Imaginary Playerz – English Lyrics

• By: Cardi B
• Album: AM I THE DRAMA?

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Cardi B's latest single, "Imaginary Playerz," a powerful hip-hop track that offers a glimpse into her assertive style and lyrical prowess. This song, which samples a classic Jay-Z beat, is perfect for understanding modern rap slang, expressions of self-confidence, and the art of 'flexing' in English. Its direct and unvarnished language, coupled with a strong narrative of authenticity versus pretense, makes it a compelling listen for language learners eager to grasp contemporary American English in a vibrant musical context.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
vintage /ˈvɪn.tɪdʒ/ B2	noun - something from the past of high quality, especially a wine or clothing. adjective - relating to or denoting something from a particular period in the past.
archive /ˈɑːr.kaɪv/ B2	noun - a collection of historical documents or records. verb - to place or store something in an archive.
platinum /ˈplæt.nəm/ B2	noun - a precious silvery-white metal; also a record certification for very high sales. adjective - made of or resembling platinum; of the highest quality.
glory /ˈɡlɔː.ri/ B1	noun - high renown or honor won by notable achievements.
stocks /stɒks/ B2	noun - shares representing ownership in a company; also supplies of goods.
share /ʃeər/ B1	noun - a part or portion of a larger amount that is divided among several people. verb - to give a portion of something to another person.
makeup /ˈmeɪ.kʌp/ B1	noun - cosmetics applied to the face; also the composition of something.
diamonds /ˈdaɪ.ə.məndz/ B1	noun - precious stones made of carbon; also a term for something extremely valuable.
couture /kuːˈtjʊər/ C1	noun - the design and manufacture of fashionable, high‑end clothing.
watches /ˈwɒtʃ.ɪz/ B1	noun - time‑keeping devices worn on the wrist.
avatar /ˈæv.ə.tɑːr/ B2	noun - a graphical representation of a user in a virtual environment.
legend /ˈlɛdʒ.ənd/ B2	noun - a traditional story regarded as historical but unauthenticated; also a famous or iconic person.
heels /hiːlz/ B1	noun - the raised part of a shoe that lifts the foot; also a slang term for a contemptible person.
champagne /ʃæmˈpeɪn/ B2	noun - a sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, often used to celebrate.
plane /pleɪn/ B1	noun - an aircraft that flies in the sky. verb - to travel by airplane.
distance /ˈdɪs.təns/ B1	noun - the amount of space between two points; also a metaphor for emotional or relational separation.
fashion /ˈfæʃ.ən/ B1	noun - a popular style, especially in clothing, footwear, or accessories.
Vogue /voʊɡ/ C1	noun - a leading international fashion and lifestyle magazine; also used to mean something that is currently popular.

Key Grammar Structures

• The shit these bitches be braggin' about is like

  ➔ Present Continuous and Subject-Verb Agreement

  ➔ Uses the **present continuous** tense ("be braggin'") to describe an ongoing action or a current situation. Also, subject verb agreement: "shit...is like".

• I'm not the other bitch

  ➔ Verb 'to be' and Adjective

  ➔ Uses the verb "to be" ("am") followed by an adjective ("not the other") to describe a state of being or characteristic.

• Whatever you was gon' pay her, you gotta double it

  ➔ Past Continuous and Conditional

  ➔ Uses **past continuous** ("was gon' pay") and a conditional structure ("you gotta double it") to describe a hypothetical past action and its consequence.

• Their money my stocks and share money

  ➔ Possessive and Compound Noun

  ➔ Uses the possessive pronoun ("Their") and the possessive form ("my") to indicate ownership and the compound noun "stocks and share money" to express a concept.

• I got the hottest shit, hop out, poppin' it

  ➔ Simple Present and Present Participle

  ➔ Uses simple present tense ("I got") for a statement of fact. Also, present participle ("poppin'") acting as a verb.

• Bitches, I leave 'em all fucked, fists be balled up

  ➔ Simple Present and Passive Voice

  ➔ Uses simple present tense for habitual actions ("I leave") and also uses the passive voice through the verb "be" + past participle ("be balled up") to describe the state of the fists.

• Poor thing, Twitter must be gassin' them heavy

  ➔ Modal Verb and Present Continuous

  ➔ Uses a modal verb of deduction ("must") and present continuous ("be gassin'") to suggest a probable explanation for the situation.

• If you did my numbers, y'all would pop champagne

  ➔ Second Conditional

  ➔ Uses the second conditional, with "If" + past simple ("did") and "would" + base form ("pop") to talk about an unreal or hypothetical situation and its likely result.

• The car he just got you, bow tie and a ribbon

  ➔ Simple Past and Noun Phrase

  ➔ Uses simple past tense ("got") and a noun phrase ("bow tie and a ribbon") to describe the car's appearance and its implications.

• How that bitch outdressin' me with my fuckin' vibe, bitch?

  ➔ Question with Wh- word and Present Continuous

  ➔ Uses a wh-question (How) combined with present continuous ("outdressin'") to express surprise and disbelief. It also includes the emphatic use of an adjective.