Cardi B is a vibrant and unpredictable artist. Her presence on stage energizes the audience and breaks stereotypes. Her path to success is best explained by the story of her life.
Career Development and Recognition
Cardi B is an American hip-hop performer, songwriter, and actress. Her real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar.
While working at a strip club, Belcalis came up with the nickname “Cardi B” by rearranging the letters in “Bacardi,” a popular Cuban cocktail. The job allowed her to rent her own apartment and make time for creativity.
She began gaining attention in 2013 through viral videos on social media. As her online presence grew, she was cast in Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. In 2016, she left the show to focus on music.
Her debut mixtape, Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1, was released in March 2016, followed by Vol. 2 in January 2017. That year, she was nominated at the BET Awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best Female Hip-Hop Artist.”
In June 2017, she released the single Bodak Yellow, which climbed the charts and hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September — making her the first Dominican solo female rapper to achieve that. The Washington Post named it the best song of the year.
Her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy (2018) was one of the most powerful debuts of the millennium, earning comparisons to The Beatles. Later that year, I Like It also topped the charts. She earned 12 nominations and 2 wins at the MTV VMAs.
Cardi B was soon crowned the reigning queen of hip-hop by Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. At the 2019 Grammys, she received 5 nominations. In February, she released Please Me with Bruno Mars, which became her 7th top-three Billboard Hot 100 hit.
She holds the record for the most Billboard Music Award nominations (21) and has won 7 major awards, making her the most awarded female rapper in history.
In September 2019, Cardi starred in the movie Hustlers and became a judge on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, a show aimed at discovering new hip-hop talent.
She appeared in Fast & Furious 9 in 2021. Her second studio album is expected in 2023, with singles already released: WAP, Up, and Hot Shit.
Personal Life and Interesting Facts
Cardi B was born on October 11, 1992, in the Bronx, New York — a tough neighborhood known for its crime history. She had to grow up quickly and even joined a street gang in her youth.
She worked at a supermarket and later became a dancer in a strip club. Her mixed heritage (Trinidadian mother, Dominican father) gives her a unique appearance and fiery temperament. Her accent was influenced by her grandmother who lived in Manhattan.
Relationships
She dated a man named Tommy in her early years. Later, she began a relationship with rapper Offset (Kiari Cephus). They secretly married in 2017, announced a split in 2018, and reconciled in early 2019. Despite more difficulties, they stayed together. In September 2021, she gave birth to their son, Wave Set. Their daughter, Kulture Kiari, was born in 2018.
Fun Facts
- Time included her in its list of the 100 most influential people.
- Her inspirations include Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Madonna.
- She’s outspoken on women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice.
- Cardi is Catholic and often speaks about her strong connection to God.
- The Telegraph called her a fashion icon.
- She and Offset voiced characters in Baby Shark’s Big Movie, expected in late 2023.
Cardi B is also known for partnering with cosmetic, clothing, footwear, and food brands. She donated $100,000 in 2022 to her former school in the Bronx.
Feud with Nicki Minaj
One of the most talked-about scandals in her career was the fight with Nicki Minaj. The feud reportedly started over negative comments from Nicki. At a party, things escalated to a physical altercation — Cardi even threw a shoe at her rival.
Cardi B is an icon of modern show business. She inspires millions with her music and confidence. Her rough path to success gives hope to others, proving she’s not just an artist — she’s a force reshaping the music industry.