt nobody. It's just like everybody. naturally jokes with their friends.

Everybody naturally jokes with their. peers. Everybody just might say not not. the most nicest jokes or stuff like. that. However, like I'm not trying to. hurt nobody. I don't want to hurt. nobody. And so many people criticize me. cuz of that or like judge my character. cuz of that, but it's like I'm not this. evil mean person that people think that. that I am. I'm very actually. compassionate. I'm too compassionate. That's why I cry for There's something. that might be going on in the other side. of the world and I'm crying for it and.

it's like, "Why am I crying for this? Like this is crazy." I'm very. compassionate and I'm very understanding. and I'm a Libra, so I see always two. sides of the scale. I always have sympathy, just a little. I. even have sympathy for for [ __ ]. I have sympathy for [ __ ] that my man. and they have taken a family loss and. I'm like, "Damn, I feel bad for her.". That's how sympathetic I am. What what. Why do you feel sympathy for them? Like. where does that come from? Or what do.

you feel? I don't know. It's just. It's just how you're made. >> It's just how I'm That's just how I'm. made or stuff like That's just how I am. However, people just have this thought of me and. that's because my mouth is so rough. Like I'm a little rough, and I curse. like a sailor. And I give advice. very strong. But everybody in my family give advice. like very strong. And I don't have yes. men's neither.

So my friends will give me advice. in the most rudest way. that is like, "Damn, [ __ ] do you like. me?" But it's the truth. Mhm. And that's just how I am. That's how I'm. going to talk to you, and that's just. how I am because it's the truth. And. you're like that with everyone. It. doesn't change for anyone. And I'm like. that with everyone. How about the kids? Oh, I'm like that. I'm like that with my kids too. Like. God damn it, I'm tired.

But you can't tell me I'm a I'm a bad. mom. I'm. a great mom. If I'm good at something, it's being a mom. But sometimes be like, "Get the [ __ ] you little [ __ ] Get the. God damn it, I'm sick of you.". But that's just how I talk. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Does that make me a bad mom? I don't I don't think I'm a bad mom. [ __ ] I give them too much. I'm a bad mom. It's It's funny you say. that. I was I was talking to a parenting. expert on the podcast a few weeks ago, and she was saying that parenting is the.

most inconvenient thing. She goes, "You. love them, but they're inconvenient.". Like it's hard. Like if you're honest. about it. And so there's a. There's a real feeling about how how. tough being a mom is. How do How do you. balance being a superstar and being a. mom? Like how do you. make it You You said it yourself. You. want to be the best at everything. When. you do something, you want to be the. best at it. So I assume that applies to. being a mom, too. Yeah. And so it's. like, how do you do that? What What is. it to you? What makes you a great mom? What are the parts that you focus on,

and how do you balance those two crazy. worlds? I think that what makes me. I think that what makes me like a good. mom I don't give my kids It's not that I. my kids everything, but they just think. I'm so funny. Like even when I curse at them, they. just think I'm so funny and it's like. I'm being serious with y'all, but they. just love me. I don't know why they I. mean, of course I know why they love me, but it's like why y'all love me so much? I guess I'm a good mom because they love. me so much. They just think I'm so.

entertaining. They think I'm so fun. Even when we just laying in bed, they. just want to lay in bed with me. Ain't. no Target. We ain't going to no god damn. Target. We ain't going to Target. Do I. ask you for no more god damn Roblox? That's exactly how Don't come here. asking me for no god damn Roblox. You. ask me one more time for a [ __ ] iPad. for one of your cousins, we're going to. have a problem. This I This exactly how. I talk to my kids. And they still love. me. They just love me. I don't know. They love me for who I am. They love me. I don't even know how to explain it. I. do I do give them everything though, but.

not. giving them everything doesn't always. make you the greatest mom because it's. like you seen you seen cases where like. the parents work so hard, they give they. their kids everything and it's not. enough. Like them two brothers, what's. they they called again? Uh oh yeah, the. Menendez brothers. >> Yeah, you could give them everything, but if they don't love you, they just. don't love you. And I don't know, they. just they just love me. I just always. remind them that I love them, but I will. curse them out though.

What what What what's What's a quality. or a skill that you have that you really. want them to learn and develop and grow. as they get older? I know they're young. right now, but Please don't be a bum. Please don't be a bum. Please don't be lazy. Some people are. Some people have the look, the. intelligent, the talent. Some people really have that. But they don't go nowhere because.

they're lazy. Don't be lazy. Don't just be all your. parents this and that. No, be your own. person. Be your own human. Be something. Be something. Be something that you. could be proud of. My mom, she was not. She's She was She was a lunch lady. practically, but I am very proud of my. mom because she used to work her ass. off. She could have went to my grandma. like, I I'm going through a tough time. right now. Can you raise my kids for a.

year or two? She never did that. My My. grandmothers as well, one of them got 10 kids, the other one. got 13 kids. They worked. every day. My grandma from my dad's side, she gave. birth to all her kids in her wooden. house. And then a couple of days later, she working back in the farm. And she. brought all her kids to America. One by. one, different time. Same with my. grandma. She had For my mom's side, she.

had 13 kids. She used to cook cook cook. cook soul food soul food soul food. She. brought all her 13 kids over here. Like. it's no excuse. But I could say that. because they did that. And you're going. to be able to say that about me. Like. it's like, my mom worked every day. I. seen my mom work every day. Be that. Be. that. One day you're going to have kids. one day and you want your kids to say. that about you. That you worked hard. every day. That everything you got you. deserved it. That you made it. Nobody. gave it to you. You don't want to be.

like, you're just you're just successful. because you're a whole man. Like I have. son I have a son. You don't want nobody say that you you. fly. and you fire because you somebody's son. No, I'm fly because I'm my own man. I. made myself a man. I worked my ass off. You going to have a [ __ ] one day. You don't want your [ __ ] to be like, he a mama's boy. He a daddy's No. I'm a hardworking man, baby girl. You. Go on. Same with my daughters. You know.

[ __ ] going to roll you over cuz you. got your own [ __ ] You're more than just. a pretty face. Be a boss. Be something. Please. I don't give a. [ __ ] what they do. Whatever the [ __ ]. just just do not have that lazy bone on. you. Like the the. Ain't no way that I'm busting my ass for. you [ __ ]. Just so you could end up not being [ __ ]. I'm giving y'all everything every even. when even when they 18 and it's stuff. like that and it's time to leave. If you.

want a apartment, if you want a if you. want a a car, I'll give it to you. But. please. please become something. Don't be noth- Please don't be nothing. That'll be the worst disappointment they. could ever do. Don't disappoint me like. that. Whatever the [ __ ] y'all do, just. don't be a nothing. If if you give it to them though, don't. you think they'll be lazy then? Cuz if. you give them an apartment and you give. them a car, then they'll feel like, "Well, I don't need to work cuz mom's. got me.".

No, because it's like like All right, for example, I I I went to college I. went to college, right? But I had to drop out of college because. I had to work to just feed myself. If. you got a crib and if you could maneuver. to to college or you probably want to. open up a business or something. If you. could maneuver and you don't got to. worry about a bill. then. it becomes easier for you. But don't get. Don't make me give you an apartment or. [ __ ] car and you just out here not.

doing [ __ ] I better Every single time I. FaceTime you, you better be. [ __ ] doing something. If you in. bed at [ __ ] 12:00 p.m. Yeah. Ain't that car under my name? Or it's coming with me. You need a You need a real world. >> Yeah. You need You I I'm going to have. to And don't go to your daddy. You know, let me go and see your [ __ ]. daddy. I will take the [ __ ] away. I don't play. that. You ain't going to be nothing. Yeah, you're clear about that.

>> You got two feet, you got two hands, you. got a brain. You better do some [ __ ]. Yeah, for sure. I I found I found like I. started working when I was 14. I used to. deliver newspapers at the time. And then. I started working at a grocery store. I. used to work at the back and stack the. shelves, pick up all the pallets, bring. all the goods in, work back of house, and then I worked and sold jeans at some. jeans shop. It's like I found working. since I was 14 is what made me realize. the value of work. And I've been working. hard ever since and it's if I didn't.

start working hard at 14, I feel like my. parents didn't have anything to give me. either. Yeah. But I feel like that work. ethic has to start early. It do have to start early and that's why. like I said, like sometimes when my Here. come my parents sometimes. My parents. they be getting on my nerves sometimes. Like they be getting on my [ __ ]. nerves sometimes because like my kids. they have school to 3:00 p.m., right? And after school, I don't care and I. don't want y'all at home talking about. like I'm a little tough and [ __ ] I. don't give a [ __ ] This is what I work.

hard for. After school, my kids four. times a week they have tutoring, reading, math, whatever the [ __ ] They. have tutoring. Mandatory in my house. Then Coach you. have piano or she got gym class. Wave he. got sports class and he still got to do. the tutoring. And I don't know, I'm. still I'm sleepy. I don't I don't want. to hear that [ __ ] I don't want to hear. that [ __ ] It's discipline. It got to be. in you and you have to be better than. me. I want you to be better than me.

There's things that I cannot do that I. want my kids to do. I don't know how to. swim. I would love to swim. But. the one time I went to a pool in. Highbridge, there was a crazy. fight that broke out. People was getting. cut left to right. So I couldn't go. swimming because I didn't have no pool. If I have a pool, you going to learn how. to swim. You're going to take your. swimming classes. I'm not really good with my feet. So, you're going to take dance classes.

because if you want to if you ever want. to be a superstar, that's your going to. be in you that you are a dancer. Mhm. I. want you to be smarter than me. Like I could read down. But my grammar's not that great. I want. you to be not perfect cuz you cannot. make your kids perfect and you don't. want you to put pressure on your kids. perfect, but I want you to be a a. hundred time better version than me. Mhm. And I'm going to install that in you. And you're going to be mad and you're. going to be crying, but you're going to. appreciate that one day cuz I wish I.

wish the things that. that I put on my kids that I that. somebody put in me when I was younger. Mhm. But they couldn't put that in me. when I was younger because they couldn't. afford it and they couldn't really have. time to be like. Kulture, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Hennessy, Hennessy, Hennessy because. they had to work. Mhm. I have to work, but I'm going to give. you classes for it. Yeah. Grab me. something, boy. Grab me something, girl. I'm playing with y'all. I love it. I love it. You success is so.

much of who you are. It's who you. breathe. It's what you do. What makes Cardi B happy? It's like little little elements like my. kids make me very happy. They're just so. [ __ ] cute and funny like it's just. And they say stupid stuff like it's like. What do they say? Just things that is. like what. Girl, what? It's funny. It's and it's funny seeing your kids. grow and develop a little character and. they're like when my baby, she be.

hitting her brother and her sister, it'd. be so funny to me cuz it's like a baby. and she's. And they're and they're just there. taking it. So, to me the little things. like that is funny and makes me happy. Romance. You know what I'm saying? When. I'm when I'm in love and when we having. a good you know we having a good week. when you showing that you care, that. makes me happy. You know. actually. when I did saw a piece of an interview. with Selena Gomez and you where she said.

I might have a 14-hour. day. and just one phone call and knowing. somebody's there for you. is a good feeling. That's a good feeling. as well. What else is a good feeling for me? When I'm with my cousins. when I'm with my family and we just. cracking jokes and it just feels it. feels like. it feels like childhood. It makes me. happy. Music make me very happy. I love.

music. When me and my team we plan. something we put in so much work and it. goes good, that makes me happy. That. makes. me happy, the team happy and then. motivates me and then motivate my team. and it more and it's just like we did. it. So stuff like that stuff like that. makes me happy. Seeing all the work that. you do. and. the time that you put, the process, the. progress that you put and it's like it.

hits, it's successful, that makes you. really happy. Like it's like thank God, thank you Jesus. It makes you want to. keep going. Just like. >> That's a good list. >> Yeah. That's a good list. I like it. So. So connection, it's all real as human, it's love, it's family, it's. >> Mhm. friends, it's. intimacy, it's it's it's all the it's. all it is all the most beautiful things. that we're all looking for. How do how. do you see love now? Like how do you. define love? effort. It's not going to always be perfect. Effort is is like a lot.

to me. It means a lot to me like calling. me, studying me personality as well. I. love me a joke. I love me a hee hee hee. You know what I'm saying? Like if you if. if I if I come to you and I'm in tears, when was the last week? I saw I saw my little boyfriend I saw my. boyfriend and I was in tears. I was. like, "It's so much pressure on me.". Like, "It's so much pressure on me." And just. one little joke.

it make I like I'm in tears. I kind of forgot the joke, but it was so. funny. That's good though. And like snot. coming out of my nose and it's like it. made me laugh. It just made me feel good. and it's like, "You know what? Things. are going to be okay." Yeah. Someone you can Someone you can Someone. who can make you laugh, cry, and someone. who can. be there for you when you're crying real. hard tears. >> Yeah. I like that. And I like effort. I. like what you said, "Study you." That. was really interesting. Now, I've never. heard that before, but I like it. The. idea that if someone loves you, they.

study you. Mhm. What is What does that. mean to you? Tell me about that. I like. that one a lot. Certain things are just. the obvious. You know what I'm saying? Like, certain things is like, "Are you. really studying me or is just the. obvious?" Like, for example, if you get. me a purse, if you get me a a Birkin or. a Kelly, right? It makes me happy, of course. Like, who. who don't who Which Which woman don't a. bag make them happy? But, you know that that's what I like. So, it's not like you study it. It's. that you see it on my page. But, like. when you do things.

that you don't normally do, but you're. doing it because you heard me talk about. this. Like, like when you rent a castle. and I know you don't want to be in this. old ass castle that you literally got to. go up and down the stairs just so you. could pee and it's hot and there's no. air conditioner. When you. rent a castle out just so you could. just because you you keep saying like, "Oh, I can't wait I can't wait to have a. day off in Paris so I could go to.

Versailles. I'm obsessed with castles. I'm obsessed with kings. I'm obsessed. with queens." And it's like you listen. to that and you like do your best to. make it happen. It's like. it's like little things like that. Yeah. So, you were just leaving clues. It's not even like leaving clues. It's. just like me talking about my. >> just you talking. >> It's me talking. It's like It It means. stuff. to me and stuff like that. When you get. to know my personality, too, and get to study me,

it's like, okay. Cuz I'm a I'm a I think I'm a hard. person to figure out. Some people just. see me and think certain thing. until you really get to figure me out. and crack me. Mhm. Cuz I might give you. what I want to give you. You haven't cracked me yet. Mhm. Will anyone ever crack you? Is it possible? Yeah. Little by little I open up. Mhm. And I show more. of myself. Mhm. Real self. Yeah.

It's been. It's been 7 years since you released new. music. And you've talked to me about releasing. it, the hard work that went into it, the. journey that got you there, why you. waited. What finally made you feel confident. that you had the right piece of work? What did you put into it? How did you. know that now is the right time and the. work was ready? Because it feels good. It feels good. Like it's like.

this I feel like people are missing. this. Mhm. It feels good. I feel good. I feel. confident about it. Mhm. I feel very confident about it, to be. honest with you. So, that's why that's why I'm like, it's. time. Yeah. Where Where did the name Am. I the Drama. What inspired that? What did What did. What's What's the subtext? What's the. hidden meanings behind it? >> I don't want to keep saying when I was a. little girl. But it's funny like it's like Say it. I. love I love knowing that you manifested. this. It's beautiful. No, cuz it's like.

ever since I was a little girl, I always get in trouble. And it don't really be me. Like it's. like, if we having a sleepover, me and. my cousins, I will be the one that the aunt is. pulling their ears cuz it's like, "Yeah, I know this was your idea." But it even. was it wasn't even my idea. And. sometimes when I used to go to school. and I used to fight, my mom used to be. like, "Didn't I tell you to avoid the. fight?" And it's like, "Mom, I swear to. God it's not me.

It's these girls, they keep trying me. That's why I keep getting into fights.". And and when I was in school, too, like. it's like, when I do get in trouble just. because I'm being mischievous, it's. like, like my friends' moms used to be like, "It's cuz of her. It's cuz of it It's. cuz of Belcalis. I know it's her." And. it's like, "It don't really be me. It. really don't be me." And that's just how. it is with my life. Like it's like, "Yo, I'm always in a scandal. I'm always in. some [ __ ] I'm always in some beef.".

And it's like, no matter how much I. avoid it, it comes to me. Am I the [ __ ] drama? Is it me, Jesus? Is it me? No matter how much I avoid it, no matter. how much I think I'm in a bubble and. it's like, nope, that bubble is always going to. pop. Something is always going to find. you, girl. But. that's why I like to Am I the drama? Is. Why am I always in some [ __ ].

Whether it's good or bad. Why am I. always in some [ __ ]. What's the answer? Am I? That's the That's that. The answer is through the question, am. I? Am I? Only one person can answer that. And. that's Jesus. Cuz God, why the [ __ ] am I always in. some [ __ ]. When is the [ __ ] boat going to start. smooth sailing? Why we always in the.

ocean, in the middle of the ocean, in. the roughest We in the We in the Pacific. Ocean all the time. I love that. It's a great question. It's. a great question. It lines up for a. great album. It's It's It's such a great name. It's. such a great It's such a great energy. Even just hearing you talk about it is. such a great vibe. What's the uh. I mean, how does it feel when that drama. gets televised? And then it's all over. TikTok. How does that feel? Look. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad.

Well, you always show up looking. fabulous, but I'm like, how how does. that feel when like you know Well, I try. to come in here having eyes like you, but one of. One of the contacts wasn't cooperating. So, I'm like, I'm not taking this other. contact off. So, that's why we have the. uh. >> Yeah, and that's why we got three blue. eyes and one set instead of four. I love it. I love it. I love it. So. How. does it feel when when your drama is. televised? Like when that is televised, how does that feel? It just feels.

Sometimes it feels okay cuz there's. going to be people that's going to cheer. for you and sometimes going to be very. overwhelming, like. and very stressful, very annoying, and. then it's like. Unlike other celebrities. you know, a lot of people be wanting me. to be like certain celebrities and stuff. like that. >> Oh, really? Like who? Like they just. want me to be like the type of person. that just don't respond, that don't tell. my feelings.

And. they be thinking that some of these. celebrities like they're perfect. Which they are amazing, but don't think. they're not going through what I'm going. through. Don't think they don't feel. like what the pressure they that I go. through. Don't think they're not saying. Yeah, I hate you [ __ ] What the. [ __ ] you think you are to tell me that. I'm this this What the [ __ ] you think. you this and that? I'm just the person. that tells it.

So, it's a blessing and a curse. because sometimes I feel like I I speak. for them and that's why when a lot of. celebrities see me, they be like, "Yo, you be saying what I want to say.". That's cool. But then sometimes it's. like a curse because sometimes people be. like it's like, "Oh, you the only one. that do that. You the only one that do. that." And it's like, "Well, I'll be the one that do that." Yeah. I. can't do it all the time though cuz then. people going to think I'm just crazy. But I'll be the one that do that. Y'all. need to leave [ __ ] people alone.

Y'all think because as a celebrity we. make a little money and we make a little. this like it's like, "Bitch, I feelings too, ho. I ain't no chopped liver. So, maybe that's why I'm sometimes like the. punching bags. And sometimes people be. like, "You need to stop doing that. You. need to stop being this. You need You. need to be more like them." And it's. like, "They feel the same way I feel. too. They want to tell these people [ __ ]. you. [ __ ] you and your mom. and your dad.

and your whole bloodline. What the [ __ ] you talking on me? [ __ ] you. Trust me, they want to say that to. They want to say that. >> Yeah, I think everyone does. Yeah. But. I'll be the one to say it. But that's because sometimes it do feel. good to say it. [ __ ] you. [ __ ] [ __ ] you. I'll be the one. Yeah. Not all the time, but I'll be the. one. Yeah. Yeah, I can I can see that. from all the clips that I've seen. Like.

you're always yourself. Like you're. never not yourself wherever you are. The glam, the looks, the fashion, the. wigs, the everything that comes out of. your mouth. It's like you're never. you're never filtering yourself. No. matter the environment you're in. >> Oh, trust me. I I filter said a lot. Oh, you do? Yeah, I. Sometimes I feel like I think who the. [ __ ] am I? Who the [ __ ] have I become? Cuz I I used. to have no filter. Now it's just like. I'll be like, all right. But still, [ __ ] you, though.

Where do you filter yourself, if you. ever do? Where do you filter yourself? This mouth. I could be a piranha. What are we today? A shark? No, today's. No, today I'm a goldfish. Okay, today. you're a goldfish. >> I said nothing bad today. Today I'm a. goldfish. I'm really nice today. You have been. wonderful. But it's like sometimes I be. seeing people and I'll be like.

I could get really nasty. This all facts. I could get really. nasty. But you hold back sometimes. >> back so much. I hold back I hold back so. much so much so much so much so much so. much. I really You know what? I really did. change a lot. I don't know what changed. me. Maybe Maybe the age. Maybe the kids. Maybe life. You softened up a bit. I've always been soft, but I could I. could really give it to you.

And I won't stop. But I stopped. Just. for. mhm. Is it the age? Is it the kids? Which. Which one is it? Or all of them? All of. the above? >> It's a combination. Mhm. Age really wise you. Wise you and make you afraid. Yeah. Got more to lose. Mhm. That That I think that plays a big part. Mhm. When you're young and you're. dreaming and you want all these things, no one ever tells you the cost that it. comes at. Yeah.

And how much. it tests you and. brings all sorts of other challenges. into your life. Yeah. Yeah, you you've. talked about how. money doesn't fix everything and. success doesn't solve everything. Mhm. And and it almost feels like when you. don't have those things, you think it. will. Yeah. And then when you get it, you realize, "Oh, wait, there's all this. other stuff that we haven't figured out. yet.". What is What is something that you're. still trying to. figure out, learn, solve in your own life? What What's.

What's the part of your life you're like. working on, dreaming, envisioning, imagining to be better and different? I mean, life in general. >> All of it? All of it, to be honest with. you. Life just doesn't get I wonder when. life is going to do start getting. easier. Cuz life is just hard. No matter if you have money or not. You got problems when you poor, you got. problems when you rich. You just always just trying to figure. out every single day I feel like people.

is just trying to figure it out, trying. to figure themselves out, trying to. figure life out. And it just will never. stop. Mhm. It will never stop, I think. When will do it stop? When you're 60? But even when you're 60, you're going to. start having other problems. Like back. problems. And it's like another thing, another. problem that you got to figure out. You. know what I'm saying? Like it's like. it's just will never stop. >> Yeah. The older you get, the more people. you lose. The more kids you have, the. more things you have to worry about. The. more money you have, the the more you.

have to. learn about managing. You have a partner. or where you don't have a partner, you. got to figure out how you If you want to. how you want to deal with being alone. When you have a partner, is that how you. got to figure out how to be their peace. in everything. And I really don't want people thinking. either that it's like just because you. have money, like it's like you live the. easy life. Everybody that that have money. that are successful, that are good, how well they do,

if you notice a pattern, they work their. asses off. You think that Beyoncé got a [ __ ]. boat and imagining this and that because. she's just. Beyoncé? No, she worked her ass off. She's one of the most hardest people. ever. Why people cannot go to her level? Why people cannot this and that? Because. they just. she just have a insane work ethic. Insane time. And my partner, he wakes up every day at. 5:30, 6:00 a.m. and leave work at 7:00. p.m. and then you got people that hate.

on him and it's like what what why he so. good? Cuz. he works hard. Mhm. Why am I here after 7 years? Cuz I'm. every day every day. working every day, what we doing next? Hello, what y'all doing? Wake up. I got. something planned. I just I just thought. of something. I just had a dream or. something. We got to make it happen. And working hard, you could say working. hard and it sounds like working hard, but it's like it's hours and hours hours. and time and body and brain. Mhm.

I'm exhausted. I'm really exhausted. right now. Back hurt, butt hurt. I'm sleepy as [ __ ] I got a headache on. the right side of my head. Mhm. But I'm working. Yeah. After this Yeah. I got to do a promo shoot and then I'm. going to the studio and then tomorrow I. got to do. something else. Every single day, every single day, every single day. If you want it, you. got to do it. Yeah. No complaining, no. crying [ __ ]. In this conversation you've talked about. Jesus, you talked about the devil. Do. you talk to God a lot? Do you pray?

Every day. Every day? Mhm. I feel like I. have a very deep. spiritual connection with God. And it's not even like about praying, it's like talking. Like even when I talk. to God, I talk to him just like I'm. talking to you. Mhm. I'll be cursing. >> I love that. crying. Cuz people be like, "Oh, cursing is. bad." But it's like God God know God. knows who God knows who I am. God knows. God knows how I be. Like it's like it's. almost like I'm talking to a friend. Mhm.

And I really do believe. in my weird mind, in my weird universe. that I made, like I have I have angels. I really do believe that God gave me. angels. And I believe in them. I feel like God is here, and I feel like. you got your angels here, then you got. your other religions here. I believe in God so. much, it's not even funny. And you know, some people might not. believe in God, but it's like.

don't try like it's like. I'm not going to convince nobody to. believe in what I believe in. But if it. how you expect me not to believe on the. person that I've been praying to my. whole life and gave me what I wanted? So that little girl was talking to God. in that dream. >> Always, all the time. It's like the the imaginary friend, the. voice in your head. that you think is your friend, that you. think is your your your voice. That's. That's just what That was just you. talking to God the whole time. Mhm.

That's just you talking to God the whole. time. I love him. I believe in him. I always. tell this to somebody like it's like the. most the most the most I could give you, the most powerful thing that I could. give you is me praying on you. If I pray on you for you, it's cuz I. love you. It's the most powerfulest thing. And I do feel like when you pray. together, miracles happen. I love him. Mhm. Love you so much. Why. do you love me so much? Why do you love me so much?

Tell the Tell Tell Tell Say it already. I'm like one of your favorite kids. Tell them. Jesus Lord, tell these people I'm one of. your favorites. Don't lie to them. Don't lie to them. That's beautiful. Cardi, you've been so. so generous with your time, your energy, your heart. I really felt you know, this. surpassed every one of my expectations. that I had of meeting you and getting to. interview you. Hey, your wife. I I knew. there was so much I knew there was so. much spirit. I knew there was so much.

soul. I knew there was there was just. this energy inside that that I'm I'm. really grateful you let share today and. and people got to know you a bit more. deeply. Uh we we end every episode with. a final five. These questions have to be. answered in one word to one sentence. maximum. So, Cardi B, these are your final five. You know I talk a lot. I know. You can. You can. You You think I can answer with. one word? I'm giving you permission. You. can. You can. All right. So, question. number one. We ask these to every guest. who's been on the show. What is the best. advice you've ever heard or received?

Well, I'm going to go with one advice that I. heard today. No, I didn't hear it today. I heard it. yesterday. Ask the difficult questions. The difficult questions. make the relationship stronger. It could break it. It could make it. But, you still have a understanding. If you become that understanding, then y'all might become stronger. You.

said it better. You said it better. Whoever said it, you said it better. So, uh question number two. What is the. worst advice you've ever heard or. received? I think you've had a lot. Sometimes. when somebody told me to wear a certain. outfit or when somebody told me to drop. a certain songs, you never know. It could go from here to that. Mhm. Question number three. Finish the sentence. One thing I'll. never apologize for is. my mouth. My mouth. My mouth. My mouth.

Well, sometimes I might apologize for my. mouth. Sometimes I might Maybe I might. laugh too hard. I don't know. I'll I'll. apologize for my mouth sometimes, but. not all the time. Question number four. What's something. that you used to value that you don't. value anymore? Uh having have like. the streets. I value it a lot and I don't. I value it because it made me and it. gave me a certain mentality.

But I wouldn't want to advise that I. advise it. advise that to people that I love, people that I care or to young kids, to. young boys, to young girls. because it don't always lead you to. where you think it's going to lead you. It's very grimy. It don't love you back. ever. Mhm. And fifth and final question, we ask. this to every guest who's been on the. show, if you could create one law that. everyone in the world had to follow, what would it be?

If I was Kim Jong-un. What law? I'm not sure. I got to come. back to that. >> Yeah, think about it. Matter of fact. if you hurt children, you got to get. What's that thing when they clip you? Castrate castrate size? Whatever it's. called. >> yeah. You just got to be clipped. And if. you're a woman, they need to burn it. Oh, wow. >> If you hurt kids. Wow. >> Yeah, that should be a mandatory thing. all over the world. Wow. Cuz kids are so. precious. Mhm. They're so precious.

They're so innocent. Well, some of them. some of them are kind of evil. They born. with the devil inside. Uh, you if you see dark memories, some of. them is like, "Oh, [ __ ]. You was born today. You was born to be a. devil.". Jesus Jesus upon you, child. Cardi B, everyone. The album is called. Am I the drama? I'm so excited for. everyone to hear it. Love your energy, love your spirit. So grateful to have. spent this time together. Thank you. >> And uh, all the best. God bless and I.

hope that you continue to succeed and. win at life and keep being the energy. and force that you are. So, thank you so. much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. If you loved this episode, you'll really enjoy my episode with. Selena Gomez on befriending your inner. critic and how to speak to yourself with. more compassion. My fears are only going. to continue to show me what I'm capable. of. The more that I face my fears, the. more that I feel I'm gaining strength. and gaining wisdom, and I just want to.

keep doing that.