In a dramatic turn of events that has set the music industry abuzz, DJ Self, a former boyfriend of Cardi B, has publicly criticized the Grammy-winning rapper, branding her a “fake” and questioning her songwriting abilities. The explosive comments, which surfaced recently, have reignited long-standing debates about authenticity in hip-hop, with DJ Self claiming that Cardi B lacks the knowledge and talent to create her own music, dismissing her rap career as a “pipe dream.” This scathing statement has sparked intense discussions among fans and critics, shedding light on the challenges Cardi B has faced in proving her legitimacy in a genre often dominated by skepticism toward female artists.

DJ Self, a well-known figure in the New York hip-hop scene and a cast member of Love & Hip Hop: New York, briefly dated Cardi B in 2016, during the early stages of her rise to fame. Their relationship, which played out on the reality TV show, was short-lived and ended on a sour note, with Cardi later accusing Self of failing to support her burgeoning music career. She even claimed that he attempted to undermine her by taking her rap style and giving it to another artist, Dreamdoll, a move that fueled tensions between them. Now, years after their breakup, DJ Self has resurfaced with harsh criticism, alleging that Cardi’s success is the result of hired writers rather than her own talent. “She doesn’t know anything about music, and making her own rap is a pipe dream,” Self stated in a recent interview, a comment that has quickly gone viral and drawn significant attention.

Cardi B has faced persistent rumors about ghostwriting throughout her career, despite her meteoric rise to stardom with hits like Bodak Yellow, WAP, and I Like It, as well as her Grammy win for her debut album Invasion of Privacy. Critics have often questioned whether she writes her own lyrics, a scrutiny that many argue is disproportionately applied to female rappers. DJ Self’s remarks tap into this narrative, attempting to discredit Cardi by suggesting that her achievements are built on the work of others. However, Cardi has consistently pushed back against such claims, emphasizing her active role in her creative process. In past interviews, she has acknowledged working with co-writers but stressed that her music reflects her personal experiences, voice, and authenticity—a defense that resonates with her loyal fanbase.

The timing of DJ Self’s comments has raised eyebrows, as they come long after his relationship with Cardi ended and at a time when she remains one of the most successful artists in the industry. Some speculate that Self’s decision to speak out may be motivated by a desire to regain relevance, especially given his own career trajectory, which has not reached the heights of Cardi’s global fame. On social media, reactions to his statement have been polarized. Cardi’s fans, affectionately known as the “Bardi Gang,” have fiercely defended her, dismissing Self’s claims as bitter and unfounded. “Cardi has been breaking records and winning awards—her talent speaks for itself,” one fan wrote on X. Others, however, have seized the opportunity to fuel debates about authenticity in hip-hop, questioning whether Cardi’s reliance on co-writers undermines her credibility as a rapper.

The controversy also highlights the double standards often faced by women in the music industry, particularly in hip-hop, where they are frequently held to stricter standards than their male counterparts. While many male rappers openly use ghostwriters without facing significant backlash, female artists like Cardi are often expected to prove their authenticity at every turn. Despite the criticism, Cardi has remained a dominant force, using her charisma, raw energy, and undeniable talent to cement her place as one of the biggest stars in music today.

As of now, Cardi B has not publicly responded to DJ Self’s allegations, but given her history of addressing detractors directly, fans are eagerly awaiting her reaction. Whether she chooses to confront the claims head-on or let her continued success speak for itself, this latest drama underscores the challenges she has faced in establishing her legitimacy in the rap game. For now, DJ Self’s comments serve as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that accompanies fame, particularly for artists like Cardi B who have defied expectations to achieve global stardom. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, continues to inspire millions, proving that her talent and impact cannot be easily dismissed.