Cardi B found out the hard way that the Mile High City doesn't play around when it comes to oxygen. After a high-energy performance in Denver on September 21, 2024, the "Bongos" rapper had to retreat backstage to hook up to an oxygen mask. The rapper shared the moment with her followers on Instagram Stories, proving that even the biggest stars are no match for Colorado's thin air.

The Bronx native was in town to headline a private show at the Fillmore Auditorium. Despite her trademark stamina, the 5,280-foot elevation clearly took its toll. "Denver, you're not playing with me," she wrote in a caption accompanying a video of herself breathing through a tube connected to a portable oxygen tank. The clip showed the rapper resting while recovering from the physical exertion of her set.

Altitude sickness is a frequent challenge for touring artists who aren't used to the lower oxygen levels in the Rockies. According to reports from the Denver Gazette, performers often use supplemental oxygen to combat dizziness and exhaustion after strenuous sets. The Indian Express noted that the rapper appeared to be in good spirits despite the medical assist, maintaining her usual humor with fans online.