Revitalizing a classic hip-hop anthem, Cardi B has released her new single “Imaginary Playerz,” which boldly samples Jay-Z‘s 1997 diss track “Imaginary Players” from his album *In My Lifetime Vol. 1*. The August 15, 2025 release, which received Jay-Z’s explicit permission, maintains the original’s theme of contrasting lavish lifestyles with critics’ shortcomings while introducing Cardi’s contemporary production style.
The sampling has created a remarkable ripple effect in streaming numbers, with Jay-Z’s original track experiencing a 305% increase in plays over just two days following Cardi B’s release. This surge has propelled *In My Lifetime Vol. 1* onto the iTunes Hip Hop charts for the first time in its history, with the original “Imaginary Players” simultaneously entering the iTunes Top 40.
Both tracks share fundamental DNA, drawing from René & Angela‘s “Imaginary Playmates” sample, though Cardi’s version features modern mixing techniques. The music video for “Imaginary Playerz” emphasizes themes of luxury and success, visually reinforcing the lyrical content that echoes Jay-Z’s original messaging. The track has been strategically distributed across major streaming platforms to maximize exposure for both artists and capitalize on each service’s unique promotional features.
Classic René & Angela sampling connects generations as Cardi B’s luxurious visuals echo Jay-Z’s swagger in modernized form.
Prior to the official release, Cardi B built anticipation by teasing the track with a trailer and discussing her collaboration with Jay-Z during an Instagram Live session. The promotional strategy included a highly effective pre-save campaign that helped boost initial streams upon release. In fact, the original “Imaginary Players” was famously Jay-Z’s diss track towards Mase, questioning the authenticity of his lifestyle while they competed for the title of King of New York. JAY-Z reportedly gave his approval via text to Cardi B’s manager at exactly 4:44 p.m., a subtle nod to his 2017 album. The single serves as the lead offering from her forthcoming album *Am I The Drama?*, positioning it as a cornerstone of her next project.
The collaboration has greatly benefited Jay-Z’s catalog visibility, introducing his classic material to a younger audience who might be discovering “Imaginary Players” for the first time. Spotify data confirms the substantial boost in streaming figures, demonstrating how contemporary artists can breathe new life into hip-hop classics.
This artistic exchange between generations represents more than a simple sample—it reinforces Jay-Z’s enduring legacy while showcasing Cardi B’s ability to honor hip-hop tradition while making it distinctly her own. The track’s success highlights how sampling can create a mutually beneficial relationship between established classics and contemporary interpretations.
