Rapper Cardi B, known for her chart-topping hits and outspoken personality, is making headlines for a different reason—her faith. As she celebrated her 33rd birthday, the Grammy-winning artist publicly declared this season of her life as her “Jesus year,” crediting God for her blessings and protection.

“Thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes!” Cardi wrote to her 169 million Instagram followers. “Year 32 was a year I’ll never forget! But 33 is the Jesus year, and I must say I never felt so covered and so protected by the man above himself. He never fails to remind me that I’m chosen and that I’m anointed, and that’s the best gift I could ever ask for.”

The rapper, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in the Bronx, says she sees herself as one of Christ’s “favorites.” Her bold statement came just days after opening up about her spiritual life in an interview with podcaster Jay Shetty.

Talking to God “Like a Friend”

Despite her reputation for raw and unfiltered lyrics, Cardi insists her prayer life is just as real and unpolished. “I feel like I have a very deep spiritual connection with God. And it’s not even like about praying. It’s like talking. Like, even when I talk to God, I talk to Him just like I’m talking to you. I’ll be cursing. Crying. ‘Cause people be like, ‘Oh, cursing is bad.’ But it’s like, God knows who I am. God knows how I be. It’s almost like I’m talking to a friend,” she explained.

She added that she often wonders at God’s love for her, despite her flaws: “I love Him. I love You so much. Why do You love me so much? Tell everybody, I’m like one of Your favorite kids. Tell them. Jesus, Lord, tell these people I’m one of your favorites.”

A Rapper’s Theology

Cardi also spoke candidly about her belief in angels and God’s constant presence. “I really do believe in my weird mind, in my weird universe that I made, like I have angels. I really do believe that God gave me angels, and I believe in them. I feel like God is here. And I feel like [if] you got your angels here, then you got your other religions here,” she said.

Though her theology may not align perfectly with traditional Christian teaching, she insists her faith is genuine: “How do you expect me not to believe in the person that I’ve been praying to my whole life and gave me what I wanted? It’s like the imaginary friend, the voice in your head that you think is your friend … That was just you talking to God the whole time.”

Prayer as Her Greatest Gift

For Cardi, prayer isn’t just a private practice—it’s something she sees as a gift she can give to others. “The most powerful thing that I could give you is me praying on you. If I pray on you, for you, it’s ’cause I love you. It’s the most ‘powerfulest’ thing. And I do feel like when you pray together, miracles happen,” she said.