Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B is partnering with New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani to launch a citywide jingle contest encouraging families to apply for the city's free childcare program, as officials prepare to roll out universal 2-K this fall.
The initiative invites New Yorkers to submit original jingles promoting the program ahead of enrollment opening in June, with Cardi B set to help select finalists in an effort to boost awareness and engagement across the city. The program aims to expand access to free childcare for 2-year-olds, building on existing pre-K and 3-K offerings and supporting working families.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Cardi B highlighted the real-life challenges many parents face. "I feel like free childcare is very important," she said. "Sometimes us women we can't really go forward because we don't have nobody to help us take care of our kids."
The campaign reflects a growing trend of blending culture and public policy, leveraging music and community creativity to connect with families and increase participation in city programs designed to reduce financial strain and expand opportunity.
Born Belcalis Almánzar in New York City, Cardi B rose to global fame with chart-topping hits and has become one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop, known for both her music and outspoken advocacy.
While not typically identified as a Christian artist, Cardi B has spoken openly about her personal faith, describing a deep belief in God, prayer and spiritual protection, and even referring to a recent season of her life as her "Jesus year," crediting God for guiding and sustaining her. Her background includes identifying as a practicing Catholic, though her expressions of faith are often personal and unconventional rather than tied to formal religious platforms.
With enrollment set to begin in June and the program launching later this year, city leaders hope the contest will amplify awareness in a way that resonates across communities, encouraging families to take advantage of expanded childcare support.
