The accomplishment was confirmed by Billboard as the album, released on September 19, 2025, debuted atop the tally
In a definitive triumph over the dreaded "sophomore slump," global superstar Cardi B has officially made history, becoming the first female rapper ever to debut her first two studio albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Her highly anticipated second album, Am I The Drama?, soared to the top spot, cementing her position as one of the most commercially dominant forces in contemporary music, nearly seven years after her groundbreaking debut.
The accomplishment was confirmed by Billboard as the album, released on September 19, 2025, debuted atop the tally with a colossal 200,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week. This figure was driven by massive on-demand streaming volume and robust pure album sales, securing the title for the biggest week of 2025 for an R&B/Hip-Hop album by a woman. The success mirrors the performance of her Grammy-winning debut, Invasion of Privacy (2018), which also launched at No. 1 and set numerous records upon its release.
The long wait for Am I The Drama? only amplified the project's success. The 24-track album arrived with immense cultural weight, showcasing Cardi B’s signature charisma, raw lyricism, and expert curation. It included previously released, chart-shattering singles like the diamond-certified "WAP" (featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and the number-one hit "Up," which helped propel the first-week unit count. The album further ties a historical record with Invasion of Privacy for the most Hot 100 number-one songs (two each) on a female rap album. Beyond the hits, the project is a collaborative powerhouse, featuring an impressive roster of artists including Janet Jackson, Lizzo, Summer Walker, Kehlani, Selena Gomez, and Tyla, among others.
Perhaps as notable as the chart victory was the innovative marketing strategy underpinning the release. Cardi B and her team set an unprecedented Guinness World Record for the "Most deliveries by UAV drones in one hour," distributing 176 signed copies of the album across the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area. This groundbreaking initiative, in partnership with Walmart and Wing Drone Delivery, established a new blueprint for album promotion in the digital age, proving the rapper's ability to innovate beyond the music itself.
Taking to social media to celebrate the victory, Cardi B shared her genuine surprise and gratitude. She admitted that initial projections for the album were significantly lower, telling fans: "I didn't put out an album in seven years and haven't put out as much music in the last year but we just surpassed all that expectation."
By not just securing a second No. 1 album but doing so with a historic back-to-back debut, Cardi B has silenced critics and emphatically reaffirmed her legacy. Am I The Drama? is more than just a successful album; it is a cultural moment that confirms Cardi B’s lasting influence and star power seven years in the making. Her achievement sets a new standard for female rappers and highlights the enduring strength of her connection with a global fanbase.
