Cardi B: Bio, Age, Career, Song, Net Worth & Life Style 2025

Cardi B is a Grammy-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural icon who transformed from a Bronx stripper into one of hip-hop’s most influential figures with a net worth of $100 million.

Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, she became the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a solo track in nearly two decades with “Bodak Yellow.”

Her unfiltered personality, chart-topping hits, and business savvy have made her a dominant force in music, fashion, and social media. This is her complete story.

Who is Cardi B? Quick Bio, Wiki

Category	Details
Full Name	Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar
Stage Name	Cardi B (derived from Bacardi rum)
Date of Birth	October 11, 1992
Age	33 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York
Raised In	Highbridge, South Bronx, New York
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Dominican (father) and Trinidadian (mother)
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Height	5’3″ (160 cm)
Weight	Approximately 140 lbs (varies)
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black (often wears colorful wigs)
Profession	Rapper, Songwriter, Actress, Entrepreneur, Producer
Years Active	2015 – Present
Record Label	Atlantic Records
Debut Album	Invasion of Privacy (2018)
Biggest Hit	Bodak Yellow (2017)
Net Worth	$100 million (2025)
Marital Status	Divorced (filed August 2024)
Ex-Husband	Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus)
Children	2 – Kulture Kiari Cephus (2018), Wave Set Cephus (2021)
Siblings	7, including Hennessy Carolina
Education	Renaissance H.S. for Musical Theater & Technology
Instagram	@iamcardib (163+ million followers)
Twitter/X	@iamcardib (30+ million followers)
TikTok	@iamcardib (22+ million followers)
YouTube Views	7+ billion total streams
Spotify	30+ million monthly listeners
Famous For	First female rapper to top Billboard Hot 100 solo in 19 years
Major Awards	Grammy Award (Best Rap Album), Multiple BET & Billboard Awards
Notable Films	Hustlers (2019), F9 (2021)
Business Ventures	Fashion Nova, Whipshots, Playboy Creative Director
Nickname	Bacardi (original nickname before stage name)

Early Life: Growing Up in The Bronx

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar was born on October 11, 1992, in Washington Heights, Manhattan, but grew up in the Highbridge neighborhood of the South Bronx. Her father is Dominican, and her mother is Trinidadian, giving her a rich Caribbean cultural background that influenced her personality and music style.

Growing up in the Bronx wasn’t easy. Cardi B has been open about her challenging childhood, living in poverty and witnessing violence in her neighborhood. She has seven siblings, with her younger sister Hennessy Carolina becoming well-known through Cardi’s fame.

Education and Teen Years

Cardi B attended Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology in the Bronx. Despite having an interest in performing arts, her path to stardom wasn’t traditional. After high school, she enrolled at Borough of Manhattan Community College but eventually dropped out.

During her teenage years, Cardi B was in an abusive relationship that left her feeling trapped. At age 19, she made a controversial decision that would change her life forever.

The Stripping Years: A Turning Point

At 19, Cardi B began working as an exotic dancer. Many people judge this period of her life, but Cardi has always been unapologetically honest about how stripping saved her. In her own words, stripping helped her escape an abusive relationship, gain financial independence, and return to school.

She worked at various clubs in New York City from 2013 to 2015. During this time, she developed the confidence, stage presence, and thick skin that would later serve her music career. The name “Cardi B” came from her nickname “Bacardi” because her sister’s name is Hennessy (both alcoholic beverages).

Rise to Fame: From Viral Videos to Reality TV

Social Media Breakthrough (2013-2015)

Cardi B’s journey to fame started on social media. In 2013, she began posting videos on Instagram and Vine that showcased her unfiltered personality, quick wit, and hilarious observations about life. Her catchphrases and authentic Bronx accent made her videos go viral.

Unlike other aspiring celebrities, Cardi didn’t try to be polished or perfect. She was raw, real, and relatable. Her followers loved her honesty about being a stripper, her struggles with money, and her no-nonsense attitude about relationships. By 2015, she had amassed hundreds of thousands of followers who couldn’t get enough of her content.

Love & Hip Hop: New York (2015-2016)

In 2015, VH1 noticed Cardi B’s growing popularity and cast her on season 6 of “Love & Hip Hop: New York.” She quickly became the breakout star of the show. Viewers loved watching her navigate the music industry, deal with relationship drama, and pursue her dreams of becoming a rapper.

During her two seasons on the show, Cardi B worked on her music while building her brand. She appeared in season 6 and season 7 before announcing in December 2016 that she was leaving to focus entirely on her music career. This decision shocked many, but Cardi knew she had outgrown reality TV.

Music Career: Breaking Records and Making History

Early Music Releases (2015-2016)

Cardi B’s first musical appearance was in November 2015 on Jamaican artist Shaggy’s remix “Boom Boom,” featuring Popcaan. In December 2015, she released her music video for “Cheap Ass Weave,” her version of Lady Leshurr’s “Queen’s Speech 4.”

In March 2016, she dropped her first mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1,” which received positive feedback from hip-hop fans. She followed this with appearances on various shows, including “Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne” and “Kocktails with Khloe” with Khloe Kardashian.

January 2017 saw the release of her second mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2.” These early projects helped her develop her sound and build a loyal fanbase.

The Atlantic Records Deal (February 2017)

The game changed in February 2017 when Cardi B signed with Atlantic Records, one of the biggest record labels in the world. This was validation that she was more than just a reality TV star or social media personality. She was a legitimate artist with serious potential.

The deal came with resources, promotion, and industry connections that would help launch her to superstardom. Atlantic believed in Cardi B’s talent and star power, and they were about to be proven right in a massive way.

“Bodak Yellow”: The Song That Changed Everything

On June 16, 2017, Cardi B released “Bodak Yellow” under Atlantic Records. The song, produced by J. White Did It and inspired by Kodak Black’s “No Flockin’,” became an immediate hit. With its catchy hook and Cardi’s confident delivery, the track climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart week after week.

By September 2017, “Bodak Yellow” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first female rapper to top the chart with a solo song since Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998. This was a historic achievement that proved female rappers could dominate mainstream music.

The song’s success was massive. It was certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA and earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. The New York Times called it “the rap anthem of the summer,” and it won Single of the Year at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards.

“Invasion of Privacy”: Grammy-Winning Debut Album

On April 6, 2018, Cardi B released her debut studio album “Invasion of Privacy” through Atlantic Records. The album was an instant critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

“Invasion of Privacy” made history when all 13 tracks simultaneously charted on the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first female artist to achieve this feat. The album featured hit singles like “I Like It” (with Bad Bunny and J Balvin), “Be Careful,” and “Bartier Cardi” (featuring 21 Savage).

The album’s success earned Cardi B five Grammy nominations. At the 61st Grammy Awards in February 2019, she won Best Rap Album, becoming the first solo female artist to win this category. The album was certified triple Platinum and was named the best album of 2018 by both Time and Rolling Stone magazines.

Chart-Topping Collaborations

Cardi B has worked with some of the biggest names in music:

• “No Limit” (2017) with G-Eazy and A$AP Rocky
• “MotorSport” (2017) with Migos and Nicki Minaj
• “Finesse (Remix)” (2018) with Bruno Mars
• “Girls Like You” (2018) with Maroon 5 – peaked at #1 on Billboard Hot 100
• “Taki Taki” (2018) with DJ Snake, Selena Gomez, and Ozuna
• “WAP” (2020) with Megan Thee Stallion – #1 hit, cultural phenomenon
• “Up” (2021) – solo #1 hit
• “Tomorrow 2” (2022) with GloRilla
• “Jealousy” (2023) with Offset
• “Bongos” (2023) with Megan Thee Stallion

Her collaboration “WAP” broke records, becoming one of the most-streamed songs on Spotify in the first week and dominating social media conversations.

Recent Music and Future Projects

Since “Invasion of Privacy,” fans have been eagerly waiting for Cardi B’s sophomore album. She’s released several singles and featured on numerous tracks but hasn’t dropped a full album yet. In interviews, she’s mentioned wanting to perfect her second album before releasing it.

Cardi continues to perform at festivals, award shows, and private events. In December 2022, she earned $1 million for a 35-minute private performance at Miami Art Basel, showing her incredible earning power.

Acting Career and Film Appearances

Cardi B isn’t just a rapper; she’s also building an acting career.

Hustlers (2019)

Her film debut came in the 2019 movie “Hustlers,” starring alongside Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, and Lili Reinhart. The film, based on a true story about strippers who scammed wealthy Wall Street clients, received critical acclaim. Cardi played Diamond, a role that drew from her real-life experience as a dancer.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

Cardi appeared in “F9,” the ninth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, released in 2021. She played Leysa, showing her versatility as an actress in an action-packed blockbuster.

Television Judging and Hosting

In 2019, Cardi B became a judge on Netflix’s hip-hop competition series “Rhythm + Flow” alongside Chance the Rapper and T.I. She reportedly earned around $500,000 per episode, showcasing her value in the entertainment industry.

She also hosted “Cardi Tries,” a Facebook Messenger web series that ran for three seasons starting in 2020, where she tried new experiences and skills.

Business Ventures and Endorsements

Cardi B’s business acumen is as impressive as her music career.

Fashion Nova Partnership

In November 2018, Cardi B launched her first clothing collection with Fashion Nova. The collection sold out within hours, generating millions in revenue. She’s released multiple collections with the brand, each becoming instant successes. This partnership reportedly earned her millions of dollars.

Other Major Brand Deals

• Pepsi (2019) – Multi-million dollar endorsement deal, Super Bowl commercial
• Reebok (2018-2020) – Brand ambassador and shoe collection
• MAC Cosmetics (2021) – Makeup collaboration
• Playboy (2022) – Became creative director in residence
• McDonald’s (2023) – “Cardi B & Offset Meal” Valentine’s Day promotion
• Whipshots (2021) – Co-owner of vodka-infused whipped cream brand
• Romantic Depot (2016) – Her first endorsement deal with the lingerie chain

Social Media Monetization

With over 163 million Instagram followers, 30+ million monthly Spotify listeners, 7+ billion YouTube streams, and 22+ million TikTok fans, Cardi B earns substantial income from social media partnerships and sponsored content. Industry experts estimate she can charge $500,000 to $1 million per sponsored Instagram post.

Net Worth: Building a $100 Million Empire

Cardi B’s net worth has grown exponentially since 2016. Here’s her financial journey:

2016: $400,000 (mostly from Love & Hip Hop and stripping)
2017: $4 million (after “Bodak Yellow” success)
2018: $8 million (debut album release)
2019: $22 million (earned $28 million that year before taxes)
2021: $40 million (continued success and business ventures)
2024: $80 million (catalog value and investments)
2025: $100 million (current estimated net worth)

Income Breakdown

Cardi B’s wealth comes from multiple sources:

1. Music Sales and Streaming – Millions from album sales, downloads, and streaming royalties
2. Concert Performances – $300,000 to $1 million per show
3. Music Catalog Rights – Estimated at $70 million
4. Endorsement Deals – $10-15 million annually
5. Business Ventures – Fashion Nova, Whipshots, and other investments
6. Acting Roles – Film and TV appearances
7. Social Media – Sponsored posts and partnerships
8. Reality TV Residuals – Ongoing payments from Love & Hip Hop reruns

Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family

Relationship with Offset

Cardi B’s relationship with Kiari Kendrell Cephus, known professionally as Offset from the hip-hop group Migos, has been highly publicized and tumultuous.

The couple began dating in early 2017. In a surprising revelation in June 2018, TMZ discovered that Cardi and Offset had secretly married in September 2017, months before Offset’s public proposal at a concert in October 2017.

Children

Cardi B and Offset have two children together:

Kulture Kiari Cephus – Born July 10, 2018. Her unique name combines “culture” (from Migos’ albums) with her father’s real first name.

Wave Set Cephus – Born September 4, 2021. His birth was kept secret for several months before Cardi revealed him on social media.

Offset also has three other children from previous relationships, making Cardi a stepmother.

Relationship Challenges

Their relationship has faced numerous public challenges:

• December 2018: Cardi announced their breakup after multiple cheating allegations against Offset
• January 2019: They reconciled after Offset made grand public gestures
• September 2020: Cardi filed for divorce
• November 2020: She dismissed the divorce filing, and they reconciled again
• 2021-2023: They remained together despite continued rumors
• August 2024: Cardi filed for divorce again, citing irreconcilable differences
• September 2024: Cardi confirmed she was pregnant with their third child despite the divorce
• 2025: Reports emerged about Cardi’s new relationship with NFL player Stefon Diggs

Despite their ups and downs, Cardi has been open about her love for Offset while acknowledging their relationship struggles.

Life as a Mother

Cardi B is vocal about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. She’s shared honest posts about postpartum depression, body image struggles, and the difficulties of touring while raising young children. Her openness has endeared her to millions of mothers who relate to her experiences.

Physical Appearance and Style Evolution

Body Stats and Features

• Height: 5’3″ (160 cm)
• Eye Color: Dark brown
• Hair: Naturally black (frequently wears colorful wigs and extensions)
• Distinctive Features: Curvaceous figure, confident presence, bold fashion choices

Cardi has been open about cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation, liposuction, and butt injections. She’s discussed both the positive and negative aspects of these procedures, warning fans about illegal injections she received early in her career.

Fashion Icon Status

Cardi B has become a fashion icon known for her bold, over-the-top style. She’s appeared on magazine covers for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and more. Her red carpet looks at award shows consistently make headlines.

Notable fashion moments include:

• Her vintage Thierry Mugler dress at the 2019 Grammys
• Her peacock-inspired outfit at the 2019 Met Gala
• Her stunning Schiaparelli look at the 2021 Grammys
• Numerous collaborations with top designers like Tom Ford, Balenciaga, and more

Social Media Presence: The Digital Queen

Cardi B’s social media dominance is undeniable:

Platform Breakdown

Instagram: 163+ million followers – She posts regularly, mixing promotional content with personal moments, political commentary, and unfiltered videos that fans love.

Twitter: 30+ million followers – Known for her candid tweets and clapping back at critics.

TikTok: 22+ million followers – Creates viral dance videos and comedic content.

YouTube: 7+ billion streams across music videos and interviews.

Spotify: 30+ million monthly listeners.

Social Media Strategy

What makes Cardi B’s social media presence special is her authenticity. Unlike many celebrities who have teams manage their accounts, Cardi often posts herself. Her typos, voice notes, and raw emotions make her relatable. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect, which resonates with millions of fans worldwide.

She’s also not afraid to speak on political and social issues, using her platform to encourage voting, discuss women’s rights, and call out injustice.

Awards and Achievements

Cardi B’s trophy case is impressive:

Grammy Awards

• 2019: Best Rap Album for “Invasion of Privacy”
• Multiple nominations across various years

BET Awards

• Multiple wins including Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
• BET Hip Hop Awards: Single of the Year (“Bodak Yellow”)

Billboard Music Awards

• Top Rap Female Artist
• Multiple other wins and nominations

MTV Video Music Awards

• Song of the Year (“WAP”)
• Best Hip-Hop Video
• Multiple other wins

American Music Awards

• Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
• Favorite Song (Rap/Hip-Hop)

Guinness World Records

• Most simultaneous Billboard Hot 100 entries by a female rapper
• First female rapper to have multiple diamond-certified songs

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Breaking Barriers

Cardi B has broken numerous barriers in hip-hop:

• First female rapper to have multiple diamond-certified songs by the RIAA
• First female rapper to win Best Rap Album as a solo artist at the Grammys
• First female rapper to top Billboard Hot 100 with a solo track in 19 years
• Most Billboard Hot 100 entries simultaneously for any female rapper

Influence on Hip-Hop Culture

Cardi B proved that female rappers could achieve mainstream commercial success without compromising their authenticity. She paved the way for artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie, and others to embrace their sexuality and personalities unapologetically.

Her success challenged the music industry’s notion that only one female rapper could be successful at a time. She’s collaborated with other female rappers and celebrated their wins, helping to create a more supportive environment.

Political Activism

Cardi B has used her platform for political activism:

• Interviewed Senator Bernie Sanders about politics and social issues
• Encouraged her millions of followers to vote in elections
• Spoken out about police brutality and racial justice
• Advocated for women’s rights and reproductive freedom
• Filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government regarding COVID-19 response

Real Estate Investments

In December 2019, Cardi B and Offset purchased a massive mansion in Buckhead, Atlanta, for $5.5 million. The European-style estate features:

• 22,000 square feet
• 5 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms
• Wine cellar
• Man cave
• Chef’s kitchen
• Gun range
• Separate children’s playground

The property was originally listed at $10 million in 2017, meaning they got an incredible deal. This investment shows Cardi’s financial savvy and long-term wealth-building strategy.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Cardi B’s career hasn’t been without controversy:

Legal Battles

• Strip Club Assault Case (2019): Charged with assault related to a 2018 strip club fight. She pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors in 2022 and received community service.
• Defamation Lawsuits: Won a $4 million defamation lawsuit against blogger Tasha K who spread false rumors about her.
• Various Public Feuds: High-profile disputes with other celebrities, though many have been resolved.

Criticism and Pushback

Cardi has faced criticism for her explicit lyrics, provocative imagery, and outspoken personality. However, she’s never backed down from being herself, arguing that male rappers face less scrutiny for similar content.

What’s Next for Cardi B?

As of 2025, Cardi B is focused on several projects:

• Second Studio Album: Fans are desperately waiting for the follow-up to “Invasion of Privacy”
• Film Projects: Several movie roles in development
• Business Expansion: Growing her fashion and beauty empire
• Motherhood: Raising her children while navigating her divorce
• New Relationship: Building a life with reported boyfriend Stefon Diggs
• Touring: Planning future concert dates and festival appearances

Lessons from Cardi B’s Success

Cardi B’s journey offers valuable lessons:

1. Authenticity Wins: She never pretended to be something she wasn’t
2. Hard Work Pays Off: From stripping to Grammy winner through relentless effort
3. Own Your Story: She controlled her narrative instead of letting others define her
4. Diversify Income: Multiple revenue streams built her wealth
5. Stay True to Your Roots: Success didn’t change her core personality
6. Use Your Platform: She speaks on issues that matter to her
7. Business Savvy Matters: She made smart investments and deals
8. Resilience is Key: She overcame poverty, abuse, and countless obstacles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardi B’s real name?

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar. Her stage name “Cardi B” comes from her nickname Bacardi.

How much is Cardi B worth in 2025?

Cardi B net worth is estimated at $100 million, including her music catalog valued at approximately $70 million.

How many kids does Cardi B have?

She has two children with Offset: daughter Kulture (born 2018) and son Wave (born 2021). She’s also stepmother to Offset’s three other children.

Is Cardi B still married to Offset?

As of 2024, Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset for the second time. Reports in 2025 suggest she’s in a relationship with NFL player Stefon Diggs.

What was Cardi B first hit song?

“Bodak Yellow” (2017) was her breakthrough hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

How did Cardi B become famous?

She gained initial fame through viral social media videos, then appeared on “Love & Hip Hop: New York” before launching her music career.

How tall is Cardi B?

She is 5’3″ (160 cm) tall.

What awards has Cardi B won?

She’s won a Grammy Award (Best Rap Album), multiple BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and American Music Awards.

Where is Cardi B from?

She was born in Washington Heights, Manhattan, but raised in the Highbridge neighborhood of the South Bronx, New York.

Conclusion

Cardi B is more than just a rapper. She’s a cultural phenomenon who transformed the landscape of hip-hop and proved that authenticity, hard work, and business savvy can turn dreams into reality. From dancing in New York strip clubs to winning Grammys and building a $100 million empire, her journey is one of the most remarkable success stories in modern entertainment.

Her impact extends beyond music. She’s a fashion icon, successful entrepreneur, political activist, and role model who shows that you can come from nothing and achieve everything. Whether you love her or hate her, you can’t ignore her.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, businesswoman, and mother, one thing is certain: Cardi B isn’t going anywhere. She’s here to stay, and the world is watching what she’ll do next.