Cardi B Opens Up on Motherhood, Depression, and Why She Sometimes Steps Back from Music

In a candid interview, rap superstar Cardi B has addressed the criticism surrounding her music releases, pregnancy, and the long wait for her next album.

For years, fans and critics alike have questioned why the Grammy-winning rapper hasn’t released a full album recently. Some have even suggested that motherhood and frequent pregnancies are the reasons behind the delay. But according to Cardi B, the reality is far more complex.

Speaking openly about her journey, the rapper explained that many people simply don’t understand the timeline of her life and career.

“When people talk about me not dropping music, they say I’m always pregnant. But people don’t really follow the timeline,” she said.

Cardi recalled how challenging it was when she became a mother for the first time. At the beginning of her motherhood journey, she even cancelled a major tour with Bruno Mars because she needed time to figure things out.

Cardi B opens up about motherhood, depression, and music struggles during her appearance on On Purpose with Jay Shetty hosted by Jay Shetty.

“It was my first time having a kid. I didn’t know anything. I had no nanny. I was figuring out motherhood, postpartum, everything by myself,” she explained.

Despite the challenges, Cardi insisted that becoming a mother never stopped her work ethic. Just three months after giving birth, she was already back on stage performing multiple shows every week. However, shortly after that period, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global music industry.

She explained that many people wrongly assumed she avoided releasing music because she was pregnant again.

“But the real reason I didn’t put out an album was because I didn’t have a full body of work ready,” she clarified.

The rapper also revealed that 2024 was supposed to be the year she released a new album. Unfortunately, she found herself battling one of the darkest periods of her life.

“I fell into the deepest depression I’ve ever had,” she said.

According to Cardi, the depression affected every aspect of her life. It wasn’t just about struggling to work or make music even basic daily activities became difficult.

“I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t function. It ruined everything I had planned.”

She emphasized that the delay in releasing music isn’t simply about having children, but also about protecting her mental health and making sure the music she releases truly represents her best work.

Cardi described the creative process as similar to baking a cake something that requires time, practice, and patience.

“You practice baking a cake, then you give it to people. Sometimes they love it, sometimes they say it’s the worst cake ever,” she said.

For the rapper, harsh criticism can be emotionally draining, especially when she pours so much effort into her songs. She recalled how painful it felt when a recent release was heavily criticized online.

“It’s not just criticism. People chew you up and tear you apart over one song, even when you worked so hard on it,” she explained.

After giving birth to her daughter, Cardi said it took nearly a year before she started feeling like herself again. Slowly, she began going out more, spending time with people, and regaining a sense of happiness.

“There were good days and bad days,” she admitted.

However, the intense backlash she received for one of her recent songs reminded her of how difficult public criticism can be.

“That feeling is terrible,” she said.

Cardi also pointed out that many of the loudest critics online often don’t understand the realities of the music industry.

According to the rapper, the real reason she sometimes chooses not to release music is simple protecting her peace of mind.

“For me, peace of mind is worth it,” she concluded.

The interview offers a rare glimpse into the pressures of fame, motherhood, and mental health, showing that behind the bold personality fans see online, Cardi B is still navigating life, creativity, and personal healing like anyone else.