In a night filled with celebration and reverence, Cardi B, the Bronx-born rap titan, was honored with the prestigious Voice of the Culture Award at the 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards, held on June 8, 2025, at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons in Los Angeles. The event, a glittering tribute to the unsung heroes of hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, spotlighted Cardi’s indelible mark on music and culture as a creator and changemaker. Her journey from reality TV star to global icon is a testament to her unapologetic authenticity, but the evening took an unexpected turn when her ex-husband, Offset, broke his silence with a seven-word statement that left the audience and fans reeling. What did he say, and why has this moment cemented Cardi’s legacy as a cultural force?
A Night of Recognition
The 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards were a star-studded affair, celebrating songwriters and publishers who shaped the year’s most impactful music. Cardi B, 32, stood at the center of it all, accepting the Voice of the Culture Award from ASCAP’s Executive Vice President, Nicole George-Middleton. Dressed in a caramel-hued, floor-length gown, Cardi radiated gratitude and strength as she took the stage. “My voice has always been a reflection of what I live and what I’m living,” she said, her words resonating with the crowd. “It’s the people, the culture, my friends, my family, the environment I grew up in. I put my joys, my pains, my drama—everything—into my music.”
The award, presented to ASCAP members who profoundly influence music and culture, placed Cardi among elite past recipients like T.I., Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, and Usher. Her acceptance speech was a powerful ode to collaboration, challenging the notion that authenticity requires solo songwriting. “The greatest records come from teamwork,” she declared, pushing back against critics who’ve questioned her use of co-writers. The room erupted in applause, with fellow artists like Mustard and Jermaine Dupri cheering her on. Social media lit up, with one X user posting, “Cardi owning her truth at ASCAP? That’s my queen!”
Cardi’s night was doubly triumphant as she also won a Rhythm & Soul Award for her 2024 hit “Enough (Miami),” a track that climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and reaffirmed her chart dominance. The song, with its bold lyricism and infectious energy, showcased her ability to blend raw storytelling with commercial appeal, further solidifying her influence.
A Remarkable Journey
Cardi B’s ascent to this moment is nothing short of extraordinary. Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in the Bronx, she rose from a stripper and social media personality to a Grammy-winning rapper with a net worth exceeding $80 million. Her 2017 breakout single, “Bodak Yellow,” became a cultural anthem, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her the distinction of being the first female rapper to achieve a diamond-certified single. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, a historic feat that silenced doubters and cemented her as a force.
Cardi’s career is defined by her refusal to conform. From “I Like It” to “WAP” to “Up,” she’s delivered hits that blend hip-hop, Latin trap, and unfiltered attitude, earning her nine Grammy nominations, eight Billboard Music Awards, and a staggering 23 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards. In 2020, she made history as the first woman to win ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Award two years in a row, a milestone she reflected on during her 2025 speech. “I’ve always wanted my music to stay true to who I am,” she said, crediting her Bronx roots and her ability to turn pain into art.
Beyond music, Cardi’s impact spans fashion, film, and activism. She’s starred in movies like Hustlers (2019), launched a Whipshots vodka-infused whipped cream line, and advocated for social justice, from supporting Black Lives Matter to engaging in political discourse. Her 2018 inclusion on TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” and Billboard’s 2020 “Woman of the Year” title underscore her cultural weight. Yet, her authenticity—raw, outspoken, and unapologetic—remains her superpower, resonating with fans who see her as a voice for the underdog.
Offset’s Shocking Seven-Word Statement
As Cardi basked in her moment, the night took a dramatic turn. Offset, her ex-husband and former Migos member, who was not present at the event, posted a cryptic message on X that sent shockwaves through the internet. The seven words—“She’s the culture, I’m just proud”—stunned fans and media alike, given the couple’s tumultuous history. Cardi and Offset, who share three children (Kulture, 7, Wave, 4, and a daughter born in 2024), married in 2017 but split in 2023 after years of publicized infidelity scandals and reconciliations. Their divorce was finalized in early 2025, with Cardi focusing on co-parenting and her career.
Offset’s statement, posted at 11:47 p.m. on June 8, 2025, came hours after Cardi’s speech aired on social media. The brevity and sincerity of his words caught everyone off guard, especially since he’d remained silent about her recent milestones. Fans flooded X with reactions, one writing, “Offset saying ‘She’s the culture’? I’m shook—this respect is everything.” Another posted, “Cardi’s winning, and Offset’s giving props? 2025 is wild.” Some speculated the message was a peace offering, while others saw it as Offset acknowledging Cardi’s dominance in the industry they both navigate.
The statement’s impact was amplified by the couple’s complex dynamic. Offset, 33, has faced his own challenges, including Migos’ dissolution after Takeoff’s tragic death in 2022 and legal issues tied to his past. His 2023 album, Set It Off, marked a solo comeback, but his personal life often overshadowed his music. His public support for Cardi, especially on such a high-profile night, suggested a newfound maturity, perhaps driven by their shared commitment to their children. “Cardi and I are family forever,” he told TMZ days later, declining to elaborate but hinting at a desire to move forward amicably.
Why This Moment Matters
Cardi’s Voice of the Culture Award and Offset’s unexpected statement together mark a pivotal chapter in her story. The award celebrates her as a changemaker who’s redefined hip-hop, particularly for women, by challenging norms and amplifying marginalized voices. Her speech, emphasizing collaboration and authenticity, struck a chord in an industry often critical of artists who don’t write every line. “Cardi’s saying what needs to be said,” one X user noted. “Music’s a team effort, and she’s real for it.”
Offset’s seven words added a layer of emotional depth. For a couple whose highs and lows—engagements, breakups, and public spats—have played out in headlines, his statement was a rare moment of humility. It acknowledged Cardi’s cultural impact while signaling closure to their personal saga, allowing her to shine without drama. Fans saw it as a full-circle moment, with one posting, “Offset giving Cardi her flowers? That’s growth.”
The night also highlighted Cardi’s resilience. Fresh off her 2024 single “Enough (Miami)” and preparing for her sophomore album, expected in late 2025, she’s balancing motherhood, business, and music. Her recent Instagram Live sessions, where she’s discussed album delays due to feature negotiations, show her relentless drive. “I’m not slowing down,” she told fans, a sentiment echoed in her ASCAP speech. Her rumored collaborations with artists like GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion hint at another game-changing project.
A Legacy in the Making
The 2025 ASCAP Awards were more than a celebration—they were a coronation of Cardi B as a cultural icon. Her journey from the Bronx to global stardom, marked by grit and defiance, has inspired millions. The Voice of the Culture Award recognizes her ability to shape music and society, from empowering women to embracing her Dominican-Trinidadian heritage. Offset’s statement, though brief, amplified the moment, showing that even past conflicts can’t dim her light.
As Cardi prepares for her next musical chapter, her influence grows. She’s not just a rapper—she’s a movement, a voice for those who feel unseen. The ASCAP stage, with its tearful applause and Offset’s unexpected tribute, was a reminder of her power. “Cardi’s the blueprint,” one X user declared. “From stripper to legend, she’s unstoppable.” With her children by her side, a new album on the way, and a legacy that transcends music, Cardi B’s 2025 triumph is just the beginning.
