Cardi B Becomes First Female Rapper To Win Songwriter Of The Year At ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards

Cardi B has a new award to add to her collections of accolades and trophies, as she’s become the first female rapper to receive the “Songwriter Of The Year” award at the 34th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.

The “Press” rapper began the evening with honors for her songwriting efforts on singles such as “Cartier Bardi” feat. #21Savage, “Ring” feat. #Kehlani and “I Like It.” 

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews presented the award to Cardi, who gave a humbling and inspirational acceptance speech in true Bardi fashion. She stated, “I just want to say I’m very grateful. Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing too much because when it comes to female rappers, it’s like you’re never doing too much or they’re always pitting you against another female rapper. People on my team are like ‘Cardi, you’re crazy. You won a Grammy. Cardi, all your songs are charting.’”

Cardi continued, “Everybody saying I’m not this or that…sometimes I gotta see it and feel it for myself because it’s hard. Everybody always wants to say I made it because of this or made it because of that. I made it because I worked my ass off… Thank you very much, ASCAP. This is an honor for me.”

Motown Records’ 60th anniversary and ongoing legacy were commemorated as well, and founder Berry Gordy Jr. and current president Ethiopia Habtemariam were presented with the ASCAP “Rhythm & Soul Heritage” award. In addition, rapper/activist Tip “T.I.” Harris received the ASCAP’s inaugural “Voice of the Culture” award.

Congratulations to Cardi B on another milestone as well as all other ASCAP award recipients! ?