Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is a powerhouse in the music industry and beyond. With a net worth of $80 million, Cardi B has built an empire through her multifaceted career as a rapper, producer, reality television star, activist, and entrepreneur. Her journey from humble beginnings in the Bronx to global superstardom is a testament to her talent, hard work, and business acumen.
Early Life and Struggles
Cardi B was born on October 11, 1992, in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, New York City. Her father is Dominican, and her mother is Trinidadian. Growing up in a low-income household with seven siblings, Cardi B faced many challenges. Despite these difficulties, she found solace in music and performance. She attended Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology, where her passion for the arts blossomed.
However, financial hardships forced her to make difficult decisions. At the age of 19, Cardi B began working as a stripper to support herself and her family. She has often spoken about how stripping “saved” her, allowing her to escape an abusive relationship and return to school. Although she attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College, she eventually dropped out to focus on her burgeoning career.
Rise to Fame
Cardi B’s rise to fame began on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram, where her candid and often humorous posts quickly gained her a massive following. Her unfiltered personality resonated with many, and she became a viral sensation. This online fame led to her being cast in the VH1 reality television series “Love & Hip Hop: New York” in 2015. Cardi B quickly became the breakout star of the show, thanks to her charismatic presence and relatable story.
After two successful seasons on the show, Cardi B announced in December 2016 that she would be leaving “Love & Hip Hop” to focus on her music career. This decision proved to be a turning point in her life.
Music Career and Major Breakthrough
Cardi B’s music career began in earnest in 2015 when she was featured on singer Shaggy’s remix of his single “Boom Boom.” She followed this up with her own mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1,” in 2016. While these early efforts garnered some attention, it wasn’t until 2017 that Cardi B truly broke through.
In February 2017, she signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records, a major milestone in her career. Later that year, she released her commercial debut single, “Bodak Yellow.” The song quickly climbed the charts, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 2017. This achievement made Cardi B the first female rapper to top the chart with a solo single since Lauryn Hill in 1998. “Bodak Yellow” was a massive success, earning septuple platinum certification from the RIAA and cementing Cardi B’s place in music history.
Her debut studio album, “Invasion of Privacy,” was released in April 2018 to critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one in the United States and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. It also earned Cardi B a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female rapper to win in this category. The success of “Invasion of Privacy” solidified Cardi B’s status as one of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Beyond music, Cardi B has proven herself to be a savvy businesswoman. She has secured several lucrative endorsement deals throughout her career, starting with a 2016 campaign for the New York lingerie chain Romantic Depot. Since then, she has partnered with major brands like MAC Cosmetics, Reebok, and Pepsi. In November 2018, Cardi B released a clothing collection with the fast fashion brand Fashion Nova, which sold out almost immediately.
In 2022, Cardi B took on a new role as the creative director of Playboy magazine, showcasing her ability to influence popular culture in various ways. In February 2023, she and her husband, Offset, partnered with McDonald’s to launch the Cardi B and Offset meal, further expanding her brand.
Cardi B’s business ventures are not limited to endorsements and partnerships. She has also ventured into acting, making her film debut in the 2019 movie “Hustlers,” which received critical acclaim. She also appeared in the film “F9,” released in 2020. Additionally, Cardi B served as a judge on the Netflix talent search series “Rhythm + Flow,” which premiered in 2019.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Cardi B’s personal life has often been the subject of media attention, particularly her relationship with rapper Offset from the hip-hop group Migos. The couple began dating in early 2017 and were secretly married in September of that year. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in July 2018, and their second child, a son, in September 2021. Despite several public breakups and reconciliations, the couple announced plans for an official wedding on their fifth anniversary.
In December 2023, Cardi B confirmed via social media that she and Offset were no longer together, and in August 2024, it was revealed that she had filed for divorce.
In terms of real estate, Cardi B and Offset purchased a mansion in Buckhead, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, in December 2019. The couple paid $5.5 million for the property, which was listed for $10 million just two years earlier.
Cardi B’s Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2024, Cardi B’s net worth is estimated at $80 million. A significant portion of this wealth comes from her music catalog rights, valued at around $50 million. This valuation is expected to increase over time as her music continues to gain popularity and generate revenue. Cardi B also earns millions annually from her OnlyFans account, adding to her impressive income stream.
Her net worth is a reflection of her hard work, talent, and ability to capitalize on her success. Cardi B’s journey from a struggling young woman in the Bronx to a global superstar is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination.
Conclusion
Cardi B’s net worth of $80 million is a testament to her incredible journey and diverse talents. From her early days as a social media sensation to her current status as a music icon and business mogul, Cardi B has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that with hard work, talent, and a bit of luck, anything is possible.