Kanye West Accuses Cardi B of Being “Planted” to Replace Nicki Minaj

In a stunning clip from an unreleased 2018 documentary, a candid and impassioned Kanye West (Ye) accuses Cardi B of being a calculated industry insertion—or as he words it, an “Illuminati plant”—designed to supplant Nicki Minaj. In the footage, West, on a phone call, states:

“Cardi B is a plant by the Illuminati. She don’t write her raps… She has literally replaced Nicki Minaj, purposely that they put her there… Ain’t no blessing from the fucking universe.” 

West continues, asserting that Cardi lacks real substance and authenticity, implying she was scripted into pop culture prominence by unseen forces.

Context: Documentary and Leaked Footage

This explosive statement is part of a larger, previously unseen documentary filmed around the release of ye (2018). The footage shows Ye navigating frustrations—as he vents about Teyana Taylor, Pusha T, Nas, and, notably, Cardi B. According to HipHopDX, the Cardi B portion centers on accusations of her being industry-engineered rather than organically successful

The clip hit public domains nearly five years after filming, going viral around October 2023 and reigniting discussions about authenticity, artistry, and gatekeeping in hip hop .

Cardi B Fires Back with Grace

Rather than retaliate with anger, Cardi B responded by highlighting positivity. She reshared a 2022 interview clip in which Kanye praised her career: “I always believed in her since she was on the show,” he told Jason Lee, referencing her Love & Hip Hop: New York stint. Cardi accompanied the post with a heart emoji before deleting it .

In the wake of renewed controversy in 2025, Cardi reaffirmed her stay: “7 years, 1 album… still being a topic and still being asked about my music… I have a real fanbase… I’m anointed,” she wrote online, asserting her lasting relevance despite outside criticism.

The Nicki Minaj-Fame Displacement Allegation

Central to Kanye’s argument is that Cardi forcibly replaced Nicki Minaj in hip hop’s upper echelon. Nicki, a powerhouse since the late 2000s, is widely viewed as the benchmark for female rap supremacy. Kanye implies that Cardi’s meteoric rise wasn't based on merit but stage-managed by industry interests.

Yet, popularity metrics challenge this narrative. Cardi B holds multiple Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s, including Bodak Yellow, WAP, and Girls Like You, and she's broken streaming and charting records typically reserved for pop megastars . These achievements suggest she's not a manufactured phenomenon but a legitimately influential artist.

Illuminati Rhetoric: Symbolism or Conspiracy?

Kanye’s invocation of the “Illuminati” taps into longstanding conspiracy lore within music and entertainment. The term is often used metaphorically to call out perceived manipulation by shadowy industry powers, not necessarily literal secret societies. Prominent figures, particularly Black artists, have occasionally employed it as a critique of systemic control and commodification .

In this context, West insinuates that decisions about Cardi’s success were influenced by behind-the-scenes agendas, not organic merit—continuing a familiar thread in his public persona, where he questions mainstream forces and institutional influence.

The Broader Industry Impact

Kanye’s allegation touches deeper issues: credibility, authenticity, and what constitutes success in modern hip hop. It prompts questions such as: What level of artistic input determines authenticity? How much is business strategy versus talent-driven?

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have long been positioned—by fans, media, and perhaps labels—as rivals. Kanye’s comments reignited comparisons, with new factors like Megan Thee Stallion entering the fray. Some speculate Cardi’s dominance is a setup for an ongoing cycle of “queen replacements,” reinforcing narratives rooted more in competition than collaboration .

Public and Fanbase Reactions

Social media reactions were swift. Fans rallied around Cardi B, dismissing Ye’s comments as bitter or outdated. As one Yahoo report noted, she “clapped back”—though mainly with positivity rather than hostility .

Discourse among hip hop purists shifted to examine whether Cardi’s success stems primarily from viral charisma and social media savvy, rather than traditional lyrical complexity — a division that echoes issues of generational tastes and the evolving shape of mainstream rap.

Kanye and Cardi’s Musical Bond

Despite the publicized tension, the pair have collaborated. They appeared together on Cardi’s 2022 single “Hot Shit” (also featuring Lil Durk). The song has logged impressive streaming numbers and Billboard performance since its July 2022 release.

This collaboration underscores the complexity of their dynamic—where public critique was followed by artistic alliance. Kanye’s positive remarks in 2022 clashed with earlier leaked criticism from 2018, illustrating a fluctuating relationship shaped by time and creative alignment .

Conclusion: A Mirror to Hip Hop’s Evolution

At its core, Kanye’s accusation is less about Cardi B as an individual and more a commentary on modern music industry constructs. It probes authenticity in an era dominated by streaming, social media influence, and curated public personas.

Nonetheless, Cardi’s career narrative counters the “plant” narrative. With record-breaking milestones and sustained cultural impact — including awards, collaborations, and commercial success — she exemplifies a self-made artist thriving on her terms .

As Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion continue to define female rap, Kanye’s words may echo less than the music they each produce. In the end, this controversy exposes the friction between perception and performance, legacy and innovation, and the shifting guard within hip hop’s dynamic landscape.