Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, popularly known as Cardi B, is an American rapper, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman who has risen to become one of the most influential female artists of her generation. Known for her bold personality, unfiltered charisma, and chart-topping hits, Cardi B’s journey from a social media sensation to a Grammy-winning superstar is a testament to her resilience and talent.
This detailed biography explores Cardi B’s early life, career rise, major achievements, business ventures, personal life, controversies, philanthropy, and impact on the music industry.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Cardi B was born on October 11, 1992, in Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City. She was raised in the Bronx by her Dominican father and Trinidadian mother. Her multicultural background played a significant role in shaping her identity and musical influences.
Education and Early Struggles
- Attended Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology.
- Joined Borough of Manhattan Community College but dropped out due to financial struggles.
- Worked as a cashier and later as a stripper, which she credits for saving her life from poverty and domestic abuse.
- Developed a strong online presence through Vine and Instagram, where her candid personality and humor resonated with millions of fans.
Rise to Fame and Music Career
Love & Hip Hop: New York (2015-2017)
- Cast in the VH1 reality series “Love & Hip Hop: New York” (2015), where her raw and outspoken nature made her a fan favorite.
- Used the platform to promote her music, eventually deciding to leave the show in 2017 to pursue rap full-time.
Breakthrough with ‘Bodak Yellow’ (2017)
- Released debut single “Bodak Yellow” in June 2017, which quickly gained traction and topped the Billboard Hot 100.
- Became the first female rapper since Lauryn Hill (1998) to have a solo No. 1 song.
- The song was later certified diamond, making her the first female rapper to achieve this milestone.
- Helped establish Cardi B as a serious force in the rap industry.
Invasion of Privacy & Grammy Win (2018-2019)
- Released debut album ‘Invasion of Privacy’ (2018) featuring hits like:
- I Like It (feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin)
- Bartier Cardi (feat. 21 Savage)
- Be Careful
- Drip (feat. Migos)
- The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200, breaking streaming records.
- Won Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards 2019, making her the first solo female rapper to win the category.
- Named one of the most streamed female artists of all time on multiple platforms.
Continued Success and Collaborations (2019-Present)
- Released multiple chart-topping singles, including:
- WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) – A viral sensation and controversial track that dominated global charts.
- Up – Another Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit.
- Press – A bold statement addressing media scrutiny.
- Collaborated with high-profile artists, including Bruno Mars, Offset, Nicki Minaj, Maroon 5, Kanye West, and GloRilla.
- Announced work on her sophomore album, teasing fans with upcoming projects.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Fashion and Beauty Industry
- Launched Fashion Nova x Cardi B collection, which sold out within hours and set records in online fashion sales.
- Partnered with Reebok, creating signature sneaker lines that resonated with fans worldwide.
- Released her own beauty and makeup brand, leveraging her bold aesthetics and influence.
Film and TV Appearances
- Starred in ‘Hustlers’ (2019) alongside Jennifer Lopez, playing the role of a stripper-turned-scammer.
- Featured as a judge on Netflix’s ‘Rhythm + Flow’, mentoring up-and-coming rap talents.
- Voiced a character in ‘Baby Shark’s Big Show!’ (2021), expanding her reach to younger audiences.
- Set to appear in major upcoming Hollywood projects, broadening her entertainment portfolio.
Personal Life and Relationships
- Married to Offset (from Migos) in 2017 in a private ceremony.
- Has two children: Kulture Kiari Cephus (born 2018) and Wave Set Cephus (born 2021).
- Known for public ups and downs in her relationship, including breakups and reconciliations, often played out in the media.
Assets and Net Worth
- Cardi B’s estimated net worth is over $80 million, making her one of the wealthiest female rappers in the world.
- Owns multiple luxury properties, including:
- A mansion in Atlanta, purchased with Offset.
- A lavish home in Los Angeles.
- A vacation property in the Dominican Republic.
- Has a multi-million dollar car collection, including:
- Lamborghini Urus
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- Bentley Bentayga
- Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
- Ferrari 488
- High-end jewelry collection worth millions, including custom diamond pieces and watches.
- Invests in stocks, cryptocurrency, and fashion businesses, expanding her wealth beyond music.
Feuds and Controversies
- Nicki Minaj – One of the most publicized feuds in hip-hop history, including the infamous Harper’s Bazaar Fashion Week altercation (2018).
- Social Media Clashes – Has engaged in high-profile Twitter spats with celebrities and fans.
- Legal Issues – Involved in a strip club assault case, ultimately accepting a plea deal in 2022.
- Music Industry Conflicts – Has had rivalries with Azealia Banks, Tekashi 6ix9ine, and others, fueling media debates.
Awards and Achievements
- Grammy Award Winner (Best Rap Album for Invasion of Privacy).
- Multiple Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards, and MTV VMAs.
- First female rapper to have multiple diamond-certified songs.
- Holds Guinness World Records for streaming milestones.
- Recognized by Forbes and Time Magazine as one of the most influential artists.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
- Donated $1 million to pandemic relief efforts and frequently contributes to disaster aid funds.
- Advocates for women’s rights, racial equality, and immigrant rights.
- Frequently supports education initiatives in the Bronx, providing scholarships and school supplies for underprivileged children.
- Used her platform to encourage voter participation and political activism, including interviews with U.S. presidential candidates.
Legacy and Future Prospects
- Continues to push boundaries in music, entertainment, and business.
- Expanding her business empire into fashion, cosmetics, and television production.
- Remains a cultural icon, influencing future generations of female artists with her outspoken nature and unapologetic personality.
- Plans to release more music, tour internationally, and venture into film production.
Conclusion
Cardi B’s journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom is a testament to hard work, resilience, and authenticity. Her unapologetic personality and groundbreaking achievements have redefined the rap industry. As she continues to evolve, Cardi B’s impact on music, fashion, and pop culture will undoubtedly remain monumental.
