Unfiltered rap lines to peculiar fashion trends, Cardi B is an American rapper, songwriter, actress, and former social media personality. Born as Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in New York City, she rose to fame with her debut smash single “Bodak Yellow” which topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2018 her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy” was released which became a corporate success and built her solid status in the music industry. Her supremacy beyond hip-hop expanded on collaboration with Maroon 5 on “Girls Like You”. The Grammy-winning rapper also does collaborations such as “WAP” and “BONGOS” with Megan Thee Stallion which not only topped U.S. charts but also broke records.
Cardi is the most famous and successful rapper of her time with her unapologetic and outrageous personality. Forbes declared her a global phenomenon and trendsetter of her generation. Bacardi has a huge following on social media as well where she continues to share her opinions and build loyal fandom.
BIOGRAPHY
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar aka Cardi B was born on October 11, 1992, in the South- Bronx, New York City, United States. Her father is Dominican and her mother is Trinidadian of Africa. She is of mixed Caribbean heritage. She spent her early childhood with her grandmother in Washington Heights, Manhattan which is the great inspiration behind her rap style. Cardi identifies as Afro-Latina. Cardi’s birth name is a combination of Spanish and Arabic words. She adopted the stage name “Cardi B”.
During her interview with Jimmy Fallon, she described:
“She has a nickname “Bacardi” which is an alcoholic brand. My sister’s name is Hennessy, so everyone called me Bacardi, which eventually was developed to Cardi B”
Her parents separated during her preteens and she moved with her grandmother. The rapper also has a large extended family. Cardi B was employed at a grocery store in her teenage years. Later her store owner fired her and told her to work in a bar, as she had a good body. Consequently, she became a dancer at a strip club across the street in New York.
Cardi B often talks openly about her life as a stripper on her social media as well as during her interviews. She claimed that stripping was positive for her life in many ways and saved her from a lot of things. When I started working as a stripper, I was able to pay for my school. Cardi also mentioned that stripping saved her from poverty and domestic violence. She had been in a toxic relationship in the past and was completely dependent on her boyfriend. Money helped her to escape from the situation. Belcalis attended Community College before eventually dropping out.
In an interview with Khloe Kardashian in 2016, Almanzar revealed that she lied to her mother about stripping and told her that she was babysitting to make money.
She recalled, “Mom, these white people are so rich, and they just want me to take care of their kids. I help them with their homework, and they pay me like 100 dollars a day. And she was like, oh my gosh, that’s amazing”.
Before debuting in the music industry, she began to gain publicity due to her humor-related videos spread on Vine and her Instagram page. Later she joined the American television series, Love & hip-hop: New York. In 2017, she released her debut album which topped the charts in America and Cardi became the first female rapper in two decades to set this record.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
The rapper has been a popular social media personality since 2013 and is known for her flashy fashion choices and straightforward personality. Cardi B leads a luxurious lifestyle and updated her status as a superstar on her Instagram. She often shows off her billion-dollar cars, luxury designer outfits, and glamorous jewelry on her social media platforms. However, she also utilizes her social media to advocate for political and community causes, addressing issues such as politics, feminism, and racism.
169M Followers | |
33.2M Followers | |
YouTube | 19.1M Subscribers |
TikTok | 24.1M Followers |
34M Followers |
WIKI
The American rapper is of mixed race. Her mother is Trinidadian, and her father is Dominican with African and Spanish roots. Her ethnicity is Afro-Latina and she used to speak Spanish at her home at early age. On social media, Cardi shared about her cosmetic procedures and admitted that she had her first surgery when she was 19 years old. Because she worked as a stripper back then consequently, surgical procedures helped her make more money. She is known for her bold styling sense, versatile hairstyles, long nails, and curvy figure. Her manicures, designed with Swarovski crystals, have become a part of her signature look. In 2022, fashion magazines described her as a most stylish female icon.
Real Name | Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus |
Stage Name | Cardi B |
Nickname | Bacardi |
Birthday | October 11, 1992 |
Age | 31 years old |
Birthplace | Bronx, New York, United States |
Present Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
Gender | Female |
Zodiac Sign | Libra |
Nationality | American |
Mother Tongue | Afro-Latina |
Ethnicity | Caribbean, American |
Religion | Catholic Christian |
School | Herbert H. Lehman High School Renaissance High School |
College/University | Borough of Manhattan Community College |
Qualification | Musical Theater & Technology |
Occupation | Rapper Singer Actress |
Net Worth | USD 100 million |
Relationship Status | Separated Filed a Divorce |
Children | 2 |
Height | 5′ 2” |
Weight | 60kg |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Skin Tone | Dark Caramel |
Hair Color | Natural Black |
Body Measurements | Bust: 39 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 42 inches Dress Size: 14 (US) 46 (EU) or 18 (UK) Shoe Size: 9 (US) 40 (EU) or 7 (UK) |
Pets | Dogs |
Hobbies | Music Fashion Makeup Modeling |
ZODIAC SIGN
The zodiac sign of the sassy queen of American hip-hop is Libra. Libra is a sign of popularity, charm, and likeness. They have an aura of refinement and grace as we have seen in most of her interviews. These signs are known for their balanced nature and being social butterflies. They have affection for things such as nature, beauty, love, and harmony. You can see Cardi’s zodiac habits most visibly in interviews through her body language and how she expresses herself. Celebrities like Kelsey Merritt, Glenn Maxwell, Park Jimin, and Stefanie Martin have the same star sign as her.
PARENTS AND SIBLINGS
Almanzar’s mother was from Trinidad, and her father was from the Dominican Republic. Her parents separated during her preteen years. As a result, she spent most of her time in the Highbridge Washington Heights, neighborhood of the South Bronx, with her grandmother. Cardi usually credited her grandmother and hometown for her rapping style and thick accent. She has a younger sister, Hennessy Carolina, named after a brand of alcoholic beverage, and she was called Bacardi, a brand of rum. She later developed a stage name Cardi B.
Father | Carlos Alman |
Mother | Clara Almanzar |
Sister | Hennessy Carolina |
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
She got her early education from Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology. As a student, she was employed at a grocery store in Tribeca. She also works as a cashier at an Amish Market to get an education and continue her studies. She dropped out of the school later. Her manager at job fired her from the job and told her to work as a dancer in the bar. Later, she attended Borough of Manhattan Community College before eventually dropping out.
MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN
After dating for eight months, Bacardi married fellow rapper Offset in 2017. Offset was a member of the hip-hop group Migos. Offset proposed to her at a concert in Philadelphia and gave her a diamond ring. a member of the hip-hop group Migos, in 2017. In July 2018, the couple had a daughter named Kulture Kiari Cephus. During her pregnancy, she faced rumors about being pregnant before marriage, on which she revealed that the couple got married secretly in September 2017. Despite facing difficulties and conflicts in their relationship, Cardi B and Offset remained together and kept sharing glimpses of their family life on social media.
In December 2018, the couple announced their split but got back together shortly. In 2020, the rapper filed for a divorce but the two got back together and expected their second child in 2021. Wave Set Cephus arrives and Cardi shares his picture seven months later. The rumors of Offset cheating on her spread everywhere. Their relationship has been a roller coaster ride since the beginning and according to current updates, Almanzar announced herself as “single” on December 11, 2023. According to her Instagram:
“I’ve been single for a minute now but I have been afraid to like — not afraid, I just don’t know how to tell the world”. I wanna start 2024, like, fresh, open. I don’t know. I’m curious for a new life, for a new beginning. And yeah, I’m excited.”
Husband | Offset |
Daughter | Kulture Kiari Cephus |
Son | Wave Set Cephus |
Current Relationship Status | Single |
CAREER
Initially, she gained attention through her social media appearance, particularly on Vine and Instagram, where her humorous videos went viral. She also worked in the American reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York. In 2015, she introduced her musical talent in a remixed single “Boom Boom” by Jamaican singer Shaggy. Later, she released her debut mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch, Vol. 1,” in 2016. The single “Bodak Yellow” from the album became the rapper’s instant success, and the track topped the Billboard Hot 100.
The hit was also historic because the success made her the first solo female rapper to have a number-one hit. and the fifth female rapper in history to have an album top the charts. Since then, Almanzar has released hits in a row, structuring her status as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Cardi B is among the most successful female rappers in the world. Cardi B has since released three studio albums and collaborated with many artists such as Megan Thee Stallion. She also rose to fame with her collaboration with Maroon 5 in “Girls Like You”.
Collaborations
Year 2018, proved to be the game changer for Cardi B as she became the first female rapper to twice reach the top spot on Billboard when Invasion of Privacy’s track “I Like It” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In February 2019, Cardi released her second collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Please Me”. Both artists revealed when they first met they decided to work together on a project. Her collaboration with DJ Snake “Taki Taki” featuring Selena Gomez, topped the charts in Hispanic countries and has gained more than 2 billion views. Ed Sheeran and Cardi’s collaboration in “South of the Border” also garnered huge popularity.
Cardi B is a three-time winner of Grammy awards and also holds 6 Guinness World Records. In 2020 she won Best Rap Album for “Invasion of Privacy” at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. In 2020 Cardi B collaborated in “WAP,” a tribute to female sexual desire featuring Megan Thee Stallion. That same year she also collaborated with K-pop girl group Blackpink on “Bet You Wanna” along with Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, and rapper Lalisa. Her latest “Bongos” continued to soar the charts in 2024 as well. Cardi B is one of the most iconic and savage female rappers of her time.
DISCOGRAPHY
Studio Album
Her internationally hit studio album is as follows:
Invasion of Privacy | 2018 |
Mixtapes
Some of her hit mixtapes of all time are as under:
Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1 | 2016 |
Underestimated: The Album | 2016 |
Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2 | 2017 |
Singles
The list of singles as lead artists and the years of release are as follows:
Bodak Yellow Motorsport Bartier Cardi Be Careful | 2017 |
I Like It Ring Money | 2018 |
Please Me Press Yes | 2019 |
WAP | 2020 |
Up | 2021 |
Hot Shit Tomorrow 2 Point Me 2 Jealousy Bongos | 2022 |
NET WORTH
The American rapper’s career is full of hit tracks and has earned an estimated net worth of USD 80-100 million as of 2024. She collaborated with multiple top-rated artists throughout her career which multiplied her wealth and cemented her financial portfolio.
Source of Income
Almanzar’s stardom began with her debut single hit “Bodak Yellow” and ever since she has been breaking records in the hip-hop industry. Her albums and collaborations give a spike to her earning portfolio. Besides rapping, she also worked in numerous films and TV shows. Additionally, she endorsed various luxurious brands like Reebok, and Uber Eats Super Bowl and did paid promotions. Her warm participation in digital marketing campaigns also contributes to her net worth. Her ventures also include a Playboy creative directorship. Cardi B also won the $30 million lawsuit against Shaft.
ARREST CONTROVERSY
In August 2018, Cardi attacked two bartenders during a fight at Queens strip club in New York City. On October 1, 2018, Cardi B surrendered to the New York City police and was allegedly charged with assault and endangerment. She rejected a plea deal, in June 2019 a grand jury indicted the artist on six offenses and six violations. And charged her with a fine and hours to spend in community service.
Later that month, during a trial of hip hop artist 6ix9ine, the rapper pointed Cardi B as a member of New York City’s Nine Trey Gangster Bloods. Cardi subsequently denied any affiliation with the blood gang. However, once during one of her live videos on Instagram, she revealed how she used to drugged men and rob money from them during her life as a stripper. After a while, she apologized for that and told the public about her ways of earning money to curb poverty. Cardi attacked her fellow rapper Nicki Minaj during fashion week, which created huge controversy.
POLITICAL VIEWS
The American rapper was seen sharing her political views on her account and during the interviews. She is highly interested in American politics and takes an interest in reading about the systems. Bacardi is bold, and direct about political mindset and advocates for the rights of women, immigrants, and the oppressed. She identifies as a feminist and talks about racism too. She was against the Presidentship of Trump in 2016 and supported Senator Bernie Sanders. Now and then, she uses her social media to raise her voice against the mismanagement of government, police brutality, and discrimination against minorities.
FAVORITES
The Sassy Queen has high standards in life choices. From top luxury brands to eating habits, Cardi has expensive taste. Let’s see what are her favorite things:
Favorite Color | Red and Blue |
Favorite Actor | Penn Badgley |
Favorite Artists | Lady Gaga Beyonce Madonna Ivy Queen Spice Lil’ Kim Selena Gomez |
Favorite Movie | Thriller Action |
Favorite Food | Crabs Sushi Cheese Ice-cream |
Favorite Song | Off the Table by Ariana Grande |
Favorite Sports | Basketball |
Favorite Hobby | Dancing Traveling Photoshoots |
Favorite Accessories | Handbags Goggles Watches |
Favorite Brands | Balenciaga Louis Vuitton Reebok Gucci Saint Laurent |
AWARDS
The American hitmaker won Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, eight Billboard Music Awards, six BET Awards, and fourteen BET Hip Hop Awards. She has also earned six Guinness World Records during her career. She is also entitled to Women of the Year by Billboard Woman in Music. The popular award list won by her is as follows:
American Music Award | 2018-2022 |
Apple Music Awards | 2018 |
ASCAP Pop Music Awards | 2018-2023 |
BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards | 2018 |
BET Awards | 2018-2023 |
Billboard Music Awards | 2018- 2022 |
BET Hip Hop Awards | 2017-2022 |
Grammy Awards | 2018 |
INTERESTING FACTS
- Although Cardi has a set of Luxurious cars, she still doesn’t have her driver’s license yet and doesn’t know how to drive.
- She has a big Peacock tattoo on her thigh.
- The rapper is the Creative Director of Playboy.
- She garnered the Bacardi nickname because her parents named her sister Hennessy, a brand of Brandy.
- Almanzar got plastic surgery when she was just 19 years old.
- The rapper once received a huge flower bouquet from Taylor Swift after the success of “Bodak Yellow”.
- Bacardi is a huge Beyoncé fan and mentioned her four times in her album “Invasion of Privacy”.
- She is a fast food fan.
- The rapper took a great interest in American politics and liked to learn about the systems.
- Cardi makes her hair masks by herself.
How many kids does Cardi B have?
She has 2 kids. One girl and a boy.
What is Cardi B nationality?
Although her roots are Afro-Latina she was born in New York, so she is considered as American.
Does Cardi B wear wigs?
She is a fashion enthusiast and loves experimenting with new and unique hairstyles that match her outfit.
Does Cardi B have tattoos?
She has a big Peacock tattoo on her thigh. Also have multiple tattoos all over her body.
Did Cardi B win a Grammy?
In 2019, she won a Grammy for his album "Invasion of Privacy". She also became the first female rapper to win that title.
Did Cardi B write WAP?
Yes, she writes "WAP" in collaboration with Megan thee Stallion.
Are Cardi B and Offset together?
For a while, they were separated and in December 2023, Cardi B announced herself as single on her Instagram.