Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper, songwriter, and actress whose unfiltered personality and aggressive flow have made her a global music icon. Rising from social media stardom and reality television, she catapulted into the mainstream with her breakout single “Bodak Yellow” in 2017. Her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy,” was a critical and commercial success, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and making her the only woman to win the award as a solo artist. Recognized for her candid lyrics and empowering anthems, Cardi B has broken numerous records and established herself as one of the most influential female rappers of all time.
Cardi B Overview
| Full Name | Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus |
| Stage Name | Cardi B |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1992 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 32 |
| Place of Birth | Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter, Actress |
| Parents | Carlos Almánzar (father, Dominican), Clara Almánzar (mother, Trinidadian) |
| Sister | Hennessy Carolina |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus) (m. 2017; sep. 2023) |
| Partner | Stefon Diggs (2025-present) |
| Children | 3 (Daughter: Kulture Kiari Cephus, Son: Wave Set Cephus, Daughter: Blossom Cephus) |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $80 million |
Early Life and Education of Cardi B
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992, in Washington Heights, Manhattan, is of Dominican and Trinidadian descent. Her father, Carlos, is Dominican, and her mother, Clara, is Trinidadian. She was primarily raised in the Highbridge neighborhood of the South Bronx but spent considerable time at her paternal grandmother’s home in Washington Heights, which she says contributed to her “thick accent.” Her stage name is a derivative of Bacardi, a brand of rum. Because her younger sister is named Hennessy Carolina, a brand of cognac, family and friends began calling her Bacardi, which she later shortened to Cardi B.
During her teenage years, Cardi B was a student at Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology, a vocational school on the Herbert H. Lehman High School campus. She has acknowledged being a member of the Bloods street gang since the age of 16, though she has stated she would not encourage others to join. After graduating from high school, she was employed at a deli in Tribeca. Following her dismissal from the deli, she began working as a stripper at the age of 19. Cardi B has been candid about this period of her life, stating that stripping was a positive decision that helped her escape poverty and an abusive relationship, providing her with financial independence to go back to school. She attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College for a time before ultimately dropping out to focus on her work.
Cardi B’s Career
From Social Media to Reality TV
Cardi B’s journey to fame began to accelerate in 2013 as she gained a significant following on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram. Her raw, humorous, and no-filter videos about her life and experiences went viral, making her an internet personality. This online popularity led to her being cast in the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. She was a main cast member for two seasons, from 2015 to early 2017, where her personality made her a breakout star. She left the show to dedicate herself fully to her burgeoning music career.
Musical Breakthrough with “Bodak Yellow” and “Invasion of Privacy”
While on Love & Hip Hop, Cardi B released her first mixtapes, Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1 (2016) and Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2 (2017). In February 2017, she signed a major record deal with Atlantic Records. Her commercial debut single, “Bodak Yellow,” was released on June 16, 2017, and became a massive summer anthem. In September 2017, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making her The first female rapper to top the chart with a solo song since Lauryn Hill in 1998. The single was eventually certified Diamond by the RIAA.
On April 6, 2018, Cardi B released her highly anticipated debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy. The album received universal critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, breaking several streaming records. It featured the number-one hit “I Like It” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, making her the first female rapper with multiple chart-topping songs. In 2019, Invasion of Privacy won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making Cardi B the first solo female artist to win the award. All 13 tracks on the album have been certified platinum or higher, another first for a female rapper.
Continued Success and “WAP”
Following her debut album’s success, Cardi B continued to dominate the charts with collaborations like “Finesse” with Bruno Mars and “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5, which also reached number one. She made her film debut in the 2019 movie Hustlers. She also served as a judge on the Netflix music competition series Rhythm + Flow.
In August 2020, Cardi B released the single “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The sexually explicit and empowering anthem debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with a record-breaking 93 million streams in its first week in the U.S. The song and its vibrant music video became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its sex-positive message while also drawing criticism from conservative commentators. Her follow-up single, “Up,” released in February 2021, also debuted high on the charts, eventually reaching number one.
Upcoming Sophomore Album: “Am I the Drama?”
After a series of standalone singles and features, Cardi B is set to release her long-awaited sophomore album, titled Am I the Drama?, on September 19, 2025. The album is slated to include the previously released hits “WAP” and “Up,” as well as the 2025 lead single “Outside.” In August 2025, she hosted WWE SummerSlam and debuted another new track from the upcoming album.
Cardi B Personal Life & Family
Cardi B’s personal life has often been in the public eye, particularly her relationship with Migos rapper Offset. The couple began dating in early 2017 and secretly married on September 20, 2017. Their marriage was revealed to the public in June 2018. Their relationship has been marked by several ups and downs, including public allegations of infidelity against Offset.
The couple has three children together. Their first child, a daughter named Kulture Kiari Cephus, was born on July 10, 2018. Their son, Wave Set Cephus, was born on September 4, 2021. Despite their reconciliations, the couple’s relationship remained turbulent. Cardi B confirmed in December 2023 that she was single. She filed for divorce for a second time in July 2024. Just a day after the filing, she announced she was pregnant with their third child. Their second daughter, Blossom Belles Cephus, was born on September 7, 2024. Cardi revealed her daughter’s name in May 2025.
As of 2025, Cardi B and Offset’s divorce is ongoing. Cardi has been publicly linked to NFL star Stefon Diggs, with the pair making public appearances together and confirming their relationship on social media in mid-2025. However, by July 2025, there were hints of a breakup as Cardi B removed photos of Diggs from her Instagram.
Awards and Achievements of Cardi B
Cardi B has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the music industry. She is the female rapper with the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles (five) and the highest-certified female rapper in terms of digital single sales in the U.S. She is also the first female rapper to have three Diamond-certified songs by the RIAA.
- Grammy Awards: 1 win (Best Rap Album for Invasion of Privacy) and multiple nominations.
- Billboard Music Awards: 8 wins, including Top Rap Female Artist.
- BET Awards: 6 wins, including Album of the Year for Invasion of Privacy.
- BET Hip Hop Awards: 14 wins, including multiple wins for Song of the Year.
- MTV Video Music Awards: 4 wins.
- American Music Awards: 6 wins.
- Guinness World Records: Holds multiple records, including most simultaneous Billboard Hot 100 entries by a woman.
Cardi B Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Cardi B’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. Her primary sources of income are music sales, streaming royalties, and global tours. She also earns a significant amount from high-profile endorsement deals with brands such as Pepsi, Reebok, and Fashion Nova. Her collaboration with Fashion Nova in 2018 reportedly sold out almost immediately.
Legacy and Influence
Cardi B is recognized by publications like Forbes as one of the most influential female rappers of all time. Her aggressive flow and candid lyrics, which often touch on themes of money, female empowerment, and sexuality, have had a significant impact on the music industry. She is credited with paving the way for a new wave of female rappers to achieve mainstream success in the late 2010s and 2020s. Her unfiltered public persona and use of social media have redefined how artists can connect with their fanbase. Beyond music, she is known for her outspokenness on political and social issues.
Interesting Facts about Cardi B
- Her nickname “Cardi B” is short for Bacardi, a nickname she got because her sister’s name is Hennessy.
- Before her music career, she worked at an Amish market in Tribeca.
- She is a proud Afro-Latina and speaks both English and Spanish.
- One of her former high school teachers defended her on social media, noting she was a bright student who took AP Government.
- She is known for her signature catchphrase, “Okurrr,” which she filed to trademark in 2019.
Controversies
Cardi B’s career has not been without controversy. Her outspoken nature has led to several public feuds with other celebrities. In 2018, she was involved in a physical altercation with fellow rapper Nicki Minaj at a New York Fashion Week party. She has also faced legal issues, including an arrest and indictment on misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment and assault stemming from a 2018 strip club brawl in Queens, New York.
Social Media Presence
Cardi B maintains a massive presence on social media, where her career first gained traction. Her candid and often humorous posts continue to engage millions of followers worldwide.
- Instagram: @iamcardib (Over 170 million followers)
- Twitter (X): @iamcardib (Over 32 million followers)
- YouTube: Over 23 million subscribers
Final Words about Cardi B
As she prepares for the release of her sophomore album, “Am I the Drama?,” in 2025, Cardi B stands as a testament to the power of authenticity in the modern entertainment landscape. From the Bronx to global superstardom, she has shattered records and defied expectations with her unique blend of humor, raw talent, and business acumen. Her journey from a social media personality to a Grammy-winning artist has been a whirlwind, marked by chart-topping hits, high-profile relationships, and an unwavering connection with her fans. As she continues to evolve as an artist and a public figure, Cardi B’s influence on music and culture remains undeniable, securing her legacy as one of the most compelling and successful artists of her generation.