Angel attended the function on her 22nd birthday

Angel Reese celebrated her 22nd birthday by attending the 2024 Met Gala, and New York’s own Cardi B was among the first to greet her, sharing a message to the WNBA star on her Instagram story.

The “Bodak Yellow” artist made a bold claim about Reese’s status as a role model that flew in the face of the narrative many sports outlets have painted about the Chicago Sky rookie since her time at LSU.

“Let’s say happy birthday to motherf–g Angel Reese!” Cardi said.

“She representing America good, girl!” she added, followed by them dueting one of Cardi’s famous lyrics referencing LSU.

Not always seen as a role model

Unfortunately, Cardi B’s hype birthday message is not one shared by the entire sports world, as many fans unfairly criticized Reese for her trash talking behavior that became well-known at LSU.

She was often overlooked as a face of women’s college basketball in favor of white athletes like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. The pattern continued in the WNBA preseason, when Clark’s pro debut was shown on WNBA League Pass, while Reese’s first game had to be live streamed on social media because of an issue with the broadcast.

The disconnect was patched up by the league for preseason game number two, though. The push from Chicago Sky fans rallying behind their new Chi-Town Barbie was enough to get the next game Tuesday night on WNBA League Pass.

Angel Reese’s impressive fashion catalogue

Regardless of the drama on the hardwood, Reese continues to be a role model off the court. After landing on countless magazine covers in college, she announced her decision to enter the WNBA Draft on the cover of Vogue.

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Her high-fashion connections earned her an invite to the Met Gala, where she flaunted her 6-foot-3 frame in a stunning dress by 16Arlington.

As Angel Reese continues to break barriers, Cardi B will not be the last one to notice how big of a role model she truly is.