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Cardi B Becomes the Voice of the New York City Subway System

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by Life & Style Weekly
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Cardi B Becomes the New Voice of the New York City Subway System

In a surprising blend of pop‑culture flair and public‑service innovation, the MTA announced that Cardi B will be the official voice for the New York City subway system. The partnership, revealed in a Life & Style feature on March 15, 2024, marks the first time a high‑profile New‑York‑born celebrity has lent her voice to one of the city’s most iconic transit systems. The move is part of a broader “Cultural Voices” initiative aimed at re‑energising the rider experience while celebrating the city’s diversity.

A City That Raised Her

Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, grew up in the Bronx, a borough that has shaped her music, style and persona. She first burst onto the rap scene in 2014 with “Bodak Yellow,” and has since become an international superstar, a fashion icon and a frequent collaborator with the likes of Jay‑Z and Kanye West. In an interview with The New York Times (linked in the Life & Style article), the rapper recalled that “the subway was my daily soundtrack; it was the place where I learned how to talk to people, how to move through crowds.” The partnership is a natural extension of her long‑standing love for her hometown.

Why the MTA? Why a Celebrity Voice?

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has long been in the process of modernising its public‑announcement system. According to the MTA’s press release (also linked), the agency wanted to create a more approachable, less sterile environment for riders. “We want to give commuters a voice that feels authentic and relatable to New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds,” said MTA spokesperson David Ramirez.

The idea of a hip‑hop star was pitched to the MTA during a community outreach event where local artists were invited to discuss how public‑service agencies could incorporate local culture into everyday experiences. Cardi’s enthusiastic participation—and her record‑making experience—made her a natural fit. The collaboration also aligns with the MTA’s “City Voice” program, which aims to highlight local talent and strengthen community ties.

The Recording Session

In a studio located in the historic East River Plaza complex, Cardi spent a full day with MTA sound engineers to record over 120 phrases. “Next stop, Times Square,” “Please keep your hands inside the carriage,” “The train will be arriving shortly” – all punctuated with her signature cadence. In addition to standard announcements, Cardi added a playful line: “We’re on the way to your dreams, fam!” (A line that will appear during off‑peak hours as a special Easter egg for riders.)

The MTA hired Javier Morales, a veteran transit audio designer, to adapt the phrases to the acoustics of the underground tunnels. “We wanted to keep the clarity and accessibility of standard announcements while adding a fresh, local vibe,” Morales said. The final mix will be streamed on all 400+ subway stations across the five boroughs.

Public Reaction and Cultural Significance

The Life & Style article quoted several commuters who expressed excitement at the announcement. “It’s a fresh vibe – I used to dread the dull announcements, but now I actually listen,” said Tiffany, a Queens resident. “It feels like the city is saying ‘we get you,’” added Marcus, a Brooklyn commuter.

Within the broader cultural conversation, the partnership has drawn parallels to the 2017 MTA initiative that employed the voices of local actors for the “MTA Arts for Transit” program. The new “Cardi Voice” is also being leveraged in a multi‑platform campaign. For instance, the MTA’s official app now includes a “Cardi‑B‑Mode” that allows riders to customize the tempo of the announcements to match the energy of her music. Additionally, the MTA has partnered with Spotify to release a “Subway Soundtrack” featuring Cardi’s voice paired with her own tracks.

The Bigger Picture: Transit as a Cultural Hub

By hiring a local celebrity, the MTA underscores the role of public transportation as more than just a conduit. The New York City subway is a living, breathing theatre where millions of lives intersect daily. As Cardi herself explained in a BBC News interview linked in the Life & Style piece, “The subway is the heartbeat of the city. Bringing my voice there is my way of giving back.”

The initiative is also seen as a positive step toward community engagement, especially for marginalized voices in the city. The MTA plans to extend the program to feature other local artists in the future, turning the subway into a traveling gallery of New York’s cultural talent.

Key Takeaways

Looking Ahead

The life‑style article highlighted the launch event, which will take place on May 1, 2024, when the first “Cardi‑B‑Mode” announcements go live. Riders will be invited to a commemorative ceremony at Grand Central Terminal, where Cardi will perform an exclusive acoustic set for the crowd. Fans who attended the event posted photos on Instagram, using the hashtag #CardiBSubway—a tag that’s already trending.

In a world where public‑service announcements often feel generic, Cardi B’s involvement promises a new era of personalized, community‑centric transit communication. Whether it becomes a staple of the daily commute or a one‑off novelty, the collaboration is a testament to New York City’s enduring commitment to merging culture with everyday life—one train car at a time.