The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has partnered with Cardi B, who will voice a series of new public service announcements for the subway system. The collaboration, announced on September 23, 2025, features the Bronx-native artist delivering safety and etiquette messages to millions of daily commuters.
This initiative is part of a broader promotional campaign for the rapper's highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, which was released on September 19, 2025. The new announcements are now active across various stations in the MTA network.
Key Takeaways
- Cardi B is the new voice for a series of public service announcements on the New York City subway.
- The messages cover topics such as fare payment, subway surfing, and station etiquette.
- This partnership is part of the promotional strategy for her new album, Am I The Drama?
- The album is her first full-length project in over seven years and is projected to sell approximately 200,000 units in its first week.
A New Voice for New York Commuters
New York City's subway riders will now hear a familiar voice guiding them through their daily travels. The MTA officially confirmed the collaboration with Cardi B through its social media channels, sharing video clips of the artist recording the announcements in her signature style.
The messages are designed to grab the attention of passengers and promote safer commuting habits. Using her distinct delivery, Cardi B advises riders on several key issues. One announcement directly addresses the dangerous practice of subway surfing, a persistent problem in the city.
"Stop subway surfing! Ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving. Okurrrr!"
Other messages focus on general station conduct and fare compliance. She also encourages passengers to keep moving on staircases to avoid congestion, a common issue during peak hours.
In one of the recordings, she states, "We’re walking here! Steps are for stepping, not sitting. Move it, bucko!" Another reminds commuters of their role in keeping the system running: "These trains don’t move without you, so make sure you pay that fare and keep it real."
Connecting Music and Public Service
The MTA partnership serves a dual purpose, leveraging Cardi B's massive influence to promote both public safety and her latest musical project. The timing aligns perfectly with the release of her second studio album, Am I The Drama?, which arrived more than seven years after her debut.
A Long-Awaited Return
Cardi B's debut album, Invasion of Privacy, was released in 2018. It was a critical and commercial success, winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and selling 255,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The long gap between albums has created significant anticipation among fans and the music industry.
This collaboration is a strategic move to engage a wide audience in a unique and memorable way. By integrating her voice into the daily fabric of New York City life, the campaign reaches millions of people directly, creating a widespread cultural moment around the album's release.
The MTA has previously collaborated with other New York celebrities for similar campaigns, recognizing the power of familiar voices to cut through the noise of a busy transit system. This initiative with Cardi B is one of the most high-profile partnerships to date.
Inside 'Am I The Drama?'
The new album marks a significant milestone in Cardi B's career. Am I The Drama? features an extensive list of guest appearances from prominent artists across different genres, showcasing her versatility and industry standing.
Featured Artists and Special Editions
The tracklist includes collaborations with legendary performers and contemporary stars. Some of the featured artists include:
- Janet Jackson
- Selena Gomez
- Lizzo
- Tyla
- Kehlani
- Cash Cobain
To further boost engagement, Cardi B has released multiple versions of the album. A "Bonus Edition" includes the new song “Don’t Do Too Much.” Additionally, an “ErrTime Edition” was released, which adds fellow rapper Latto to the previously solo track “ErrTime.”
The rollout has also been supported by new music videos. A visual for the Kehlani-assisted track “Safe” was released, reportedly paying homage to the iconic group TLC. Another video for “Imaginary Playerz” creatively samples the classic Jay-Z song “Imaginary Players.”
Album Sales and Projections
The commercial performance of Am I The Drama? is being closely watched. Initial industry projections estimated the album would sell between 120,000 and 150,000 album-equivalent units in its first week of release. However, these figures were later revised upward.
According to Hits Daily Double, updated projections suggest Am I The Drama? is on track to sell approximately 200,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. This would position it as one of the top-selling albums of 2025.
While this number is slightly lower than the 255,000 units her debut album Invasion of Privacy moved in its first week, it still represents a strong commercial opening in today's music consumption landscape, which has shifted significantly since 2018.
The combination of a high-profile public partnership with the MTA, a star-studded feature list, and multiple album editions demonstrates a comprehensive and modern approach to a major album launch. The subway announcements ensure that Cardi B's presence is felt throughout her home city, reinforcing her connection to the community that first supported her rise to stardom.
