"Safe" is a song by American rapper Cardi B featuring American singer Kehlani. It was released on September 19, 2025, through Atlantic Records as the third single from Cardi B's second studio album, Am I the Drama? (2025). The song was written by the artists with Jordan Thorpe and its producers James "DJ SwanQo" Steed and Matthew "Sean Island" Allen.
Background and release On June 22, 2025, Cardi B announced her second studio album Am I the Drama? (2025), due for release on September 19. The album's first two singles "Outside" and "Imaginary Playerz" were released on June 20 and August 15 respectively. On September 15, she shared the album's list of features, including singer Kehlani. The collaboration's name was revealed to be "Safe" in the album tracklist reveal on September 18.
The day of the album's release, Cardi B confirmed that a music video for "Safe" would accompany the album's release at midnight ET. The song was released to Italian radio the same day, as well as US rhythmic radio on September 23.
Critical reception Billboard ranked "Safe" as the second-best song on the album, stating that the song had potential to be a radio hit and to be used on social media for Valentine's Day.
Accolades +Awards and nominations for "Safe" Organization Year Category Result MTV Video Music Awards 2026 Best Hip Hop NAACP Image Awards 2026 Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Music video An official music video to accompany the song was directed by Arrad and released on September 19, 2025. American actor Don Benjamin appears in the video as Cardi B’s love interest. In the video, Cardi and Benjamin are depicted starting a family together. However, his secret activities strain their relationship, resulting in Cardi B's increasing sense of isolation during her pregnancy. After a climactic argument, Benjamin leaves the house but returns to find his lover murdered.
Credits and personnel Credits were adapted from Tidal.
Musicians Cardi B – vocals, songwriter Kehlani – vocals, songwriter Darrale Jones – executive producer Jonathan "Brooklyn Johnny" Descartes – executive producer James "DJ SwanQo" Steed – producer, songwriter Matthew "Sean Island" Allen – producer, songwriter Jordan Thorpe – songwriter
Technical Evan LaRay – recording engineer Colin Leonard – mastering engineer Leslie Brathwaite – mixing engineer
Charts + Chart performance for "Safe" Chart (20252026) Peakposition Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA) 28 Germany Urban (Deutsche Urban Charts) 1 Jamaica Airplay () 5 New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 5 Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100) 71 South Africa Streaming (TOSAC) 51
Release history + Release dates and formats for "Safe" Region Date Format Label Italy September 19, 2025 Radio airplay Warner Music Italy United States September 23, 2025 Rhythmic contemporary radio Atlantic
References