Rapper BIA is staying unbothered — focused on her music, her debut album, and her growth — not the drama.
Just weeks after Cardi B name-dropped her in a fiery diss track, the Massachusetts-born artist is choosing peace over pettiness. With the release of her debut studio album BIANCA (out now via Epic Records), BIA is shifting the spotlight back to what she’s spent the last three years perfecting: her music.
In an interview with USA TODAY, the rapper, whose real name is Bianca Miquela Landrau, made it clear that she’s not interested in trading barbs. “I respond in my own way,” she said coolly. “But I’m very much like, that was a year ago for me. So this album had nothing really to do with it.”
A Year-Old Feud, Rekindled by a Diss
The feud between BIA and Cardi B dates back to late 2023, when whispers of tension between the two rappers began circulating online. Fans noticed subtle shade thrown back and forth on social media, and the situation reportedly escalated after Cardi B released “Pretty & Petty” in September 2025 — a song off her album Am I the Drama?
In the track, Cardi takes thinly veiled shots at BIA’s hometown roots, rap flow, and even her appearance — a move that instantly sent social media into a frenzy. Fans were quick to dissect lyrics and repost old clips of both artists, fueling speculation about where the feud stood.
To complicate matters, “Pretty & Petty” dropped just days before Cardi reignited her ongoing spat with Nicki Minaj, who happens to be a close collaborator of BIA. Nicki famously jumped on the remix of BIA’s breakout hit “Whole Lotta Money” in 2021 — a remix that shot BIA to global fame and became certified double platinum.
Nicki also appears on the outro of BIANCA, a subtle but powerful gesture of solidarity. For fans of both women, the timing of Cardi’s diss track felt less like coincidence and more like a pointed move in the long-running rivalry between Cardi and Nicki — with BIA caught in the middle.
But if you ask BIA, none of that noise is shaping her next chapter.
“That’s Not the Energy I Choose to Put Into the World”
Despite the lyrical jabs and social media speculation, BIA insists she’s not losing sleep over the situation. Her tone during the interview was measured — confident, even serene — as she talked about what truly matters to her.
“There are songs on BIANCA that could be seen as responses,” she admitted, referring to tracks like “Bad Guy,” “Guava,” and “Awake.” Each song carries her signature attitude — assertive, slick, and unapologetic. But BIA is adamant that none of them were made as diss records.
“I would never focus my whole album on negativity,” she said. “That’s not the energy I choose to put into the world. So I think if I do respond, it’ll definitely be separate from my album. It’s neither here nor there. I don’t wake up and think about it at all.”
Her statement mirrors what fans have come to admire about her — calm self-assurance in an industry often fueled by drama and competition.
The Rise of “BIANCA”: A Decade in the Making
For BIA, BIANCA is more than just an album; it’s a culmination of persistence, patience, and evolution.
The project features 16 genre-bending tracks that blend trap, pop, Latin, and drill influences, showcasing her ability to move fluidly across sounds and cultures. Collaborations with Becky G, Young Miko, A$AP Ferg, Denzel Curry, and Ty Dolla $ign reflect both her versatility and her growing influence in the global music landscape.
The name BIANCA isn’t just her real name — it’s a declaration of authenticity.
“I wanted to show people my growth,” she said in a previous interview. “I’ve been really intentional with my music and my message. It all had to align — my sound, my story, and the moment.”
The album balances braggadocio and vulnerability, with songs about power, heartbreak, and perseverance. The moody opener “October” sets the tone with introspection, while upbeat tracks like “Guava” and “Bad Guy” reclaim her confidence with flair.
BIA calls the album “beautiful” — a word that might sound simple but carries weight in her world. “It doesn’t feel low frequency,” she explained, using her signature slang for toxic or negative energy. “It’s a story that takes you through some years of my life — the growth, the vulnerability, the aggression. It’s a well-rounded project.”
Ignoring the Internet Noise
In an era where rap beefs often unfold on social media, BIA’s approach feels almost radical: she doesn’t engage.
“I’m kind of like a post-and-go type of person,” she said with a laugh. She doesn’t scroll through comments or respond to stan wars that erupt under her posts. Instead, she prefers to let her music do the talking.
That doesn’t mean she’s unaware of the extra attention that comes with controversy — and she’s savvy enough to recognize the silver lining.
“I think the more eyes, the better, because that’s what I’m here for,” she said. “At the end of the day, the most important thing to me is always the music. It’s always going to be the art.”
It’s a philosophy that’s served her well. From her breakout success on Sisterhood of Hip Hop a decade ago to signing with Pharrell Williams’ label early in her career, BIA has learned how to stay grounded amid industry chaos.
Focus on the Future
As BIANCA continues to climb streaming charts, BIA is already preparing for what’s next — including a new music video for “Bad Guy” and upcoming international performances.
The rapper says she feels she’s finally entering her prime. “I think this album is going to inspire a lot of people,” she shared. “And I think it’s going to make a lot of women — and people in general — feel powerful.”
That sense of empowerment defines BIA’s brand: unapologetic, self-aware, and laser-focused on forward motion.
When asked if she had any final thoughts on the Cardi B drama, she smiled and kept it short — the perfect mic drop.
“I don’t wake up and think about it,” she repeated. “I’m too busy creating.”
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