Cardi B recently addressed criticism on Instagram Live, hitting back at claims that her career success is solely due to her skin color. The drama ensued after a social media influencer labeled her as “ghetto” despite her not fitting the stereotype of being “visibly Black.”

In her response, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper, who hails from a mixed Dominican-Trinidadian background, tackled the issue head-on. She pointed out that success in the music industry isn’t solely determined by skin color. Drawing on her own experiences, Cardi highlighted her years of hustling, including her time working in a strip club, which gave her insights into making money and understanding the industry’s nuances.

“There’s a misconception that light-skinned artists have it easier, but that’s not always the case,” Cardi emphasized. “It’s about knowing how to market yourself and putting in the hustle. I’ve been grinding for years, and it’s not just about luck or skin color—it’s about hard work and savvy business moves.”

Cardi B continued to challenge the notion that her success is solely attributed to her light-skinned complexion by referencing Snoop Dogg, who has a darker complexion, and his numerous endorsements.

“Maybe I’m just naturally born with it. Look at Snoop Dogg,” she asserted. “People want to label me as some ghetto gangbanger. Well, Snoop Dogg is a bona fide Crip, and he’s securing the best brand deals because we know how to market ourselves.”

In a previous rant on social media, Cardi expressed frustration with comments about her ethnicity and being labeled as “ghetto.”

“It’s absurd because when I rose to fame, people criticized me for being ‘ghetto,’ mocked my accent, called me dumb because of how I speak, claimed I lacked refinement, criticized my appearance, and to this day, despite my achievements, I’m still reduced to being called a stripper simply because of my background,” she wrote.