Cardi B claps back in defence of Tyla

Grammy-winning rapper, Cardi B, has spoken out amid the backlash faced by South African music star Tyla, questioning whether fans truly dislike celebrities.

The 23-year-old artist has been targeted on social media over her identity and the sales of her latest album.

The controversy reignited after an old TikTok video of Tyla discussing her ethnicity resurfaced, sparking fresh debate online.

@breakfastclubam asked #tyla about the “coloured” vs. black woman debate she remained silent and her team quickly hopped in. #browngirlgrinding #bgg pic.twitter.com/FAUqSRHNSj

— BROWN GIRL GRINDING⭐️ (@LorenLorosa) June 13, 2024

Tyla’s identity has long been a bone of contention in the US, despite her saying she identifies as both Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.

Some Black Americans have criticised the PUSH TO START artist, insisting she should identify solely as Black, arguing that the term “Coloured” carries negative connotations.

On social media, some suggest her album’s first-week sales were affected by this debate, while others accuse her of being inaccessible to fans.

Tyla’s also flopping because of that acquired taste of a personality she throws in people’s face. She came onto the scene acting like 2014 Rihanna & Mariah Carey. She acted like we needed her music & she didn’t care to connect w/Black American fans despite cosplaying the culture. https://t.co/zLa6TQoCs5 pic.twitter.com/KLf6scjoPm

— ♉️ c u n t y 🫦 (@RobynDMarley_) August 7, 2025

@rick_speaks

Tyla’s album flopping…#tylawater #rnb #hiphop #album #music #africantiktok #BlackTikTok #fba #blackpeople #blackcommunity #blackculture #racism #blackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwomenoftiktok #blackmen #fyp #viral #relatable #explorepage

♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

 

Last night, the 32-year-old rapper took to X Spaces to express her frustration and in defence of the young artist.

Cardi’s recent full space Wednesday 13th August pic.twitter.com/luP4texZu4

— Reine (@ReineCardi) August 13, 2025

Thank you Cardi!!! 🙌 People were even praying on her downfall, how evil and vile do you have to be to be praying on peoples’ downfalls huh??

— 𝒮. 🩶 (@snowstxrmm) August 14, 2025

literally ive said it last year, but tyla hate is so forced and completely unwarranted. like she’s pretty, her music slaps, her personality is fun, and she can dance her ass off….i genuinely do not understand what the problem is really https://t.co/bZQMlcjpr2

— mi 🩵 (@cordehoney) August 13, 2025

Some criticism isn’t constructive – it’s cruelty.🙄
Cardi B calling out the nonstop hate toward Tyla is a reminder that online words can cut deep.
Compassion costs nothing. ❤️A👍🌟

— Elar Realm (@ElarRealm) August 14, 2025