Carlos Alman, known publicly as the father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, has largely lived outside the spotlight despite his daughter’s global fame. This article dives into the personal and professional life of Carlos Alman, exploring his age, background, family, career history, and the quiet but important influence he’s had on Cardi B’s upbringing and identity. We’ll also look at his values, his role as a parent, and how his life shaped the foundation for Cardi’s determination and success.
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Who Is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman is a Dominican-American retired cab driver and the biological father of Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, known globally as Cardi B. Born in the Dominican Republic on March 19, 1958, he migrated to the United States in the early 1990s in pursuit of a better life. Settling in New York City, he carved out a modest yet respectable livelihood for himself and his growing family. Despite Cardi B’s explosive fame, Carlos has kept a very low public profile.
Early Life & Move To The U.S.
Carlos Alman spent his early years in the Dominican Republic before immigrating to New York City. Like many immigrants, he faced the challenges of adapting to a new environment while preserving his cultural identity. He made Washington Heights, an area known for its vibrant Latino community, his new home.
Life in New York wasn’t easy. Carlos had to work hard to make ends meet, often taking on grueling shifts as a cab driver. This immigrant experience instilled in him a deep sense of resilience, which he would later pass on to his children.
Career Journey: A Life Built From Scratch
Carlos worked as a cab driver in NYC for nearly a decade. While this profession didn’t come with prestige or a high income, it offered a stable source of support for his household. His job involved long hours and financial stress, especially during tough economic times in the city.
His daughter, Cardi B, has openly discussed her family’s financial struggles, noting that her parents held regular, modest jobs. Carlos’s dedication to his family was reflected in his willingness to work tirelessly, ensuring his children had what they needed, even if it meant personal sacrifice.
Family Life & Relationships
Carlos Alman was married to Clara Alman (née Quiñones), an Afro-Trinidadian woman. The couple had two daughters together, Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina. Though they divorced in 2005, both parents remained committed to their daughters’ upbringing.
Carlos also has six children from a previous marriage, though little is publicly known about them. According to reports, Cardi B and her sister were raised with a strong sense of unity and protection, which speaks to the familial values Carlos upheld in the home.
Fatherhood & Role In Cardi B’s Life
Carlos Alman may not have been a public figure, but his impact on Cardi B is visible through her constant acknowledgment of her family. She often credits her father with being a grounding force and praises the strong values he instilled in her—from cultural pride to the importance of family.
In interviews and social media posts, Cardi B frequently honors her father. On Father’s Day, she once called him her “personality twin,” showcasing the strong, if private, bond they share.
Carlos introduced Cardi to Dominican traditions and food, a cultural foundation that she has proudly kept alive in her music and identity.
Carlos Alman Net Worth & Current Lifestyle
Though exact figures aren’t public, Carlos Alman’s net worth is believed to be modest. Most of his income came from his years working as a cab driver, and he retired around the time Cardi B’s career began to flourish. It’s likely that Cardi supports him now, given her immense success and publicly expressed love for her parents.
Carlos lives in New York City, where he continues to enjoy a private, quiet life. Despite being the father of a global superstar, he remains grounded in the same principles he lived by when he first arrived in the U.S.
Wrap Up
Carlos Alman represents the many hardworking immigrant parents whose stories often go untold. His dedication, work ethic, and cultural pride laid a strong foundation for Cardi B’s journey to the top. Though he remains intentionally private, his influence is felt in Cardi’s values, her connection to her heritage, and her love for family. Carlos Alman’s legacy isn’t built on fame, it’s built on strength, sacrifice, and unwavering support, the kind that shapes true success from the shadows.
