History-making “Not Like Us” has received ASCAP’s R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year Award recognizing not just its fiery-like- MUUUUSSSTTAAARRRDDDD cultural moment but also its feat as the only rap song ever to remain on the Billboard Hot 100 for 52 straight weeks.
The Drake diss-track, co-written by Kendrick Lamar and Dijon “Mustard” McFarlane exceeded 1 billion Spotify streams and remains in the Hot 100’s top 25.
ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, held it 2025 Rhythm & Soul Music Awards June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons.
The organization’s roster includes more than one million composers, publishers and songwriters. It uses data from streaming services and satellite and terrestrial radio to recognize the previous year’s most-performed songs.
And last night, the organization awarded Cardi B its highest honor, the Voice of the Culture Award. Cardi’s “Billboard Hot 100” hits such as “Please Me,” “WAP,” “Money,” and “Bodak Yellow,” all contributed to that recognition.
That award is designated for ASCAP members who are changemakers who generate a major influence on music and culture. Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, T.I. and Usher are all previous winners.
In 2020, Cardi B made history by becoming the only woman to receive ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Award in two consecutive years. Additionally, she’s won 23 ACSAP Rhythm & Soul Awards and eight ASCAP Pop Music honors.
Accepting her Voice of the Culture Award, Cardi recognized her team for its contribution to her success. “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….We have become best friends making music.”
“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,” she continued. “And I respect every writer who brings their magic to the table. This award is not just for me. It’s for the culture and for every writer who helps shape it and makes us feel something. Let’s keep pushing our pens and the power that comes with it.”
During the celebration, Cardi B also won a Rhythm & Soul Award for “Enough (Miami).”
Other recipients last night included Oz, who took home Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year. CeCe Winans and co-writers Taylor Agan and Kellie Besch were recognized with the gospel song of the year award.
Sony Music Publishing received the publisher of the year award for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (Shaboozey), “Million Dollar Baby” (Tommy Richman), “Enough (Miami)” (Cardi B), “BAND4BAND” (Central Cee & Lil Baby), “Yeah Glo!” (GloRilla), “Saturn” (SZA), “Get It Sexyy” (Sexyy Red), “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Beyoncé), “Made for Me” (Muni Long), and “Residuals” and “Sensational” (Chris Brown).
The full list of winners, including honors given to Offset, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage and more can be found here.
