Meet Cardi B’s Parents: All About Clara Almánzar and Carlos Alman

Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992, in The Bronx, New York City, proudly identifies as Afro-Latina.

Her diverse heritage comes from her mother, Clara Almánzar, who is of Trinidadian descent with African and Spanish roots, and her father, Carlos Alman, who hails from the Dominican Republic. Raised in a Catholic household, Cardi B now considers herself more spiritual than strictly religious.

Clara worked as a cashier in The Bronx, while Carlos was a taxi driver before retiring. Cardi B has a younger sister, Hennessy Carolina Almánzar, known for her influence in fashion and social media. She has also mentioned having half-siblings from her father’s side.

She attended the Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology but left at 16 to support her family. Though she didn’t pursue higher education, she has continuously educated herself through her music, business, and social media career.

Growing up in Highbridge, South Bronx, Cardi B experienced financial hardships, which instilled a strong work ethic in her. Her bold personality and unfiltered humor helped her rise to fame on social media, particularly Instagram and Vine.

In 2015, she gained national attention on the reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: New York, which served as a springboard for her music career. She released her debut mixtape, Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1, in 2016, eventually signing with Atlantic Records and cementing her place as a powerhouse in hip-hop.

A Grammy-winning artist known for her unapologetic lyrics and magnetic presence, Cardi B is deeply rooted in her rich cultural background. Shaped by the resilience and experiences of her parents, Clara Almánzar and Carlos Alman, she has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.

Clara Almánzar

Clara Mercedes Almánzar, born on September 19, 1965, in Trinidad, is not just a mother but a significant influence on Cardi B‘s life. Clara worked as a cashier at a local grocery store in The Bronx, embodying the hardworking spirit that Cardi B often credits for her success. Her life has been dedicated, especially after her divorce from Carlos, when she raised her daughters alone while working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Clara‘s ethnicity is a blend of African and Spanish lineage, giving her an Afro-Latino heritage. This heritage has undoubtedly contributed to the diverse cultural identity Cardi B proudly embraces. Despite facing financial hardships, Clara‘s strict yet loving parenting style played a crucial role in guiding Cardi B towards a path of success rather than the pitfalls of their neighborhood.

The bond between Clara and Cardi B is notably close. Cardi B has publicly spoken about her mother’s influence, crediting her for preventing her from becoming a teenage mother or falling into more dangerous paths. Their relationship, though sometimes tumultuous, has grown into one of mutual respect and admiration, with Clara often seen supporting her daughter at various public events.

Carlos Alman

Carlos Alman, born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, moved to New York in 1990, where he took up the job of a taxi driver, a career he held until his retirement around the time Cardi B‘s music career began to soar. Much like Clara‘s, his work ethic was a significant lesson for Cardi B, teaching her the value of hard work and resilience.

Carlos‘ relationship with Cardi B has had its complexities, but he remains integral to her life. He introduced Cardi B to Dominican culture, including traditional dishes like mondongo, which she fondly remembers and shares with her fans. Carlos also has other children from previous relationships, making Cardi B part of a more prominent, extended family.

Clara and Carlos married in 1991 and had two daughters, Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) and Hennessy Carolina. Though their marriage ended in divorce around 2005, it laid the foundation for a family rich in cultural heritage and personal values. Cardi B grew up in Highbridge, South Bronx, and spent significant time at her paternal grandmother’s home in Washington Heights, immersing herself in her Dominican and Trinidadian roots.

The influence of both parents on Cardi B‘s music and persona is evident. Her music often reflects a blend of hip-hop with Latin influences, a nod to her mixed heritage. Her parents’ stories of immigration, hard work, and survival in a new country have shaped her narrative of success against all odds.