Cardi B denies allegations of financial hardship, claims $3M monthly spending

American rapper Cardi B has denied claims that she’s “surviving on Shein deals and brand partnerships,” asserting that she spends US$3 million a month and can buy whatever she wants.

American rapper Cardi B. Photo from Cardi B’s Instagram

“I can go spend $500,000 on a f***ing car tomorrow. I could buy me a $300,000 watch tomorrow,” she said in a voice recording shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Dec. 3, according to The Independent. “B****, I could buy your mother.”

Her response came after critics questioned her financial status, following a video of Cardi B posing in four winter jackets from Shein, a Chinese-founded e-commerce platform known for offering low-priced clothing, according to Time magazine.

“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,” the rapper continued.

She then shared screenshots of a text message from September showing that she was negotiating a tour deal. The offer, which included US$1 million per show, would involve Cardi performing 65 concerts, totaling US$65 million for the entire tour. The message also revealed that she could receive half of the tour’s payment upfront.

Cardi B emphasized that she’s currently enjoying an “off year” and isn’t experiencing any financial difficulties. She clarified that her decision to refrain from touring is because she’s waiting for the right moment.

“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,” she explained. “You have to move smart. You can’t act hungry when you’re not.”

Responding to Cardi B’s post, some questioned why the rapper, known for wearing high-end luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel, would work with Shein in light of her comments.

“Girl, you wear Hermès and Chanel, not Shein,” a social media user pointed out.

Other fans came to Cardi B’s defense, pointing out that it wasn’t necessary for her to clarify her wealth.

“I love you so much but this Space is so unnecessary,” a follower commented. “Baby, you are rich rich. Why are you explaining anything to these people? Put it in a song…”

Others also highlighted that the rapper has long worked with fast-fashion brands like Fashion Nova, suggesting that her partnership with Shein aligns with her previous business ventures.

Cardi B, 32, rose to fame with videos shared on Vine and Instagram between 2015 and early 2017. Her debut studio album “Invasion of Privacy,” released in 2018, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and Billboard ranked it as the top female rap album of the 2010s.

Named by Forbes as one of the most influential female rappers of all time, Cardi B holds the record for the most number-one singles by a female rapper on the Billboard Hot 100, with five chart-toppers. She is also the only female rapper to achieve multiple solo number-ones and to have number-one singles in both the 2010s and 2020s.

As of Dec. 2024, Cardi B has received 10 Grammy nominations and won one.