Cardi B, the acclaimed female rapper and pop culture icon, faced a significant setback in her income stream when a lawsuit filed by her former manager froze her song royalties for two years. Despite her immense success and wealth, there was a period when she earned nothing directly from her Һit songs.

The legal entanglement began in 2018 when Klenord “Shaft” Raphael, Cardi B’s former manager and credited writer on her Һit “Bodak Yellow,” filed a lawsuit against her. The lawsuit alleged breach of contract, unjust enrichment, declaratory judgment, and defamation. Raphael claimed that Cardi B’s statements accusing him of trying to “rоb” her damaged his reputation and negatively impacted WorldStar Marketing Group, the label Cardi B signed with, causing substantial financial loss. Seeking $10 million in damages, Raphael’s lawsuit led to a freeze on Cardi B’s song royalties.

As a result of the legal dispute, Cardi B was unable to collect royalties for the years 2018 and 2019, which coincided with the release of some of her biggest hits, including “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” and “Money.” The freeze on royalties affected her ability to earn from these chart-topping songs during the peak of her career.

In an effort to regain control over her song royalties, Cardi B countersued Raphael for an extensive $30 million. The counterclaim accused Raphael of deceit and disloyalty in managing her career, alleging that he exploited and manipulated her for financial gain. The lawsuit highlighted Raphael’s control over legal documents and her earnings, asserting that he took advantage of his position for personal benefit.

The legal bаttle showcases the challenges and financial impact Cardi B faced due to the freeze on her song royalties, emphasizing the complexities and consequences of disputes within the music industry.