Ciara Pulls Up on M.D.W.O.G: Talks Independence, Dance Legacy, and Life With Russell Wilson.

Ciara took the couch with Gillie and Wallo for a spirited episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, diving into her evolution as an artist, CEO, mother, and wife, all while keeping the vibes light and the dance moves on point.

From stories of label battles to laughter-filled choreography sessions, CiCi proved once again why her presence continues to command respect two decades into the game.

After a six-year gap between full-length projects, Ciara is officially back. Her new album, CiCi, lands August 22, and it’s more than just a musical comeback, it’s a declaration of independence.

She now runs her own label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, through which she’s taken full control of her creative process and masters. The new project took five years to make and marks 21 years since her debut album, Goodies, first introduced the world to her Southern swagger and dance-floor dominance.

During the conversation, Ciara didn’t hold back on what it means to be an independent artist. She reflected on the real numbers behind major label deals: from recoupable advances to taxes and team splits, she explained why even hitmakers often end up with very little.

She pointed to moments in her career where label executives doubted her, including resistance to releasing her now-beloved ballad “Promise.” That song, once called a mistake behind the scenes, went on to become a fan favorite. It’s that kind of resistance that helped fuel her decision to build her own empire and never look back.

True to form, Ciara brought energy into the studio by getting Gillie and Wallo up on their feet, sort of. In one of the most entertaining segments, she gave them an informal tutorial on some of her signature routines. From the Goodies walk to the “1, 2 Step” bounce, the mini-clinic was filled with laughs, offbeat footwork, and Ciara’s signature flair.

The hosts struggled, of course, but Ciara’s coaching came with charisma and jokes. The dance session built up to a teaser from her new single “Dance With Me,” featuring Tyga, and reminded fans why CiCi is still one of the top performers in the industry.

In a rapid-fire moment, Ciara named her personal top five dancing artists of all time, and put herself among legends. The list included Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, James Brown, and Ciara, a confident but fitting nod to her unmatched presence on stage.

The topic of her high-profile marriage to NFL quarterback Russell Wilson was impossible to avoid, and Ciara kept it transparent. She spoke about navigating life in the spotlight as a couple and handling outside criticism, particularly from sports fans.

Despite the noise, her focus remains on family and purpose. She emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and shared values in weathering public scrutiny, especially when the media tries to frame narratives around their relationship.

Ciara also gave a glimpse into life as a mother of four, a balance she admits isn’t always graceful but is deeply fulfilling. With young children and a thriving music career, she’s constantly pivoting between studio time, rehearsals, family routines, and tour prep. She even joked about parenting on planes and her kids being spoiled by her tour team.

Still, her commitment to being present and intentional shines through. Whether she’s dropping music or managing meltdowns, motherhood is clearly a core part of her identity now.

Looking ahead, Ciara expressed interest in expanding her artistry across languages and cultures. She’s currently learning Spanish and teased an interest in collaborating with Latin superstars like Bad Bunny. She sees it as part of her natural evolution, stepping beyond boundaries and embracing a global creative mindset.