In a candid and emotional moment that has set social media ablaze, rapper Cardi B stunned fans with a raw confession about her feelings toward fellow superstar Rihanna during a live interview on August 11, 2025. The 32-year-old Bronx native, known for her unfiltered honesty and larger-than-life personality, opened up about her struggles with envy, admitting, “I’m just jealous of her. Why she has everything but I don’t?” The revelation, delivered with a mix of vulnerability and frustration, has sparked intense discussion online, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures of fame, comparison, and personal growth in the music industry. While some fans were shocked by Cardi’s admission, others praised her for her transparency, highlighting the complexities of navigating success in the shadow of an icon like Rihanna.

Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, has been a dominant force in hip-hop since her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” in 2017. With multiple chart-topping singles, three Grammy Awards, and a massive social media following, she has solidified her place as one of the industry’s leading voices. Her upcoming sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, set for release on September 19, 2025, has already generated buzz with confirmed tracks like “WAP” and “Up.” Beyond music, Cardi has ventured into television, fashion, and endorsements, building a net worth estimated at $80 million. Yet, despite her achievements, her recent comments reveal a deeper struggle with self-doubt and the weight of comparison to Rihanna, the 37-year-old Barbadian superstar whose influence spans music, fashion, and philanthropy.

The confession came during a live-streamed interview on a popular entertainment platform, where Cardi was promoting her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on the single “Bongos,” released in 2023, and discussing her personal and professional journey. When asked about her inspirations, Cardi paused, her usual bravado giving way to introspection. “I look at someone like Rihanna, and I’m like, ‘Damn, she got it all,’” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. “The music, the fashion, the beauty line, the family, the respect—she’s got this glow, this untouchable vibe. And I’m over here thinking, ‘Why she has everything but I don’t?’ I’m working my ass off, but sometimes it feels like I’m still chasing that.” The rawness of her words, coupled with a visible tear, left the host and viewers stunned, prompting an immediate flood of reactions online.

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a global icon whose career began with her 2005 debut album Music of the Sun. With nine Grammy Awards, over 250 million records sold, and a net worth exceeding $1.4 billion, she has redefined success through her music and ventures like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Her recent personal milestones—welcoming her third child with partner A$AP Rocky on August 5, 2025, and her philanthropy, including clearing lunch debt for 1,200 students at Combermere High School in Barbados—have only elevated her status. To many, Rihanna represents an unattainable standard, blending artistry, entrepreneurship, and motherhood with a seemingly effortless grace.

Cardi’s admission of jealousy tapped into a universal feeling, resonating with fans who saw her vulnerability as a bold acknowledgment of the pressures of fame. On X, the hashtag #CardiBRihanna trended within minutes, with fans split between empathy and debate. “Cardi being real about feeling jealous of Rihanna is so human,” one user posted. “It’s hard to shine when you’re compared to a legend.” Others defended Cardi’s achievements, with one tweeting, “Cardi, you’re a queen! You don’t need to be Rihanna—you’re killing it as YOU.” Some, however, speculated that her comments could fuel tension, given the competitive nature of the industry, though no public response from Rihanna has surfaced.

The interview delved deeper as Cardi explained the root of her feelings. “It’s not hate, you know? I love Rihanna. Her music got me through tough times growing up,” she said. “But when you’re in this game, people pit you against each other. They compare your sales, your style, your family life. And Rihanna—she’s like the blueprint. She’s got this perfect balance, and I’m still figuring mine out.” Cardi reflected on her own journey, noting the challenges of balancing motherhood to her three children—Kulture, Wave, and her newborn daughter born in 2024—with her career. “I’m proud of what I’ve done, but I look at her and wonder if I’m doing enough,” she admitted. “It’s like, she’s got the Midas touch, and I’m out here grinding.”

This moment of candor comes at a pivotal time for Cardi, who has been open about her struggles with mental health and the pressures of fame. In recent years, she has faced scrutiny over her personal life, including her on-again, off-again relationship with rapper Offset, and the relentless demands of her career. Her 2023 single “Cobra,” her first independent release after leaving 1501 Certified Entertainment, was a raw exploration of vulnerability, addressing criticism and personal growth. Fans see her latest comments as an extension of this openness, with one X post reading, “Cardi’s not afraid to say what we all feel sometimes. That’s why we stan.”

The comparison to Rihanna is not new for Cardi, who has often been pitted against her in media narratives. Both artists have collaborated with Megan Thee Stallion—Cardi on “WAP” and Rihanna on a rumored track that never materialized—and their styles, while distinct, invite inevitable comparisons as leading women in music. Rihanna’s ability to pivot from music to a billion-dollar empire with Fenty has set a high bar, one that Cardi acknowledged she aspires to reach. “I want that legacy, not just hits,” she said. “I want my kids to look at me like Rihanna’s kids probably look at her—like she’s unstoppable.”

What makes Cardi’s confession particularly striking is its timing. Rihanna has recently been in the spotlight for her family-focused decisions, including forgoing a nanny for her third child and taking a year-long hiatus from music to prioritize her children. Cardi, too, has spoken about motherhood’s transformative power, but her comments reveal the added layer of external pressure. “People expect you to be perfect, but I’m human,” she said. “I’m happy for Rihanna, but I’m also real about how it feels to see someone else living what you’re still working toward.”

The interview took a lighter turn when Cardi shared a humorous anecdote about meeting Rihanna at a 2019 fashion event. “I was so nervous, I almost tripped over my dress,” she laughed. “She was so chill, complimented my nails, and I’m standing there like, ‘Girl, you’re Rihanna!’” The story softened the narrative, showing her admiration for Rihanna despite her envy. Cardi also emphasized her commitment to growth, saying, “Jealousy’s a normal feeling, but it’s what you do with it. I’m channeling it into my music, my businesses, my kids. I’m gonna get there.”

Fans have rallied around Cardi, with many praising her for destigmatizing envy as a natural emotion. “She’s not throwing shade—she’s being honest,” one fan commented on Instagram. “That takes guts.” Others have called for the industry to stop pitting women against each other, with one X user writing, “Cardi and Rihanna are both icons. Let’s celebrate them instead of comparing.” The conversation has also sparked discussions about mental health in the entertainment world, with experts noting that public scrutiny can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, even for someone as successful as Cardi.

As Am I the Drama? approaches, Cardi’s vulnerability may shape its narrative, offering fans a deeper look into her journey. Meanwhile, Rihanna’s silence on the matter suggests she’s staying above the fray, focusing on her family and businesses. For Cardi, this moment of honesty is a testament to her authenticity, a quality that has endeared her to millions. “I’m not perfect, but I’m real,” she concluded. “And I’m gonna keep pushing until I feel like I’ve got it all, too.”

Cardi B’s shocking admission about Rihanna has not only humanized her but also highlighted the shared struggles of women in the spotlight. As fans continue to dissect her words, the moment serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars grapple with self-doubt. Cardi’s willingness to bare her soul, coupled with her determination to rise above, has left an indelible mark, proving that vulnerability can be as powerful as success.