Cardi B fired back at critics and praised creative collaboration while accepting the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award during a private ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 8).
The Bronx rapper used her moment on stage to address long-standing criticism over her songwriting, making it clear that teamwork doesn’t erase authenticity.
“I hate that I hate the idea that if you don’t write every line on your own that it makes what you have to say not real,” she said. “Music is a collaboration it has always been. The biggest hits, the greatest records come from teamwork. They come from sharing experiences, energy, pain and joy. It’s not about ego, it’s about impact and I love my team.”
She continued, “I write, I co-write, I rewrite. I speak to what’s true to me. My pen, my mind, my feelings are in every verse and in every hook and I respect every writer who brings their magic to the table. This award is not just for me. It’s for the culture, for every writer who help shape it and make us do something. Let’s keep pushing our pens and the power that comes with it.”
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Cardi B Catches Heat Online
The comments come amid ongoing backlash from some Hip-Hop purists who believe rappers should pen every bar themselves.
One critic wrote, “This is embarrassing to the culture.”
Another added, “So she basically saying – she don’t write her RAPS – it’s a collaboration/ team work. Man helllll nahhh!”
Still, not everyone was critical. Supporters praised Cardi B for her honesty and impact. “I’m proud of you @iamcardib. These flowers and recognition you get for your writing and talent, that’s what matters. Not what haters say behind these pages. Please always remember that,” one user posted.
ASCAP Chairman Paul Williams applauded Cardi B for “redefining and challenging the norms for women” in Hip-Hop and called her “unapologetic authenticity and talent” a force in the culture.
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