Cardi Bโs much-anticipated return to music with her new single โOutsideโ has sparked more than just excitement among fansโitโs ignited a firestorm of plagiarism accusations from an independent Charlotte rapper named Rissa Reign. The controversy erupted when listeners noticed striking similarities between Cardiโs track and Rissaโs own song of the same name, which she released on YouTube back in July 2021. Rissa claims the similarities go beyond coincidence, alleging that Cardiโs version mirrors her outdated track in production, delivery, and overall vibe.
๐ The Heart of the Allegation
In a June 25 Instagram post, Rissa Reign expressed shock and frustration:
โAs I was listening to it, I was just like, sounded very familiar.โ Sportskeeda
Rissa explains that her version was recorded three years ago under the guidance of her management, even though it wasnโt intended for a wide release. She suspects that someone from Cardi Bโs team might have heard her track and drawn inspirationโor worse, adapted it.
Despite the allegations, no formal legal complaint has been filed by Rissa. What sheโs seeking first is recognition and acknowledgment rather than law suits .
Social Media Echo Chamber
A side-by-side comparison clip of the two songs has been circulating on X (formerly Twitter), fueling further speculation. The almost identical beats and tempo have made fans and followers question whether this is an innocent overlap or a case of blatant copycat behavior AllHipHop+1Sportskeeda+1.
The internet reaction has been rapid and polarized: some fans defend Cardi, while others rally behind Rissa, urging accountability for what they perceive as a classic case of a major artist overshadowing an indie talent.
๐ฅ Industry Voices Weigh In
Music manager Wack 100, known for working with high-profile hip-hop artists, has lent his voice to the conversation. In his defense of Cardi B, he dismissed the plagiarism claims as typical industry noise:
โYou canโt steal a songโฆ They said the same sh*t about WAP.โ YouTube+7Sportskeeda+7YouTube+7
Wackโฏ100 offered a glimpse into how tracks often make their way through multiple ears and handsโfrom songwriters to labelsโbefore landing with artists. He suggests that any overlap could be coincidental or the byproduct of shared songwriters rather than malicious intent .
๐ Cardiโs Responseโฆ Or Lack Thereof
So far, Cardi B has remained silent. Her team has not released an official statement addressing the plagiarism claims. Fans and critics alike are watching closely to see if Cardi will take accountability or offer a rebuttal.
With her album Am I the Drama? set for release on September 19, 2025, a public statementโor lack thereofโcould influence public perception of her artistic integrity
Why It Matters
This isnโt the first time Cardi B has faced plagiarism accusations. As Wackโฏ100 pointed out, her earlier mega-hits like โWAPโ have also triggered legal scrutiny. In 2022, rapper Denise Jones filed a lawsuit claiming that โWAPโ borrowed lyrics from her own work. The case was ultimately dismissed due to lack of copyright protection on the common phrases used Sportskeeda.
Still, each new claim chips away at Cardiโs reputation, prompting important conversations about the blurred line between inspiration and appropriation in modern music.
๐งญ What’s Next?
For now, fans and the wider music community are awaiting clarity. Will Cardi B step forward with an explanation, a remix credit, or even an apology? Rissa Reign, meanwhile, continues to amplify her perspective, urging those who recognize her voice or melody to speak up.
The โOutsideโ controversy isnโt just a PR headacheโitโs become a cultural moment, raising accountability questions at the intersection of big label machinery and indie artistry.
