Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, is a highly successful American rapper. She rose to fame through social media platforms like Vine and Instagram before appearing on the VH1 reality show "Love & Hip Hop: New York" from 2015 to 2017. This exposure, coupled with the release of her mixtapes "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1" and "Vol. 2", propelled her into the music industry spotlight.
On October 11, 1992, Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, who would become known as Cardi B, was born in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Cardi B's younger sister, Hennessy Carolina, was born in 1995.
Cardi B's collaboration with Mugler marked the second time in 25 years that the fashion house opened its archives for a celebrity, the first being Beyoncé in 2009.
Cardi B began to garner attention in 2013 when her videos started going viral on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram.
Cardi B made her musical debut in November 2015 on Jamaican reggae fusion singer Shaggy's remix of his single "Boom Boom" alongside fellow Jamaican dancehall singer Popcaan.
Cardi B made an appearance on the December 9, 2015 episode of "Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne."
Cardi B released her debut music video for the song "Cheap Ass Weave" on December 15, 2015. The song is a rendition of British rapper Lady Leshurr's "Queen's Speech 4".
Cardi B appeared on the December 9, 2015 episode of the show "Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne."
In 2015, Cardi B joined the cast of the VH1 reality television series "Love & Hip Hop: New York", debuting in season six.
Cardi B released her first full-length project, a mixtape titled "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1" on March 7, 2016.
Cardi B was on the twelfth episode of Khloé Kardashian's "Kocktails with Khloé" on April 6, 2016. In this episode, she talked about how she told her mother that she was a stripper.
On September 12, 2016, KSR Group released the compilation "Underestimated: The Album," a collaboration between KSR Group artists Cardi B, HoodCelebrityy, SwiftOnDemand, Cashflow Harlem, and Josh X.
In November 2016, it was announced that Cardi B would be joining the cast of the BET series "Being Mary Jane", playing the character Mercedes.
Cardi B was featured on the digital cover of Vibe magazine's "Viva" issue in November 2016.
After two seasons on "Love & Hip Hop: New York," Cardi B announced her departure from the show on December 30, 2016, to focus on her music career.
In 2016, Cardi B opened up about her past experiences while working as a stripper. She confessed to drugging and robbing men during that period of her life to make money.
Cardi B released her first full-length project, a mixtape titled "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1" on March 7, 2016. That same year, she also landed her first endorsement deal with Romantic Depot, a lingerie and sexual wellness product chain.
Cardi B landed her first endorsement deal with Romantic Depot, a New York-based chain of lingerie stores, in 2016. The ad campaign was featured on radio and cable TV.
During the 2016 presidential primaries, Cardi B used her platform to warn fans about President Trump's immigration policies and encouraged them to vote for Bernie Sanders.
Cardi B released her second mixtape, "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2", on January 20, 2017.
In February 2017, Cardi B partnered with M.A.C and Rio Uribe's Gypsy Sport for a New York Fashion Week event.
Cardi B partnered with MAC Cosmetics and Rio Uribe's Gypsy Sport for a New York Fashion Week event in February 2017.
Cardi B guest-starred on the celebrity panel show "Hip Hop Squares", appearing on the March 13 and April 3, 2017, episodes.
In April 2017, Cardi B was featured in i-D's "A-Z of Music" video, which was sponsored by Marc Jacobs. She also released the freestyle "Red Barz".
Cardi B received her first BET Award nominations in May 2017, nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist.
On June 11, 2017, Cardi B participated in Hot 97's annual Summer Jam music festival, joining Remy Ma and other prominent female rappers to celebrate female empowerment.
Cardi B graced the cover of The Fader's Summer Music issue in June 2017, marking her rising presence in the music industry.
Atlantic Records released Cardi B's debut single, "Bodak Yellow," on June 16, 2017, marking the beginning of her commercial success.
Cardi B performed to a crowd of 4,000 at MoMA PS1 in August 2017, demonstrating her growing popularity.
Cardi B was featured on the cover of The Fader's July/August 2017 Summer Music issue.
Cardi B and Offset secretly exchanged vows in September 2017, a month before Offset's public proposal. Cardi later confirmed the news on social media.
On September 25, 2017, "Bodak Yellow" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi B the first female rapper to do so with a solo single since Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)" in 1998.
Cardi B co-headlined the annual Powerhouse music celebration in October 2017, alongside prominent artists such as The Weeknd, Migos, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Offset proposed to Cardi B in front of a live audience on October 27, 2017, marking a significant moment in their relationship.
In early 2017, Cardi B revealed that she had been rejected by some fashion designers.
In 2017, "Bodak Yellow" received widespread critical acclaim, named best song of the year by several publications. The song went on to be certified Diamond by the RIAA.
Cardi B's musical impact was recognized by Pitchfork in 2017 when one of her songs topped their annual list of best songs of the year, highlighting her critical acclaim.
Cardi B's breakthrough single "Bodak Yellow" in 2017 marked a turning point in her career and left a lasting impact on the music industry. The song's commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, not only made history but also provided inspiration, particularly for those who had faced adversity. Billboard editors acknowledged the hope she instilled during the summer of 2017.
Cardi B released her second mixtape, "Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2", on January 20, 2017. She signed her first major record label recording contract with Atlantic Records in February 2017.
Cardi B achieved the best-performing song of the year by a female artist in 2017. This marked the first time a female artist had accomplished this feat in the 21st century.
In 2017, Complex published an article about Cardi B, with the editor writing: "'Unapologetic' does not begin to describe the totally unfiltered and sheer Cardi B-ness of Cardi B's personality. She's a hood chick who's not afraid to be hood no matter the setting. Cardi B is Cardi B 24/7, 365, this is why she resonates with people, and that same energy comes out in her music."
Cardi B was featured on the '90s-inspired remix of Bruno Mars' single "Finesse," released on January 3, 2018, which achieved commercial success reaching the top three in multiple countries.
Cardi B made history on January 18, 2018, as the first female rapper to have five singles simultaneously in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Cardi B released the single "Be Careful" on March 30, 2018, a week before the release of her highly anticipated debut album.
Cardi B's debut studio album, "Invasion of Privacy," was released on April 6, 2018, receiving widespread critical acclaim and debuting at number one in the United States.
During her second appearance on "Saturday Night Live" on April 7, 2018, Cardi B surprised fans by revealing her pregnancy. At the time of the announcement, she was approximately six months along.
Following the release of the song "Girls" in May 2018, where Cardi B had a featured verse, she faced accusations of trivializing LGBT relationships. In response, she took to Twitter, stating that there were no harmful intentions behind the song and sharing that she had personal experiences with women.
TMZ uncovered a marriage license on June 25, 2018, revealing Cardi B and Offset had secretly married in September 2017. This revelation came as a surprise to the public, as their engagement had been widely publicized.
Cardi B gave birth to her daughter on July 10, 2018. The arrival of her first child marked a significant life change for the rapper.
In September 2018, Tom Ford released a lipstick named "Cardi B", which sold out within 24 hours.
Cardi B and Nicki Minaj were involved in a physical altercation at a New York Fashion Week after-party in September 2018. Cardi B threw a shoe at and attempted to physically attack Minaj, but bodyguards intervened.
Cardi B was accused of assault by two female bartenders on October 1, 2018. The alleged victims claimed that Cardi B and her entourage were involved in an altercation where bottles and alcohol were thrown. Cardi B denied any involvement in the incident.
"Invasion of Privacy" was certified double platinum by the RIAA in October 2018, later reaching triple-platinum status.
Cardi B's achievements were celebrated on November 30, 2018, at Ebony's annual Power 100 Gala, where she was honored.
Cardi B appeared in court on December 7, 2018, for her arraignment following assault allegations. She had missed the initially scheduled court date due to a scheduling conflict.
Cardi B took to Instagram in December 2018 to announce her separation from Offset. Despite the public nature of their relationship and the recent arrival of their daughter, the couple decided to part ways.
In a 2018 interview, Cardi B discussed her cultural background, identifying as both Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean.
In 2018, Cardi B solidified her status as a major force in music, receiving numerous awards and accolades. Entertainment Weekly recognized her as a "pop culture phenomenon."
At the 2018 Grammy Awards, Cardi B participated in a video with Hillary Clinton, narrating a section of "Fire and Fury".
Cardi B released her debut album, "Invasion of Privacy", in 2018. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
Cardi B's rising influence was acknowledged in 2018 when Time magazine included her on their prestigious annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
In 2018, Cardi B achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first female rapper to be featured on the cover of Vogue magazine in the US.
Time magazine included Cardi B on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.
In early 2018, Cardi B used her social media presence to demand transparency regarding tax policy, criticizing the state of infrastructure in New York.
Cardi B once again secured the title of having the best-performing song of the year by a female artist in 2018. This achievement solidified her rising influence and popularity in the music industry.
In January 2019, Cardi B made history as the first female rapper to grace the cover of Vogue magazine in the US. This iconic cover, shot by Annie Leibovitz for the January 2019 issue, showcased Cardi B in a striking red and white Michael Kors dress, accompanied by her daughter, Kulture.
On February 10, 2019, Cardi B achieved a historic win at the 61st Grammy Awards, becoming the first solo female rapper to win Best Rap Album. She also delivered a memorable performance and showcased three vintage Thierry Mugler couture looks.
Cardi B and Bruno Mars teamed up again on February 15, 2019, for the release of "Please Me." The song became Cardi's seventh top-ten hit on the Hot 100, peaking at number three. The duo had previously collaborated on the hit single "Finesse" in 2018.
Cardi B and Offset put on a united front at the Grammy Awards in February 2019. This public appearance marked a potential reconciliation after their announced separation.
Cardi B set a new attendance record at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 1, 2019, with a staggering 75,580 fans present.
Cardi B dropped her single "Press" on May 31, 2019, marking a significant step in her career as it came with a parental-advisory labeled music video that she co-directed, showcasing her expanding creative control and vision.
A grand jury indicted Cardi B on 14 charges relating to the assault incident on June 21, 2019. These charges included two counts of felony assault with intent to cause serious physical injury.
Cardi B entered a plea of not guilty to all 14 charges against her during her arraignment on June 25, 2019.
On June 26, 2019, Cardi B released the music video for "Press," further solidifying her directorial debut as she is credited as co-director. She also delivered a captivating performance of the song at the 2019 BET Awards, where she was nominated for seven awards and won Album of the Year.
Cardi B made her highly anticipated film debut in "Hustlers," a crime drama directed by Lorene Scafaria, released on September 13, 2019. Sharing the screen with Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, and Lili Reinhart, Cardi's performance was one of the highlights of the movie.
Expanding her influence in the music industry, Cardi B joined Chance the Rapper and T.I. as judges on Netflix's hip-hop talent search show, "Rhythm + Flow." Premiering on October 9, 2019, Cardi also served as an executive producer, further showcasing her multifaceted talents.
In 2019, Cardi B achieved a groundbreaking accomplishment by becoming the first female rapper to win the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award, solidifying her songwriting prowess and influence in the music industry.
In 2019, following renewed controversy surrounding her past actions as a stripper, Cardi B addressed the issue publicly. She defended her past behavior, claiming that she had taken money from men who had "wasted her time" and continued to return.
Cardi B revealed that she had contemplated suicide in 2019 due to the emotional toll of the false rumors being spread online.
In 2019, NME described Cardi B's lyrics as "sexually free" and performed with "rapid" flow.
By 2019, Cardi B's impact extended far beyond music, with NPR defining the "Cardi B effect" as a distinctive branding power rooted in authenticity. This effect was felt across various cultural spheres, and brands began to recognize her influence, which extended far beyond music and entertainment. Her impact on traditional marketing and media was significant, with business magazine Inc. highlighting how she challenged conventional approaches. In the same year, a life-sized sculpture of Cardi B was featured at the Brooklyn Museum as part of Spotify's RapCaviar "Pantheon," solidifying her cultural significance.
Cardi B graced the cover of "Harper's Bazaar's" spring fashion issue in 2019. The accompanying photo shoot featured a Cinderella theme, with Cardi B wearing a red gown and leaving a shoe behind. Some interpreted this as a subtle reference to her altercation with Nicki Minaj.
Cardi B made a statement at the 2019 Grammy Awards by wearing vintage Thierry Mugler.
Cardi B appeared in Pepsi commercials that aired during Super Bowl LIII and the Grammy Awards in 2019. She also released her own flavors of Rap Snacks.
Cardi B served as a judge on the music competition series "Rhythm + Flow" and appeared in the film "Hustlers" in 2019.
Cardi B's global influence was evident in 2019 when Bloomberg reported that her data bill from a concert tour in Ghana contributed to the country's GDP growth. Her influence also extended to television, inspiring the sitcom "Partners in Rhyme," executive produced by MC Lyte, and serving as an inspiration for Katori Hall, the creator and executive producer of the TV series "P-Valley."
Cardi B's streaming records set by "Invasion of Privacy" in 2018, the largest on-demand audio streaming week ever for an album by a woman, were surpassed in 2019.
In 2019, Cardi B made history at the Billboard Music Awards with 21 nominations, the most ever for a female artist in a single year. Her six wins, including Top Hot 100 Song, brought her total to seven, solidifying her status as one of the biggest names in rap.
In 2019, Cardi B's impact on the fashion world was solidified when the Council of Fashion Designers of America recognized her as one of the "28 Black Fashion Forces." Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, praised Cardi B's evolving style, particularly acknowledging her impressive appearance at the 2019 Met Gala, where she donned a remarkable Thom Browne-designed burgundy gown.
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion released their highly anticipated single "WAP" on August 7, 2020. The song quickly rose to the top of the charts, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking the record for the biggest 24-hour debut for an all-female collaboration on YouTube. "WAP" also garnered critical acclaim for its sex-positive message.
In August 2020, Cardi B's single "WAP," featuring Megan Thee Stallion, shattered streaming records, achieving the biggest first-week streams for a song in the United States.
News broke in September 2020 that Cardi B had filed for divorce from Offset. This development came after a tumultuous period in their relationship, marked by a previous separation and reconciliation.
Cardi B premiered her web series, "Cardi Tries", on Facebook Messenger in December 2020, serving as one of the executive producers.
Cardi B continued to make history in December 2020 when she was named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. This prestigious title cemented her status as a groundbreaking artist and a role model for women in the music industry.
Cardi B's impact on the music industry extended beyond her own success, with The Wall Street Journal recognizing her role in influencing the "female-rap renaissance" in 2020. Genius credited her with inspiring a wave of female hip-hop signings and promotion at labels.
In 2020, Cardi B made history again by becoming the first female rapper to receive an award from the FN Achievement Awards, winning the Style Influencer of the Year award presented by Christian Louboutin. This award recognized her wide-ranging influence on pop culture, spanning music, fashion, social media, politics, and public service.
Cardi B's influence in the fashion industry reached new heights in 2020 as she became the face of Balenciaga's winter campaign. This marked her first campaign for a luxury fashion house, showcasing her growing presence in the Parisian style scene. The campaign featured billboards in prominent locations, including the Louvre museum. Vogue's Brooke Bobb highlighted Cardi B's successful foray into the fashion world, emphasizing her unique style and her stylist Kollin Carter's role in establishing her presence.
Cardi B partnered with Reebok in 2020, releasing a footwear and apparel collection inspired by her personal style.
Cardi B was honored as Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2020.
Cardi B used her social media to raise awareness for victims of police brutality and encouraged voter participation in local elections in 2020.
Cardi B released the single "WAP", featuring Megan Thee Stallion, in 2020. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Cardi B received her second Pitchfork accolade in 2020 when one of her songs again secured the top spot on their annual list of best songs of the year, further solidifying her critical acclaim and musical influence.
Cardi B endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in the 2020 United States presidential election, praising his support for the underprivileged.
Cardi B continued to make history in 2020. She won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award for the second consecutive year, making her the first female songwriter to achieve this feat. Furthermore, she was named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards, marking another significant milestone as the first female rapper to receive this prestigious honor.
Cardi B continued her streak of success in 2020 by achieving the best-performing song of the year by a female artist for the third time. This accomplishment made her the first act this century to reach this milestone.
"I Like It" continued to receive acclaim even after its release, with Rolling Stone naming it the "best summer song of all time" in 2020.
On February 5, 2021, Cardi B released "Up," the second single from her upcoming studio album. The song received critical praise for its catchy lyrics and fresh approach, with NME magazine praising its lyricism and considering it a worthy successor to "WAP."
Cardi B made a notable appearance on DJ Khaled's album "Khaled Khaled," released on April 30, 2021, featuring on the track "Big Paper."
Cardi B released her third collection with Reebok, "Mommy & Me", in May 2021 in celebration of Mother's Day.
In June 2021, Cardi B revealed she was expecting her second child with Offset.
Cardi B continued to expand her acting career with a role in the action-packed blockbuster "F9," which was released on June 25, 2021.
Cardi B joined forces with Normani on the sultry track "Wild Side," released on July 16, 2021. The song showcased Cardi's versatility and ability to seamlessly blend her style with other artists.
In August 2021, Cardi B's music video for "Bodak Yellow" surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, making her the fastest solo female rapper to achieve this milestone. This also marked her second video to reach this view count, joining "I Like It."
On September 4, 2021, Cardi B gave birth to her second child, a boy.
On October 28, 2021, Cardi B shared a preview of her second album on Instagram with the caption "The money people liking the album sounds."
Cardi B partnered with PLBY Group Inc. in December 2021, becoming creative director in residence for Playboy and a founding member of Centerfold.
In collaboration with Starco Brands, Cardi B launched Whipshots, a vodka-infused whipped cream, in the US in December 2021.
In 2021, Vogue editor Christian Allaire praised Cardi B's bold fashion choices, stating they "create a spectacle" during fashion weeks.
Cardi B released the single "Up" in 2021. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Cardi B appeared in the film "F9" in 2021.
In 2021, Clover Hope's book "The Motherlode" highlighted the significance of Cardi B's debut album, "Invasion of Privacy," in ushering in a new era for women in rap. The album's success demonstrated the viability of women in the genre and emphasized that multiple artists with unique stories could achieve dominance simultaneously.
Cardi B was awarded a $1.25 million verdict in a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Latasha Kebe (Tasha K) on January 24, 2022. The jury found that Kebe had engaged in a "malicious campaign" to damage Cardi B's reputation by spreading false information. Further legal proceedings increased the total fines against Kebe to $3.82 million.
Cardi B appeared on the extended version of Summer Walker and SZA's "No Love" in March 2022.
Cardi B, her sister Hennessy, and Hennessy's girlfriend emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit filed against them by three men on March 25, 2022. The lawsuit stemmed from an incident that occurred at a Suffolk County beach.
On July 1, 2022, Cardi B released "Hot Shit," her third single from her upcoming second studio album, featuring rappers Kanye West and Lil Durk. The song's release was first announced in a commercial during the 2022 BET Awards.
The "Let Me Be...Enchanted" collection, inspired by "a state of enchantment and euphoria", was released in two parts in June and July 2022.
Cardi B collaborated with her cousin and fellow rapper GloRilla on "Tomorrow 2," a remix of GloRilla's song "Tomorrow." The remix, released in September 2022, peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Cardi B's eleventh top-ten single.
Cardi B entered a guilty plea for third-degree assault and second-degree reckless endangerment on September 15, 2022. This plea resulted in a sentence of 15 days of community service.
A remix of Spanish artist Rosalía's song, "Despechá", featuring Cardi B, was released in December 2022. That month, Cardi also gave a 35-minute performance at Miami Art Basel for a fee of $1 million.
Cardi B's four-year partnership with Reebok concluded with the release of the "Let Me Be...Next Level Energy" collection in September and December 2022.
In October 2022, Cardi B achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 100 million units sold in RIAA certifications, encompassing her album sales, singles, and guest appearances. This achievement solidified her position as one of the top-selling female artists of all time.
Cardi B donated $100,000 to her former elementary school, I.S. 232 in The Bronx, in 2022.
Cardi B became the creative director of entertainment magazine Playboy in 2022.
Cardi B's influence on fashion continued to be acknowledged in 2022 when Rolling Stone ranked her as the second most-stylish woman in music, just behind Lady Gaga. GQ also recognized her as "one of fashion's preeminent risk-takers," solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Cardi B and Offset partnered with McDonald's to release the Cardi B and Offset meal on Valentine's Day 2023.
Cardi B's web series "Cardi Tries" ran for three seasons until April 2023.
In July 2023, Cardi B threw her microphone into the audience at her Las Vegas concert after a fan threw liquid at her. While one fan attempted to press charges, the Clark County Police Department decided not to pursue the case after conducting an investigation.
On September 8, 2023, Cardi B released "Bongos," her fourth single off her upcoming second studio album, featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The song is the pair's second collaboration, following "WAP" in 2020. The music video, directed by Tanu Muino, cost over $2 million. "Bongos" reached number 14 in the US.
In November 2023, Cardi B stated she no longer supports Joe Biden due to his spending on wars and declared she would not be endorsing any presidents in the future.
Cardi B made her runway debut at the Balenciaga fall 2024 show in Los Angeles in December 2023.
Cardi B used Instagram to share that she had been "single for a minute," confirming her separation from Offset in December 2023.
Cardi B had a voice role in the animated film "Baby Shark's Big Movie!" in 2023.
Cardi B performed at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach on December 31, 2023, in a performance that aired live on the 2024 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. DJ Gryffin accompanied her.
Cardi B starred in NYX Cosmetics' first Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl LVIII, titled "Lips Only", in February 2024.
Cardi B released the promotional single "Like What (Freestyle)" on March 1, 2024, with an accompanying music video directed by Offset. "Like What (Freestyle)" is a freestyle of rapper Missy Elliot's "She's a Bitch" (1999). The track reached the top 40 in the US and became Cardi's 19th top-ten and 11th chart-topper on Hot Rap Songs and Hot Rap Digital Songs.
By March 2024, Whipshots, Cardi B's vodka-infused whipped cream, had sold over five million cans.
The status of Cardi B and Offset's relationship remained unclear as of March 2024. Despite their separation, they continued to work together professionally, with Offset directing a music video for Cardi B.
"Puntería," the opening track and eighth single of Shakira's twelfth album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, was released on March 22, 2024 and features Cardi B. "Puntería" reached number one on the Latin Airplay chart and topped the Latin Pop Airplay chart for six weeks.
Cardi B fronted the campaign for Skims' Cotton Collection in October 2024, generating over $4 million in media impact value.