Cardi B has stormed back with a fierce new single titled “Outside”, officially released on June 20, 2025, through Atlantic Records. This marks her first solo release in roughly 15 months, following her 2024 track “Enough (Miami)” and numerous high-profile collaborations. Produced by Charlie Heat, HeyMicki, and co-produced by DJ SwanQo, the track arrives amid heightened public interest surrounding her personal life and evolving artistry.
Cardi premiered “Outside” live at a Spotify showcase in Cannes on June 18, delivering an explosive performance that included her viral hits like “WAP,” “Bodak Yellow,” and “Bartier Cardi”—but notably omitted any shout-outs to Offset, signaling a clear shift in tone. Onstage, she revealed she was feeling off—“sleepy or hungry”—yet still radiated intensity and swagger.
The song’s lyrics reflect a raw emotional landscape. Cardi has stated she wrote the track during a period of “intense anger”, later refining some bars before release. Lines such as “these n—– ain’t shit” and references to unreliable men emphasize a personal and viral diss-tracker energy, widely interpreted as aimed at her estranged husband, Offset . The track also subtly nods to her new relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs, with lyrics hinting at his presence in her DMs—a bold statement tying her romantic life into her art.
In a candid Instagram post, Cardi announced: “OUTSIDE 😤 IS OUT NOW.” She thanked fans, admitting, “If y’all wouldn’t have asked for it, I wouldn’t have put it out,” highlighting how fan demand helped bring the single to light. The vibrant cover art—featuring a summer block party scene with fire hydrants and red Solo cups—was revealed on June 17, further amplifying the song’s summer anthem vibe.
Media outlets have weighed in enthusiastically. Pitchfork noted that “Outside” is Cardi’s first solo track since “Enough (Miami)” and praised how the production team shaped a gritty, cinematic sound. Hit Channel dubbed it a “scorching comeback,” crediting viral TikTok snippets and breathless anticipation for elevating Cardi’s return. However, some reaction was mixed: a fan tweet collected by Sportskeeda commented, “This sounds too much like her record ‘UP’… her fans waited all this time for a repeat?”.
The release arrives as Cardi readies her long-awaited second album—the follow-up to her Grammy-winning 2018 debut, Invasion of Privacy. During an X Spaces conversation in March, she confirmed the album is finished, featuring “a select number of collaborations,” blending past partnerships with new sounds. She stated, “I’m 100 percent confident with this album… I don’t think what I got is out there.”
According to her official discography page on Wikipedia, “Outside” is intended as the sixth single from the upcoming album, clocking in at 3:26 and listed under the hip‑hop genre. It seems poised to serve as both a personal declaration and a strategic lead into the broader album rollout.
In sum, “Outside” marks a fierce return for Cardi B—melding personal catharsis, summer-ready energy, and strategic momentum for her sophomore chapter. Whether fans rally behind its raw edge or critique its familiarity, it sets a provocative tone for what’s shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated album campaigns.