Cardi B Turns NYC Sidewalks Into a Pop-Up Record Store, Hilariously Hawks Her New Album ‘Am I the Drama?’ for $20 on TikTok

If you thought Cardi B only knew how to make hits, think again—she’s also a master of street hustle and viral marketing! The Grammy-winning rapper just dropped one of her funniest promos yet, hitting the pavement in New York City and selling her forthcoming album ‘Am I the Drama?’ like a true sidewalk vendor, all captured in a TikTok that’s got fans and the internet buzzing.

Cardi B: From Billboard Queen to Street Seller

On Sunday, September 7th, Cardi B, 32, surprised fans with a TikTok that showed her decked out in a black hoodie, sweatpants, and a colorful Rasta beanie. She set up shop on a classic NYC sidewalk, laying out vinyls and CDs on a blanket—just like the city’s famous street sellers. Incense wafted in the air as Bob Marley’s music played in the background, giving the whole scene a laid-back, authentic vibe.

“$9.99… $20… $9.99 for the little ones!” Cardi shouted, pointing to the various editions of her new album.

“What up, ya’ll! We outside, we got that exclusive Cardi B new album we selling right now. We got the vinyls, we got the CDs, we got the court edition. $9.99!”

Her caption? Pure Cardi:

“My label said I gotta get out in these streets and sell this album LINK IN BIO.”

Fans loved it, flooding the comments with laughing emojis and praise for her creative, down-to-earth approach. It’s not every day you see a superstar hawking their own music on the sidewalk!

The Album: ‘Am I the Drama?’ Drops September 19

This isn’t just any album—‘Am I the Drama?’ is Cardi B’s first studio release in over seven years, and anticipation couldn’t be higher. Set to drop September 19, the record promises big energy and even bigger surprises. Cardi’s been teasing limited editions, including a viral “courtroom edition” featuring meme-worthy photos of her testifying in court as the cover art—a nod to her recent legal battles and internet fame.

“I mean look!… BY POPULAR DEMAND, the courtroom edition of AM I THE DRAMA? is available NOW,” Cardi posted on social media.

No Features? No Problem. Cardi’s 100% Confident

In a recent X Spaces conversation, Cardi revealed that while the album won’t be packed with features, the few collaborations are “really good.” She’s working with both familiar faces and new artists, and she’s confident that what she’s bringing is fresh and unique.

“And it’s such a vibe. I could tell you this – I’m 100 percent confident with this album. I just don’t think what I got is out there,” she said.

Success Means More Than Grammys

Cardi B has never been shy about her ambitions, but she’s got her eyes on more than just awards. In a new Billboard cover story, she admitted that while a Grammy would be nice, true success is about impact.

“Success for me will be people saying, ‘She put out a great album.’ If [at] 3 a.m. people are talking about the album, that’s going to be success for me because people can’t wait to downplay it.”

Why Fans Love Cardi’s Hustle

From selling albums on the street to dropping viral memes, Cardi B proves she’s not afraid to get creative, get real, and get her hands dirty for her art. It’s this authenticity—and her hilarious, relatable energy—that keeps fans coming back for more.

So, will you grab a $20 vinyl from Cardi on the sidewalk? Or will you be streaming ‘Am I the Drama?’ when it drops September 19? Either way, one thing’s for sure: Cardi B’s album launch is already legendary.

What do you think of Cardi’s street hustle? Are you excited for ‘Am I the Drama?’ Drop your thoughts below!