American rapper Cardi B has firmly rejected rumors suggesting that she is “surviving on Shein deals and brand partnerships,” insisting that her wealth is far from dependent on such collaborations. Cardi B took to social media on December 3, 2023, to set the record straight, claiming that she spends a staggering $3 million a month and has the financial freedom to purchase anything she desires.In a voice recording shared on X, Cardi B expressed her frustration with the ongoing criticism, saying,
“I can go spend $500,000 on a f*ing car tomorrow. I could buy a $300,000 watch tomorrow. B**, I could buy your mother.”
Her bold statement was a clear message to detractors questioning her financial standing.The backlash against Cardi B’s wealth came after she shared a video of herself wearing four different winter jackets from Shein, a popular Chinese-founded e-commerce platform known for its low-priced fashion items. The video sparked speculation regarding her financial status, with critics suggesting that her endorsement of Shein might be indicative of financial struggles. However, Cardi B was quick to respond, revealing her financial security in no uncertain terms.
She further asserted, “I want to let y’all know I could wake up tomorrow, sign a contract and have half of $65 million, or half of $70 million, in my bank.” This comment was likely a direct reference to her ongoing negotiations for a major tour deal. Cardi B also shared screenshots of a text message exchange from September, in which she was discussing a lucrative tour deal that would see her performing 65 shows at $1 million per show, totaling $65 million. The conversation also revealed that she could receive a significant upfront payment, amounting to half of the tour’s total payment.
Cardi B explained that her decision to hold off on touring was not because of financial hardships but rather due to her strategic approach to business. She explained, “I don’t want to take tour deals until I announce my album because when I announce my album I know they’re going to up it. You have to move smart. You can’t act hungry when you’re not.”
Despite her confidence in her financial security, Cardi B’s partnership with Shein raised eyebrows among some fans, especially considering her well-known affinity for luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel. One social media user pointed out, “Girl, you wear Hermès and Chanel, not Shein,” suggesting that her endorsement of the fast fashion brand seemed out of place given her usual high-end style.
However, other followers quickly came to Cardi B’s defense, reminding critics that she has long been associated with fast fashion brands like Fashion Nova. In fact, Cardi B’s collaborations with such brands have been a hallmark of her entrepreneurial ventures. “I love you so much, but this Space is so unnecessary,” one fan commented. “Baby, you are rich rich. Why are you explaining anything to these people? Put it in a song…”
The rapper’s rise to fame began in 2015 when she gained attention with her candid and humorous posts on Vine and Instagram. Her breakthrough came in 2017 when her single “Bodak Yellow” became a major hit, and in 2018, she released her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s success was further cemented by its ranking as the top female rap album of the 2010s, and Cardi B went on to become one of the most influential female rappers of all time.
Over the course of her career, Cardi B has amassed numerous accolades, including being named by Forbes as one of the most influential female rappers ever. She holds the record for the most number-one singles by a female rapper on the Billboard Hot 100, with five chart-topping hits. Cardi B is also the only female rapper to have achieved multiple solo number-one singles and to have charted number-ones in both the 2010s and 2020s.
Ultimately, Cardi B’s response to the critics serves as a reminder of her financial acumen and strategic decision making. Despite occasional controversies over her brand partnerships, she remains a dominant figure in the music industry and an astute entrepreneur who knows how to navigate her own success. Her financial independence and ability to maintain control over her career decisions reflect the kind of empowerment she has long advocated for, proving that her wealth is a product of hard work, not mere brand endorsements.
