Cardi B biography – Explore the Grammy-winning rapper’s real name, age, marriage to Offset, four children, relationship with Stefon Diggs, hit songs, and net worth details.
Who is Cardi B?
Cardi B is an American rapper, songwriter, and cultural phenomenon who transformed from a Bronx stripper and reality television personality into one of the most successful and influential female rappers in music history. Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992, she exploded onto the mainstream music scene in 2017 with her breakout single “Bodak Yellow,” which made her the first female rapper since Lauryn Hill to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 without a featured artist.
The Grammy Award winner has redefined female rap with her unapologetic personality, explicit lyrics, and empowering messages that resonate particularly with young women. Her debut album “Invasion of Privacy” (2018) made history, earning her the distinction of being the first solo female rapper to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album. In 2025, she released her highly anticipated sophomore album “Am I the Drama?” which debuted at number one, making her the only female rapper to have her first two studio albums top the Billboard 200.
At 33 years old in 2025, Cardi B continues dominating charts with five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — more than any other female rapper in history. Beyond music, she has built a business empire, starred in films, and navigated high-profile relationships, including her tumultuous marriage to rapper Offset and her current relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs, with whom she welcomed her fourth child in November 2025.
Quick Facts About Cardi B
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar |
| Stage Name | Cardi B (originally “Bacardi”) |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1992 |
| Age (2025) | 33 years old |
| Place of Birth | Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York |
| Raised In | The Bronx, New York City |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican and Trinidadian descent |
| Ex-Husband | Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus) |
| Current Boyfriend | Stefon Diggs (NFL player) |
| Children | Four (Kulture, Wave, Blossom, Baby Boy) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $80-100 million |
| Famous For | “Bodak Yellow,” “WAP,” “Up,” “I Like It” |
| Grammy Awards | 1 (Best Rap Album, 2019) |
Early Life and Family Background
Cardi B was born in Washington Heights, Manhattan, on October 11, 1992, to Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar. Her father hails from the Dominican Republic, while her mother is Trinidadian of mixed descent, making Cardi identify as Afro-Caribbean. This multicultural heritage significantly influenced her music style and cultural perspective.
Her younger sister, Hennessy Carolina, was named after the cognac brand, which inspired Cardi’s family to call her “Bacardi” after the rum brand. She eventually shortened this nickname to “Cardi B” when she began her entertainment career. The liquor company Bacardi later issued a cease and desist, forcing her to stop using the full brand name professionally.
Growing up, Cardi spent considerable time at her paternal grandmother’s home in Washington Heights. Her parents separated when she was a preteen, but her large extended family provided support. During her teenage years, she worked as a cashier at a grocery store in Tribeca, struggling to make ends meet in one of New York’s most expensive neighbourhoods.
Cardi has openly discussed being a gang member with the Bloods from age 16, a period of her life marked by poverty and limited opportunities. She attended Borough of Manhattan Community College but eventually dropped out. Her fluency in Dominican Spanish, English, and smattering of Russian and French reflects her diverse upbringing and international influences.
Rise to Fame: From Stripper to Social Media Star
Stripping Career
At 19, Cardi B began working as an exotic dancer to escape poverty and an abusive relationship. Rather than hiding this part of her history, she has been remarkably candid about how stripping empowered her financially and gave her confidence. “I became a stripper to escape a domestic violence situation,” she explained, noting that dancing allowed her to save money and gain independence.
Social Media Breakthrough
In 2013, Cardi began gaining publicity through viral videos on Vine and Instagram, where her candid, no-nonsense conversations about relationships, money, and life experiences resonated with millions. Her authentic, unfiltered personality and sharp wit made her posts go viral repeatedly, transforming her into an influencer before joining reality television.
Love & Hip Hop: New York
In 2015, Cardi joined the VH1 reality series “Love & Hip Hop: New York,” which followed aspiring rappers. She appeared for two seasons through early 2017, using the platform to showcase her musical ambitions. The show significantly expanded her fanbase, but she eventually left to concentrate fully on her music career.
Music Career and Chart Domination
Musical Debut and Mixtapes
Cardi’s musical debut came in 2015 when she appeared on Jamaican singer Shaggy’s “Boom Boom” remix featuring Popcaan. In 2016, she released her first mixtape “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 1,” which included the hit “Foreva.” Her second mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 2” (2017), featured Offset on “Lick,” marking their first collaboration before marriage.
“Bodak Yellow” and Breakthrough (2017)
After signing with Atlantic Records in early 2017, Cardi released “Bodak Yellow” in June 2017. The song became a cultural phenomenon, spending three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and making Cardi only the second female rapper to achieve this feat without a featured artist since Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998. The track earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
“Invasion of Privacy” (2018)
Her debut studio album “Invasion of Privacy” arrived in April 2018, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 255,000 album-equivalent units. The critically acclaimed album produced hits including “I Like It” (featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin), “Be Careful,” and “Bartier Cardi.” In September 2025, the album was certified six-times platinum, with all thirteen tracks achieving platinum status or higher — a historic first.
At the 2019 Grammy Awards, Cardi made history by becoming the first solo female rapper to win Best Rap Album. The album also received nominations for Album of the Year and Record of the Year, cementing her status as a mainstream superstar.
“Am I the Drama?” (2025)
After over seven years of delays attributed to perfectionism and pressure, Cardi released her sophomore album “Am I the Drama?” on September 19, 2025. The 23-track project, recorded over six years, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making her the only female rapper with two consecutive number-one debuts.
The album included previously released singles “WAP” (featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and “Up,” plus new tracks “Outside” (which debuted at number ten) and “Imaginary Playerz.” “WAP” made history as the only female rap collaboration to debut atop the Hot 100, garnering 93 million U.S. streams in its opening week and sparking massive cultural conversations about female sexuality.
Chart Records and Achievements
Cardi B holds multiple Billboard records:
- Most number-one singles by a female rapper (five): “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” “Girls Like You” (with Maroon 5), “WAP,” and “Up”
- Only female rapper to achieve multiple solo number-ones
- Only female rapper with number-one singles in two decades (2010s and 2020s)
- First female rapper to replace herself at number one on the Radio Songs chart
- Female rapper with most cumulative weeks atop the Hot 100 (eleven weeks)
Marriage, Divorce, and Family Life
Relationship with Offset
Cardi met Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus), a member of the rap group Migos, in early 2017. They began dating, and in October 2017, he proposed at a concert in Philadelphia. However, it was later revealed that they had secretly married in September 2017, months before the public proposal.
Their relationship has been marked by public drama, including multiple cheating scandals and breakups. Despite these challenges, they welcomed three children together: daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus (born July 10, 2018), son Wave Set Cephus (born September 4, 2021), and daughter Blossom Belle Cephus (born September 7, 2024).
In September 2020, Cardi filed for divorce from Offset but reconciled the following month. They separated again in 2023, with Cardi officially filing for divorce in August 2024 — the same day she announced her third pregnancy with Offset. Their divorce proceedings remain ongoing as of 2025.
New Relationship with Stefon Diggs
In early 2025, Cardi began dating Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. After being spotted together in Miami on Valentine’s Day, they made their relationship Instagram official in June 2025, appearing together at NBA playoff games.
In September 2025, Cardi announced she was pregnant with their first child together, telling CBS Mornings: “I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs. I’m excited. I’m happy. He makes me feel safe and very confident and very strong.”
On November 13, 2025, Cardi welcomed her fourth child, a baby boy, with Diggs. While his name hasn’t been publicly revealed, she shared that the baby’s arrival marked a “new season” in her life. Diggs was present at the birth, and the couple has been navigating co-parenting with their respective children from previous relationships.
Children
- Kulture Kiari Cephus (7 years old, with Offset)
- Wave Set Cephus (4 years old, with Offset)
- Blossom Belle Cephus (1 year old, with Offset)
- Baby Boy (born November 2025, with Stefon Diggs)
Cardi has been vocal about wanting her children to remain humble despite their privileged upbringing. “They need to know to never feel comfortable,” she told Vogue Singapore. “They are never going to know what struggle feels like, so they might not have that hunger I had.”
Film Career and Business Ventures
Acting Debut
In 2019, Cardi made her film debut in “Hustlers,” playing a stripper named Diamond alongside Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, and Lili Reinhart. The crime drama showcased her acting abilities and received positive reviews.
Fashion and Beauty
In April 2025, Cardi announced a collaboration with the Revolve Group on a fashion and beauty line, combining her passions for music and fashion. This venture adds to her business portfolio and estimated $80-100 million net worth as of 2025.
Cultural Impact
Time magazine included Cardi on its 2018 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2020, Billboard named her Woman of the Year. Forbes recognized her as one of the most influential female rappers of all time, and she ranks as the highest-certified female rapper on the RIAA’s Top Artists (Digital Singles) ranking.
Awards and Achievements
Grammy Awards: 1 win (Best Rap Album for “Invasion of Privacy”)
Other Major Awards:
- 8 Billboard Music Awards
- 5 Guinness World Records
- 4 American Music Awards
- 11 BET Hip Hop Awards
- 2 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards
- Numerous MTV Video Music Award nominations
Net Worth and Earnings
As of April 2025, Cardi B has an estimated net worth of $80-100 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her wealth derives from multiple sources including music sales, streaming revenue, concert tours, brand endorsements, fashion collaborations, and business ventures.
Her 2026 “Little Miss Drama Tour,” consisting of 35 arena shows across the US and Canada from February to April, is expected to generate substantial revenue. She has also earned from performances at major festivals, including headlining the 2025 LadyLand music festival and the Soundstorm Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Nicki Minaj Altercation (2018)
In September 2018, Cardi threw a shoe at and attempted to physically attack fellow rapper Nicki Minaj at a New York Fashion Week party. Bodyguards intervened before she could reach Minaj, leaving Cardi with a large bump on her forehead. The incident sparked years of public feuding between the two rap superstars.
Assault Case (2018-2025)
In 2020, Cardi was sued by a security guard for assault in an incident dating back to 2018. The case stretched on for years, but days before the release of “Am I the Drama?” in September 2025, a jury found Cardi not liable, clearing her of the charges.
FAQs About Cardi B
What is Cardi B’s real name?
Cardi B’s real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, born to Dominican and Trinidadian parents in the Bronx, New York.
How old is Cardi B in 2025?
Cardi B is 33 years old as of 2025, having been born on October 11, 1992.
How many children does Cardi B have?
Cardi B has four children: daughters Kulture (7) and Blossom (1), son Wave (4) with ex-husband Offset, and a baby boy born in November 2025 with boyfriend Stefon Diggs.
What is Cardi B’s most famous song?
“Bodak Yellow” (2017) is Cardi B’s breakout hit that made her a superstar, though “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion (2020) became her most culturally impactful and controversial song.
Is Cardi B still married to Offset?
No, Cardi B and Offset are currently going through divorce proceedings after she filed in August 2024, though they share three children and the divorce is ongoing as of 2025.
What is Cardi B’s net worth?
As of 2025, Cardi B’s estimated net worth ranges between $80-100 million, earned through music, touring, endorsements, and business ventures.