Cardi B’s latest single, “Imaginary Players,” is doing more than turning heads—it’s breathing new life into Jay-Z’s 1997 original. After Cardi announced the track last week, which samples Hov’s diss aimed at Mase, Jay-Z’s In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 made its debut on the iTunes Hip Hop charts—28 years after its release.
According to Music Data, the original “Imaginary Players” has surged into the iTunes Top 40, thanks to renewed interest sparked by Cardi’s remake. Much like Jay-Z’s version, Cardi’s track is a flashy clapback at critics, contrasting her success with their envy.
Cardi B confirmed that Jay-Z gave his blessing to sample the track—bringing two New York rap eras together on one beat.
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