Cardi B (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) is a renowned rapper, songwriter, and internet sensation. By the start of 2019, she had accumulated numerous music awards, including nine BET Hip Hop Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards, as well as two Guinness World Records: one for the most tracks by a female artist on the Hot 100 and another for the most R&B and hip-hop songs in the Top 10 of the US Billboard chart.
Cardi B
She became the first female rapper with two singles ("Bodak Yellow" and "I Like It") reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and the only one to win the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist for "Invasion of Privacy".
Early Life and Youth
The future rap sensation was born on October 11, 1992, in the Bronx, one of New York's five boroughs, to a Dominican father and a mother of Afro-Trinidadian descent. She spent a lot of time at her paternal grandmother's house in Manhattan, where she developed her unique way of speaking.
Cardi B as a child
Growing up in a less affluent, Latino-dominated neighborhood, by 16, she had mingled with members of the street gang Bloods, known for thefts and reselling stolen goods. Later, she worked in a supermarket and as a stripper, saving money to invest in her arts career and attending Community College.
In 2013, Belcalis started sharing intriguing rap videos on Vine and her Instagram page, quickly grabbing the attention of many.
Cardi B in her youth
Interestingly, her stage name, Cardi B, is derived from the rum brand Bacardi. As a playful nod to her Caribbean roots and because her sister's name is Hennessy, reminiscent of the famous French cognac brand Hennessy, family and friends called her that as a child.
Career Path
In 2015, a young woman became a star of the reality show "Love & Hip-Hop," which revolves around the lives of people associated with this genre of music. Her Instagram followers began to skyrocket. During the same period, she released her debut video for the song "Cheap Ass Weave." After participating in the sixth and seventh seasons of the show, the singer announced her departure, intending to fully dedicate herself to music.
Cardi B - Cheap Ass Weave
In March 2016, her first mixtape "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1" was released, featuring 13 tracks. The cover, which depicted a man with a tattooed back leaning between the singer's legs, led to a lawsuit. Model Kevin Brophy, allegedly recognizing himself in that suggestive pose due to his identical tattoos, was outraged by the use of his photo in such a context without his knowledge or permission. He sued for emotional damages, valuing them at $5 million.
Cardi B in 'Love & Hip-Hop'
In April, the rapper's fans saw her on Khloé Kardashian's talk show "Kocktails with Khloé." During the episode, she candidly told viewers how she informed her mother that she began working as a stripper.
In January 2017, the sensational star released her second collection "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2" with ten tracks, continuing the series, and its supporting single "Bronx Season." Additionally, along with Jamaican singer HoodCelebrityy, Haitian-American artist Josh X, and others, Cardi B went on a US tour organized by KSR Group.
Cardi B before her fame
She also collaborated on a remix of rapper D.R.A.M.'s hit "Cute," joined ASAP Rocky for the lead single "No Limit" from rapper G-Eazy's album "The Beautiful & Damned," and featured on artist PHresher's track "Right Now."
But true global recognition came for the rap diva in the summer of 2017 when she released the single "Bodak Yellow," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She was the first female rapper to achieve this in 19 years – since Lauryn Hill's 1998 track "Doo Wop (That Thing)."
Evolution of Cardi B
To the surprise of many critics who considered her success a one-time fluke, six months later her name was again at the top of the charts with the song "I Like It," featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny. By that time, her YouTube channel had garnered 5 million subscribers.
That same year, she played Mercedes in the series "Being Mary Jane," showcasing the life of a black woman with Gabrielle Union in the lead role. She also appeared on the game show "Hip Hop Squares."
By 2018, around 25 million fans were following the glamorous rap icon on Instagram. Her debut studio album "Invasion of Privacy" also topped the Billboard 200 chart.
Among the rapper's phenomenal achievements was also having three hit tracks in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously ("Bodak Yellow," "I Like It," and the collaboration "Girls Like You" with Maroon 5). Only the Beatles and Ashanti had achieved this before.
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin - I Like It
The biggest star of the contemporary scene guest-starred on one of the most popular US late-night comedy shows, "Saturday Night Live," where she officially announced her pregnancy and also tried her hand as a co-host on the entertainment program "Tonight Show." That same year, Time magazine, known for its influential rankings, included her in their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
In September of that year, a music video by French artist DJ Snake was released, featuring rap star Cardi B, singer Selena Gomez, and Puerto Rican musician Ozuna. It reached a hundred million views in record time.
73 Questions With Cardi B
The singer's rapid career ascent, known for her boisterous behavior, was not without controversy. In 2018, at the Harper's Bazaar after-party during New York Fashion Week, Cardi B got into a fight with rapper Nicki Minaj, accusing her of spreading false information about her achievements. Meanwhile, rapper Azealia Banks, not limiting herself to social media spats, called Cardi a "illiterate, untalented rat" live on a radio show.
Cardi B feuding with Nicki Minaj
The globally recognized rap sensation continues to produce masterpieces and refine her rap skills. In February 2019, she released a single with Bruno Mars titled "Please Me." On its release day, it topped the US iTunes chart.
Cardi B & Bruno Mars - Please Me
In March of the same year, she set an attendance record at her performance during the world's largest Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), with a crowd of 75,500 fans.
In 2020, Cardi B continued her artistic pursuits, albeit less actively. In nine months, she released just one new song - "Wap."
Cardi B's Personal Life
In September 2017, Cardi B married rapper Offset (real name - Kiari Cephus). The couple welcomed a daughter, Kulture, in July 2018. The proud father even tattooed her name on his face. The baby girl is his fourth child: from past relationships, he has a daughter Kalea and two sons, Kody and Jordan.
Cardi B and her husband Offset
In December 2018, the rap artist announced her separation from her husband, but they reconciled in February. In the fall of 2020, the singer shocked fans twice. First, she gave her young child a bag worth several hundred thousand dollars. Then, she filed for divorce from Offset due to his numerous affairs. However, a few weeks later, things smoothed out, and the rapper confessed they remain together.
Cardi has given her husband a third chance, and in September 2021, they became parents again. They had a boy named Wave Set Cephus. It seems that peace and tranquility have finally settled in their relationship.
Cardi B with her husband and newborn son
In September 2023, Cardi B gave a significant interview, admitting that she and Offset are very different, like Yin and Yang. But it's what makes their marriage work because they both love their family more than anything. "I support him 100%, and he supports me 100%," Cardi says.
Offset - Clout ft. Cardi B
Cardi is a devout Catholic. She often notes in interviews that she allegedly communicates directly with God. She identifies as a feminist, and her inspirations are exclusively women. Her favorite singers are Lady Gaga and Madonna, and she idolizes hip-hop divas like Khia and Trina.
Cardi B's daughter
Cardi B Now
Due to maternal duties, Cardi has recently spent less time on her career. Nevertheless, in 2021 she delighted fans with several new singles: "Up," "Wild Side," and a collaborative track with body positivity icon Lizzo, called "Rumors."
Cardi B – Up
While fans were awaiting her second studio album, Cardi tried her hand at acting - she appeared in the ninth and tenth installments of "Fast & Furious," playing Leysa, a friend of Dominic Toretto.
Cardi B and Vin Diesel on the set of 'Fast & Furious 9'
In December 2022, Cardi made a significant announcement: she seriously contemplated ending her rap career because she wanted to spend all her free time with her children. She mentioned having earned enough money to live comfortably for herself and her loved ones. Moreover, she wasn't fond of any of the songs she had been working on lately.
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