Like the rest of us, Cardi B is getting hyped for the kick-off of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on Friday (July 26). But unlike the rest of us, the “Bongos” rapper actually got to sit 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, because the fastest woman in the world? She’s a real lit girl,” Cardi said to sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson as the two had their nails tended to for an NBC segment hyping the network’s coverage of the games. “You’re like a girl that I could really hang out with, really chill with, really be cool with, really be like… GIRL!”
Cardi said Richardson — the Team USA sprinter who is a gold medal favorite to win the coveted 100 meter crown in Paris after losing her spot in the 2021 Tokyo Games over a positive marijuana test — is “one of us,” a compliment that seemed to really touch her new friend.
“I’m really, really proud of you, seriously, because you came back stronger than ever with your talent,” said Cardi, who may have been projecting just a bit as she continues to tease out the long-awaited follow-up to her smash 2018 debut album, Invasion of Privacy. “You have, like, evolved.”
Blushing at all the compliments, Richardson said “enough about me” noting, “you are Miss Cardi B and I feel like the same way you’re sitting here saying the inspiration or the way that I touch people, I feel like you have that same impact. Just being yourself inspires so many people.”
That last bit almost brought Cardi to tears, as the rapper once again told Richardson how proud she is of her achievements on the track and the women exchanged more praise for each other’s strength and determination. “You almost walked away, but this is what you love,” Cardi said. “And rapping is what I love and I cannot walk away from what I love because of how other people make me feel.”
Richardson then said the quite part out loud, imploring Cardi to get back to work on her as-yet-untitled, unscheduled sophomore album so she can have new tunes to train to. “I need my race day album,” Richardson said. “I need some new songs!”
And while Cardi didn’t offer up any news, she said after agreeing to sit down just to talk, she was walking away “inspired” and “warm” from Richardson’s beaming positive vibes. “The energy… I feel it girl,” Cardi said tearing up. “You’re so special. Like you’re really more than just like 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 sooooo much luck!! You bought so much emotion out of me because your words and your spirit is so powerful. Seeing your growth after people tried to turn their back on you is so inspirational to me.. You are more than just a athlete, you are a SUPERHERO and I can’t wait to see where the next 10 years take you because you already a legend.”
While, like the rest of us, Richardson waits for Cardi to drop that new music, she’s well on her way to making her own headlines after winning the world championship in the 100 last year and scoring a world season-best 10.71 to win the 100 at the U.S. trials last month.
Watch Cardi and Richardson bond below.
