Cardi B's Full Biography
Cardi B is a well-known American rapper who was born and raised in New York City. Hailing from The Bronx, she first caught the public's eye when she shared her experiences as a stripper on social media. Capitalizing on her bold personality and candid approach on Instagram, Cardi B soon became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Cardi B's Early Years
Belcalis Almanzar, known as Cardi B, was born in The Bronx borough of New York City on October 11, 1992. She grew up in the South Bronx's Highbridge neighborhood with a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother. Cardi B attributes her thick accent to the time she spent at her paternal grandmother's house in Washington Heights. She went on to enroll in Renaissance High School For Musical Theater and Technology.
Cardi B's Career
In 2011, at the age of 19, Cardi B turned to stripping after losing her job at an Amish grocery store. Despite the stigma surrounding the profession, she kept her dancing a secret from her family for years. It wasn't until her Vine and Instagram videos went viral that Cardi became a household name for her outspoken personality while dancing.
Cardi B first gained notoriety in 2015 on Love & Hip Hop: New York, where her charisma immediately made her a fan favorite. Due to her talents, she was asked to be on the Reggae-tinged remix to Shaggy and Popcaan’s “Boom Boom.” Bardi also released her music video for “Cheap Azz Weave” in 2015 and debuted a mix tape, “Gangsta B**ch Music Vol. 1.”
By 2017, Cardi B had released another mix tape, “Gangsta B**ch Music Vol. 2” and was gaining a lot of interest from record labels. It was Atlantic Records that came in with the right price point for Cardi, though. She inked the deal and went public with it that summer right before her career was put on the radar.
Cardi B's rise to fame truly began with the release of "Bodak Yellow," which was her first official single under Atlantic. In just a week after its release, the song made it to the Hot 100.
Bardi's hard work paid off as "Bodak Yellow" climbed to the top of the Hot 100 chart in September, making her the first female rapper to achieve this milestone. She tirelessly performed the hit song at various venues, from halftime shows to festivals and clubs, leaving no opportunity untouched.
After achieving the impressive milestone of topping the Hot 100, Cardi B has solidified her place in hip-hop history as the first solo female rap artist to do so since Lauryn Hill in 1998 with “Doo Wop (That Thing).” However, this achievement was only the beginning for Cardi B, as she continues to make waves in the music industry.
Upon its release in April 2018, Cardi B's debut studio album, "Invasion of Privacy", soared to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, exceeding everyone's expectations. Despite initial doubts surrounding the artist's ability to produce a full-length record with staying power, fans eagerly awaited the debut and were not disappointed.
In 2018 Cardi B was named one of Time Magazine's most influential people.
In 2019 Cardi appeared on Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow as a mentor, and in 2020 her and Megan Thee Stallion released the highly controversial song and video of “WAP”.
Cardi B is said to have a new album coming out in 2023.
Cardi B's Business Ventures
Cardi B's partnership with Pepsi was a smart move for the brand because she has a strong following and fans love her energy. Having Cardi B as their spokesperson could help Pepsi broaden its audience and appeal to younger generations.
Reebok partnered with Cardi B for athletic wear and sneakers, and she also partnered with Balenciaga, Fashion Nova, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford.
Cardi B's Personal Life
Cardi B was first linked to Offset in 2017. They secretly tied the knot on September 20, 2017, and welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kulture on July 10, 2018. They had a few ups and downs, Cardi even filed for divorce at one point. They managed to overcome their challenges, however, and stayed together. Cardi B gave birth to their second child, Wave, in 2022.
Cardi B's Net Worth
Cardi B is worth $80 million as of 2023. The majority of her money comes from her business ventures.
Controversies
Cardi B and Nicki Minaj went head to head in 2018.
Cardi B was charged with assault in 2022.
