Cardi B has by no means been shy about calling out the state of the world, however lately, she admits she’s been holding her tongue. “I really, really had to bite my tongue, but you know the reason why I’ve been so silent about politics? It’s because when I used to complain the past four years, I know for a fact that people watch my stuff. I know it. I know the White House watches my stuff. I have a big platform. I know they listen to what I say.”

In her new music/rb-hip-hop/cardi-b-billboard-cover-story-2025-rb-hip-hop-power-players-1236056447/”>Billboard interview, the rapper opens up about why she thinks America is caught in a cycle of turmoil. “All I’m going to say is America is in a very bad place. No matter who’s in charge, it’s going to stay like that because we’re paying for bad karma. Why [are we] paying for bad karma? Because we have been involved in something morally illegal, morally that God hates, morally that is disgusting. I’m not going to speak about it. Y’all should know why.”

Cardi says being politically conscious isn’t nearly her, it’s one thing she desires to move right down to her three youngsters. “Yes, please! I hope they take that trait from me. You always have to be aware of what’s happening to the world and what’s happened before, because things really do repeat themselves.”

Even if her supply isn’t polished, she’s unapologetic about talking her reality. “I might not say it the prettiest way, but I know they listen to what I’m saying.”

Politics, for Cardi, isn’t about being good; it’s about being actual, staying conscious, and utilizing her affect to spark conversations others are too afraid to start out.