Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, has achieved widespread fame as an influential woman in the music industry and outspoken political activist. Her work in hip-hop and rap music has helped revitalize and empower women in this segment of entertainment. She has also used her platform to speak out about social injustices and political events. Despite her well-known reputation for provocative lyrics and a vibrant personality, there is certainly a lot of information fans still want to know about her background. For example, who are Cardi B’s parents and what influence did they have on the artist she is today?

Cardi B’s Early Career

Photo by Taylor Hill
Cardi B was born on October 11, 1992, in New York City, to Carlos Almanzar, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and Clara Almanzar, who is of Trinidadian descent. Her parents worked tirelessly to provide for their family, setting an example of hard work and determination that Cardi B would take into her music career to come. Amid the challenges of living in the South Bronx, Cardi B also absorbed the rich cultural tapestry of her surroundings. The influence of her Dominican roots, along with the lively hip-hop and Latin music scenes of New York, undeniably shaped her love for music.

Within this multifaceted, culturally rich background, Cardi B started to cultivate her unique persona and passion for performing. Her early life was characterized by anything but a sheltered existence, yet her upbringing taught her the importance of tenacity and drive that would come to define her as a resolute, self-reliant, and self-assured artist. After gaining a significant following in 2013, several of her videos went viral on Vine and Instagram, which then led to her being a featured cast member on Love & Hip Hop in 2017. As a crucial milestone in her career, her role on the show propelled her into widespread recognition during its broadcast from 2015 to 2017. She appeared on the show during its sixth and seventh seasons.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the family background of Cardi B’s parents and the potential influence they had on her personal life and professional journey.

Cardi B’s Father – Carlos Almanzar

Photo by Johnny Nunez
Cardi B’s father, Carlos Almanzar, is from the Dominican Republic, where he spent his formative years in Santiago, a city celebrated for its rich cultural legacy and vibrant music scene. Growing up in the Dominican Republic most likely exposed Carlos Almanzar to musical rhythms that would later become a hallmark of his daughter’s music. Styles like the merengue and bachata are well-known in the Dominican Republic and perhaps played a large part in Cardi B’s formative years. Not to mention, it is also important to note that Cardi B’s given name, Belcalis, is a reflection of Dominican roots.

In 1990, Carlos Almanzar made the decision to immigrate to the United States. Cardi B has previously mentioned that her dad worked as a taxi driver to support the family, though he is now retired.

Cardi B’s Mom – Clara Almanzar

Clara Almanzar, Cardi B’s mother, is of Trinidadian descent. Like her husband, Carlos, Clara’s heritage likely played a role in shaping Cardi B’s identity and the multicultural influences that are evident in her music. Clara Almanzar has been described by Cardi B as a hardworking woman who worked multiple jobs to provide for her family. Almanzar worked as a cashier and a store clerk, demonstrating the strong work ethic that Cardi B would later inherit. In interviews, Cardi B has expressed her deep admiration for her mother and how her influence served as an inspiration for Cardi B’s career ambitions.

Cardi B’s Relationship With Her Parents

Cardi B’s interactions with her parents have been far from uncomplicated. According to her interviews, she grappled with a tumultuous relationship with her father during her adolescent years. Prior to his marriage with Clara, Carlos was married and fathered six children. However, he later married Clara. Together, they parented Cardi B and her younger Hennessey Carolina Almanzar. The complexities of his and Cardi B’s relationship may have played a role in her music background and lyrics today.

Nevertheless, Cardi B’s parents continue to occupy a significant space in her life. She has shown her deep appreciation for her mother by dedicating songs to her while expressing love and gratitude for the sacrifices she made for the family. Moreover, her career achievements have not only allowed her to provide for her family but have also served as a source of immense pride for her, her children and her parents.