Cardi B Named ‘Voice of the Culture’ at 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards
The energy was electric at the 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards on Sunday, June 8. Cardi B solidified her legacy with the prestigious Voice of the Culture Award, recognizing her seismic influence on music, culture, and the very soul of Hip-Hop. This wasn’t just an accolade — it was a cultural coronation.
The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards are a revered celebration, paying homage to the often unsung heroes of Hip-Hop and R&B — the songwriters, producers, and visionaries behind the hits. This year’s ceremony not only spotlighted standout records and creators, but also elevated Cardi B as a generational voice whose impact extends far beyond the charts.
“My Voice Is a Reflection of the People”
When Cardi B stepped onto the stage to accept the award, she radiated gratitude and purpose. Dressed in a sleek ensemble that blended her Bronx roots with high fashion elegance, the Grammy-winning rapper delivered a powerful speech that spoke to authenticity, collaboration, and cultural truth.
“My voice has always been a reflection of what I live and what I’m living,” she began. “Which I feel is a true reflection of the people — the culture, my friends, my family, and the environment that I grew up in. I like to put that in my music—my joys, my pains, my drama, everything.”
Her words struck a chord, especially in an industry where authenticity is constantly questioned. Cardi addressed the long-standing debate around songwriting in hip-hop, confronting the stigma that artists must pen every word themselves to be seen as real. “I hate the idea that if you don’t write every line on your own, it makes what you have to say not real. Music is a collaboration. It always has been.”
A Voice Beyond the Mic
Cardi B’s impact isn’t just about hit records — it’s about voice, vision, and representation. She’s a mirror for a generation often ignored, misunderstood, or dismissed. Whether she’s speaking on politics, parenting, or personal struggle, Cardi has always brought raw honesty and heart to the forefront.
“I write, I co-write, I rewrite,” she affirmed. “I speak to what’s true to me. My pen, my mind, and my feelings are in every verse and in every hook. I respect every writer who brings their magic to the table. This award is not just for me — it’s for the culture.”
That sentiment echoed throughout the room, drawing applause and nods from industry power players, rising stars, and fellow creatives. It was a reminder that Cardi B doesn’t just make music — she makes waves.
Making History… Again
This isn’t Cardi’s first time being recognized by ASCAP for her trailblazing contributions. In 2020, she made history as the first woman to win ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year two years in a row. In 2025, she continued that legacy, with her chart-topping hit “Enough (Miami)” also earning a Rhythm & Soul Award.
Other notable winners of the evening included Kendrick Lamar and Mustard, whose anthem “Not Like Us” was named ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year. Songwriting powerhouse OZ was named Songwriter of the Year, thanks to his pen on mega-hits like Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,” Jack Harlow’s “Lovin On Me,” and Travis Scott’s “I Know?”
But even amid all the talent in the room, Cardi’s honor stood out — not just because of the award itself, but because of what it means in 2025: a time when the lines between fame, artistry, and cultural relevance are constantly blurring.
The Legacy of the ‘Voice of the Culture’ Award
The Voice of the Culture Award has previously been bestowed on iconic figures such as Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, D-Nice, and T.I. With Cardi B now joining that elite roster, it marks a generational shift in how influence is defined.
This award doesn’t just recognize hitmakers — it celebrates voices that speak for a people, reflect a movement, and challenge the norms. Cardi B, with her unfiltered voice, unrelenting hustle, and unapologetic authenticity, is the embodiment of that ethos.
A New Era for Hip-Hop Storytelling
In a world where social media soundbites can eclipse substance, Cardi B remains rooted in storytelling that’s raw, relatable, and real. Her ability to flip pain into power and personal experience into universal truth is why she connects so deeply with fans across generations.
Her win at the 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards isn’t just a personal victory — it’s a signal that the culture still values truth-tellers. Those who dare to speak for communities that don’t often get the mic.
As the industry evolves, Cardi B’s presence serves as a compass — one that points toward authenticity, collaboration, and cultural responsibility.
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