Kanye West & Lil Durk

Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992, in The Bronx, New York, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and television personality. She is known for her aggressive flow and candid lyrics and has become one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop.

Belcalis was raised in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. She has been open about her past, including her time as a member of the Bloods street gang. After being fired from a grocery store job, she began working as a stripper at the age of 19. She credits this period with allowing her to gain financial independence and escape poverty.

Her rise to public recognition began on social media platforms like Instagram and Vine, where her raw, humorous, and unfiltered videos went viral. This online fame led to her being cast in the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. Her two-season stint on the show showcased her magnetic personality and amplified her public profile, providing a platform to launch her music career.

Cardi B's musical journey began with two mixtapes, Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1 (2016) and Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2 (2017). Her career truly exploded when she signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 and released her debut commercial single, "Bodak Yellow." The song was a monumental success, making her the first solo female rapper since Lauryn Hill in 1998 to top the Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified diamond by the RIAA.

In 2018, she released her debut studio album, "Invasion of Privacy," to critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and broke several streaming records. It featured a string of hit singles, including the chart-topping "I Like It" and "Bartier Cardi." The album won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female artist to ever win the award.

Since her debut, Cardi B has continued to release chart-topping music, including collaborations that have further cemented her status as a pop culture powerhouse. Her 2020 single "WAP" with Megan Thee Stallion was a global phenomenon, and her 2021 single "Up" also reached number one, making her the female rapper with the most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyond music, Cardi B has ventured into acting, appearing in the films Hustlers (2019) and F9 (2021). She also served as a judge on the Netflix reality competition series Rhythm + Flow (2019). Known for her outspoken views on politics and social issues, she has used her platform to encourage voter engagement and advocate for social justice.

Cardi B married rapper Offset of the group Migos in 2017. The couple have two children together, a daughter named Kulture Kiari Cephus and a son named Wave Set Cephus. The couple's relationship and personal life have often been a subject of public attention.