Like the rest of us, Cardi B has gotten excited for the 2024 Summer Olympics to kick off in Paris on Friday (July 26). But unlike the rest of us, the “Bongos” rapper actually sat down with one of the most exciting members of Team USA recently to get her nails done and share some positive affirmations.
“You stand out, why the fastest woman in the world?” She's a really lit girl,” Cardi told sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson as the two nailed it for an NBC segment promoting the network's coverage of the games. “You're like a girl I could really hang out with, chill, be really cool, really like… GIRL!”
Cardi said Richardson — the Team USA sprinter who is the gold medal favorite to win the coveted 100-meter crown in Paris after missing out on her spot at the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive test for marijuana — is “a from us,” a compliment that seemed to really touch her new friend.
“I'm really, really proud of you, seriously, because you're back stronger than ever with your talent,” said Cardi, who may be projecting a bit as she continues to tease the long-awaited follow-up to her impressive 2018 debut album, Breach of privacy. “You've, like, evolved.”
Blushing at all the compliments, Richardson said “enough for me” noting, “you're Miss Cardi B and I feel like you sit here and say inspiration or the way I touch people, I feel like you have that. same impact. Being yourself inspires so many people.”
That last track nearly brought Cardi to tears, as the rapper once again told Richardson how proud she is of her accomplishments on the dance floor, and the women exchanged more praise for each other's strength and determination. “You're almost gone, but this is what you love,” Cardi said. “And rap is what I love and I can't walk away from what I love because of how other people make me feel.”
Richardson then spoke the big part out loud, imploring Cardi to return to work on her untitled, yet-to-be-planned sophomore album so she'd have new tunes to train on. “I need my race day album,” Richardson said. “I need some new songs!”
And while Cardi didn't break any news, she said after agreeing to sit down just to talk, she left “inspired” and “warmed up” by Richardson's positive vibes. “The energy… I feel it girl,” Cardi said through tears. “You are so special. Like you're really more than an athlete, you're really special.” The two women then hugged it out.
Cardi posted the clip on X and added another inspirational message, writing, “Wishing @itsshacarri much luck!! You bought so many emotions from me because your words and your spirit are so powerful. Seeing your growth after people have tried to turn their backs on you is very inspiring to me. You're more than an athlete, you're a SUPERHERO and I can't wait to see where the next 10 years take you because you're already a legend.”
While, like the rest of us, Richardson is waiting for Cardi to drop this new music, she's well on her way to making headlines of her own after winning the world championships in the 100 last year and running a world season-best 10.71 to win the 100 at the US trials last month.
Check out Cardi and Richardson's bond below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/cardi-b-talks-team-usa-sprinter-shacarri-richardson-2024-olympics-1235737292/
