Cardi B has never been one to shy away from controversy—especially when it comes to defending fellow artists. This week, she’s making headlines for her passionate support of South African singer Tyla, who’s found herself at the center of relentless online criticism and debates over her identity.

Late-Night Outrage: Cardi B Speaks Out

During an unfiltered late-night X Spaces stream from Los Angeles, Cardi B—known for her bold personality and sharp tongue—addressed the barrage of negativity Tyla has been facing. The “Am I The Drama?” rapper didn’t mince words as she called out what she described as “straight up disrespectful” online behavior.

“Look at Tyla,” Cardi said, her frustration palpable. “People been dragging the s**t out of Tyla and it’s like, the girl don’t even fcking address or talk about nothing.”
She continued, “I’m starting to feel that people just don’t like celebrities. It’s like the only way people like celebrities is if you don’t fcking say nothing at all.”

Cardi’s disbelief grew as she described scrolling through TikTok, only to find Tyla the constant target of criticism. “Every single time I scroll down on my TikTok, there’s a video of her and people are talking s**t and it’s like, Goddamn, what do you want her to fcking do, cut her fcking veins? Like, enough. Enough.”

Tyla’s Identity Under the Microscope

The online hate Tyla faces goes beyond her music—it’s become deeply personal. Earlier this month, a resurfaced 2020 TikTok where Tyla described herself as a “colored South African” reignited debates over her ethnic identity.
The term “coloured” carries different meanings in South Africa and the United States, making Tyla the subject of heated discourse.

When asked about the controversy in a June 2024 interview with The Breakfast Club’s Charlamagne Tha God, Tyla chose not to elaborate, which only fueled more discussion. Hours later, she took to social media to clarify:
“I don’t expect to be identified as Coloured outside of [South Africa] by anyone not comfortable doing so because I understand the weight of that word outside [of South Africa]. But to close this conversation, I’m both Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.”

Speaking to Variety, Tyla reflected on the confusion and emotional toll the scrutiny has taken. “That controversy was really confusing for me. I understood both sides of the story, but I was left asking, ‘OK, but what do I do now?’ When who you are is challenged, especially when it’s all you’ve ever known, it shakes you. You want to stand your ground, because if you don’t, someone else will try to define it for you.”

Music Above the Noise

Despite the drama, Tyla continues to rise. Last month, she dropped a four-track EP, WWP, and her second studio album is expected later this year.
Meanwhile, Cardi B’s much-anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, lands on September 19—proving both artists are focused on their craft, not the critics.

A Call for Empathy and Respect

Cardi B’s defense of Tyla is more than just a celebrity soundbite—it’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of online hate. In a digital age where artists are constantly scrutinized, Cardi’s words cut through the noise, demanding empathy and respect.

As Tyla navigates questions about her heritage and identity, and as Cardi B prepares to drop new music, their resilience sends a message:
No matter how loud the critics get, artists deserve to tell their stories—and be themselves—without fear.

With Cardi B in her corner, Tyla’s voice is only getting stronger. And as both women gear up for new releases, it’s clear that the best response to hate is to keep shining.