Cardi B Becomes the Voice of New York’s Subway, Bringing Bronx Pride and Inclusivity to Mass Transit

Cardi B, the Grammy-winning rapper and cultural icon, is now the new voice of New York’s subway system. In a unique partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Bronx native has recorded a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that are being broadcast across train stations and platforms throughout the city, infusing the daily commute with her unmistakable energy and inclusivity .

The collaboration, unveiled this week, is already making waves across social media and the city’s diverse communities. Cardi B’s PSAs, delivered in her signature style, address core issues of subway etiquette and safety. In one announcement, she reminds riders, “These trains don’t move without you. So make sure you pay that fare and keep it real.” In another, she tackles the dangerous trend of subway surfing, urging, “Stop subway surfing. Ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving” .

The decision to feature Cardi B is both a nod to her local roots and her international star power. Born and raised in the Bronx, Cardi B’s life and music have long celebrated the energy and resilience of New York’s boroughs. The MTA’s campaign comes at a time when the city is seeking to rebuild ridership and public trust following several challenging years.

“Having Cardi B as the voice of our subway is a celebration of the city’s diversity and vibrancy,” said MTA spokesperson Angela Martinez. “She represents New York’s spirit—bold, unapologetic, and welcoming to all” .

For many LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, the arrival of Cardi B’s voice in the subway is more than a celebrity endorsement—it’s a sign of representation and belonging. The subway is a lifeline for millions, including LGBTQ+ youth, transgender people, and queer commuters who rely on public transit not just for mobility but as safe spaces in a city that prides itself on diversity.

“Cardi B has always stood up for our community, whether it’s speaking out against discrimination or celebrating Pride,” said Marsha Taylor, director of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group OUTreach New York. “Hearing her voice in the subway is a reminder that this city is for all of us, no matter who we are or who we love” .

The campaign’s inclusive tone is intentional. The MTA has stated that Cardi B’s announcements are part of a broader effort to make the subway feel more welcoming and safe for all, particularly marginalized communities that have historically faced harassment or exclusion on public transit .

Cardi B’s involvement in public safety announcements is timely. The MTA reports that subway surfing, a dangerous and sometimes deadly trend, resulted in six fatalities in 2023 alone. By lending her voice to safety campaigns, Cardi B is using her platform to reach younger riders and fans who might otherwise tune out traditional warnings .

“Public figures have a responsibility to the communities they come from,” said LGBTQ+ activist and subway conductor Jamie Rivera. “Cardi B showing up for the city, especially for communities that are often overlooked, makes a real difference” .

This campaign is not Cardi B’s first time supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Over the years, she has spoken out in support of same-sex marriage, advocated for transgender rights, and frequently used her platform to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ artists and activists. Her visibility and advocacy have made her a beloved figure in queer nightlife and Pride celebrations across New York and beyond .

The MTA’s choice builds on previous efforts to make New York’s transit system more inclusive, including campaigns that feature multilingual announcements, gender-inclusive restroom signage, and partnerships with Pride organizers during June and beyond.

As the subway’s new voice, Cardi B is helping redefine what public transportation sounds like in a city that is constantly evolving. Her messages blend humor, authority, and authenticity—a combination that resonates with the city’s mosaic of riders.

For LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, the message is clear: the subway, like the city itself, belongs to everyone. Cardi B’s voice, echoing through the tunnels and platforms, is both a celebration of local pride and a reminder of the importance of visible, affirming representation in public life .

As New York continues to set the standard for urban innovation, Cardi B’s subway debut is a powerful statement: every voice matters, and every rider belongs.