Cardi B is an open book, especially when it comes to her love life. Her new album, Am I the Drama?, holds nothing back. The rap superstar pulls back the curtain on her complicated marriage to Offset, spilling all the tea on a track called "Man of Your Word." It’s clear she’s ready to share her truth, right from the heart.
A Raw Confession in Song
Cardi (whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar), 32, dropped "Man of Your Word" as part of her second studio album on Friday, September 19. In the song, she looks back at her ups and downs with Offset, 33. Her lyrics reveal deep regrets about their on-again, off-again relationship.
She sings directly about her disappointment in herself for going back to him after past breakups. "Last time you fed up, said I was done / Fed up again, I took you back, s**, I was dumb / I held back for you, was really biting my tongue / Should’ve fell back from you, instead, I gave you a son.” The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “The last time you messed up, you said I was done / You messed up again, I took you back, sht, I was dumb / I held back for you, I was really biting my tongue / I should have moved away from you, instead, I gave you a son.”
Cardi B and Offset first tied the knot in September 2017, after only seven months together. Their first child, Kulture, arrived in July 2018. They briefly split in 2018 but got back together in 2019. However, Cardi filed for divorce from Offset in October 2020. She later canceled the divorce, and they welcomed their son Wave, now 4 years old, in September 2021.
In "Man of Your Word," Cardi also raps about having Wave with Offset. She shares, “I don’t regret it, it’s a blessing / Just know I learned my lesson. … Don’t know if I’m mad at me or you.” The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “I don’t regret it, it’s a blessing / I just know I learned my lesson. … I don’t know if I’m angry with myself or with you.” It shows a mix of joy over her child and ongoing confusion about their bond.
Their Tumultuous Journey Continues
The couple’s relationship continued to be a roller coaster. In December 2023, Cardi confirmed they had separated again. Yet, they appeared together at the Met Gala in May 2024. She even called him her "support system" that same month. Still, Cardi filed for divorce a second time in July 2024. Then, in August, she announced she was pregnant with their third child. They welcomed their daughter, Blossom, in September 2024. (Cardi recently announced she is expecting her fourth baby, her first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs.)
Cardi B and Offset ANGELA WEISS / AFP
Elsewhere in "Man of Your Word," Cardi admits the relationship "wasn’t all bad." She says she also has "skeletons in my closet, not everything was baggage." This implies she recognizes her own part in their struggles. She continues, “As a wife, I should’ve realized when you was hurt / But instead, I put my music first, damn.” The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “As a wife, I should have realized when you were hurt. But instead, I put my music first, damn.”
Cardi even hints at infidelity, rapping: “Even though I’m up, I always treat you like we even, dude / See what special treatment do? / Huh, I could’ve cheated too.” The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “Even though I’m on top, I always treat you like we’re equal, man. See what special treatment does? Huh, I could have cheated too.”
By the end of the song, she wishes her ex well. “I really hope you find love, I hope you find a good spirit, I hope you satisfy your needs and everything that I didn’t … I really do wish you the best,” Cardi raps. The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “I really hope you find love, I hope you find a good spirit, I hope you satisfy your needs and everything that I couldn’t… I truly wish you the best.”
More Tracks, More Insights
"Man of Your Word" isn’t the only song on Am I the Drama? where Cardi opens up about Offset. Tracks like "Magnet," "What’s Goin On," and "Shower Tears" also seem to reference their bond.
On "Magnet," she raps, “Got my baby daddy actin’ like my baby mama.” The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “My baby daddy acts like my baby mama.” Meanwhile, in "What’s Goin On," she states, “I told his ass be careful with me, I guess he thought I wouldn’t practice what I preach.” The Spanish translation provided with the original article reads: “I told his ass to be careful with me, I guess he thought I wouldn’t practice what I preach.”
Looking to the Future of Co-Parenting
During a talk show interview on Thursday, September 18, Cardi spoke about "Man of Your Word." She shared more about the meaning behind its honest lyrics. Without naming Offset directly, Cardi said, "I just wish he was a better person." She added, "But it is what it is. Be a better person for your children."
Cardi also touched on co-parenting with Offset. She admitted it’s "not" something they can do "right now." "I no longer feel hate in my heart," she explained. "I think he feels some kind of hate in his heart now, and I don’t know how long it will take… but that has always been my wish." She hopes for peace, saying, "I get along with everyone I’ve dated. If we all move on, there shouldn’t be animosity. Your life, my life, separately. We should be able to raise children. We should be able to ask each other questions."