a full-circle moment

Cardi B is the new voice of the New York Subway: Here's what you'll hear from now on

She’s a born-and-bred New Yorker

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 10:53 AM EDTSEP 24, 2025, 10:53 AM EDT

Next time you’re sprinting for a train in New York City, don’t be surprised if Cardi B herself is the one reminding you to step lively. The Grammy-winning rapper from the Bronx is officially the newest voice of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, lending her unmistakable personality to a series of Public Service Announcements blasting through subway speakers across the five boroughs.

Cardi B’s subway takeover feels like a full-circle moment. She’s no stranger to New York hustle, and recently she went viral after jokingly selling her new album, "Am I the Drama?," on subway platforms with nothing but a stack of CDs and her signature energy. In a hilarious skit, she explained that after shooting her “Imaginary Playerz” music video, her label supposedly slashed her budget to just $50, leaving her to go grassroots with promotion.

The timing couldn’t be better. "Am I the Drama?," Cardi’s long-awaited second studio album, has already been certified platinum.

Fast forward a few weeks, and that same subway is her stage — but this time, her voice is commanding riders with playful authority.

“Steps Are for Stepping, Not Sitting”

The MTA released clips of Cardi’s announcements, and they’re as iconic as you’d expect. She warns riders against subway surfing with the perfect mix of sass and seriousness: “Stop subway surfing. Ride safe, keep it cute and keep it moving.”

Cardi B continues to thrive on stages big and small.

And for anyone treating staircases like a lounge chair, Cardi doesn’t mince words: “Steps are for stepping, not sitting. Move it, Bucko!” It’s part PSA, part comedy routine, and entirely New York.

A Platinum Week for Cardi

The timing couldn’t be better. "Am I the Drama?," Cardi’s long-awaited second studio album, has already been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, on its very first day, according to Billboard. It’s proof that her fans, both on and off the subway, are riding with her.

Cardi isn’t stopping at subway announcements. This weekend, she’s stepping into an even bigger spotlight as she will be headlining the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, replacing The Weeknd. After that, she’s set to hit the road for her "Little Miss Drama Tour," which includes major stops at Madison Square Garden and Prudential Center next spring. So whether it’s selling records on street corners, cracking jokes on the subway, or leading a festival crowd of thousands, Cardi B continues to thrive on stages big and small.

The MTA has a history of bringing in famous voices for rider announcements, but Cardi’s presence feels especially authentic. She’s a born-and-bred New Yorker, her humor resonates with the city’s vibe, and her rise from the Bronx to global superstardom mirrors the grit and energy of the subway system itself.

So the next time you hear “keep it moving” over the subway speakers, just know Cardi B isn’t just talking about train etiquette, she’s speaking to the city’s rhythm.