Ahead of the 2025 BET Awards, the often-overlooked contributors to Hip-Hop and R&B—songwriters and producers—were celebrated at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards. The prestigious ceremony took place on Sunday, June 8, at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons, where the industry’s top hitmakers gathered to recognize their achievements.
Cardi B Takes ‘Voice of the Culture’ Award
Among the standout moments was the presentation of the Voice of the Culture Award to Cardi B. This award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact on both music and culture. Previous recipients of this honor include iconic figures like Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, D-Nice, and T.I.
When Cardi B took the stage, she expressed immense gratitude and joy. The Grammy-winning rapper reflected on her journey and the importance of staying true to her roots. “My voice has always been a reflection of what I live and what I’m living,” she shared. “It’s a reflection of the people, the culture, my friends, my family, and the environment I grew up in.”
Cardi emphasized the importance of authenticity in her music, noting that every song she writes is deeply personal. “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 has always been,” she continued. “The greatest records come from teamwork—sharing experiences, energy, pain, and joy. It’s not about ego; it’s about impact. This award is not just for me, it’s for the culture.”
Cardi’s track “Enough (Miami)” also earned an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award. Back in 2020, she made history as the first woman to win the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Award for two consecutive years.
Other Notable Wins
Kendrick Lamar and Mustard’s “Not Like Us” was honored as the ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year, while songwriter Ozan “OZ” Yildirim received the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year award for his work on tracks like Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter” and Travis Scott’s “I Know?”
Cece Winans’ “That’s My King” was named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Gospel Song of the Year, and Sony Music Publishing was recognized as ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Publisher of the Year.
Full List of Winners
Voice of the Culture Award: Cardi B
Songwriter of the Year: Ozan “OZ” Yildirim
R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” by Dijon “Mustard” McFarlane
Gospel Song of the Year: “That’s My King” by Taylor Agan and Kellie Besch
Publisher of the Year: Sony Music Publishing
Most Performed Songs in R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey, Sean Cook, J-Kwon, Joe Capo Kent, Mark “Tarboy” Williams
“Agora Hills” by Jean-Baptiste Kouame
“BAND4BAND” by Central Cee, Lil Baby, and Ghana Beats
“CARNIVAL” by Playboi Carti and Rich The Kid
“Enough (Miami)” by Cardi B, Javaan Anderson, Joshua Parker, and others
“Everybody” by Jesper Mortensen and Lil Uzi Vert
Most Performed Gospel Songs:
“Able” by Marvin L Winans
“God Be Praised” by Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell
“God Is” by Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell
“I See Good” by Anthony Brown
“I Will Wait” by Kayton Bassier and David “Ali” Parrilla
The ceremony honored the talented individuals who continue to shape the soundscape of modern music, with a special focus on the power of collaboration and the impact of cultural icons like Cardi B.
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