Award-winning rapper Cardi B is known for her witty lyrics and no filter attitude, who often refers to herself a hoe. But there's more to her story than making money moves.
- Her real name is Belcalis Almanzar. Her stage name, Cardi B, is actually inspired by Bacardi Rum. Bacardi became her nickname because her sister's name is Hennessy. Yes, like the cognac.
- She grew up in a predominantly Latino neighbourhood in South Bronx, New York. Her mom hails from Trinidad and her dad from the Dominican Republic.
- Before her rise to fame, Cardi worked as a cashier at the Amish Market in Tribeca, earning $250 (about R3 549) a week. When she was fired from her position, her manager suggested that she pursues a career as a stripper. She was 19 years old at the time. During her first shift as a stripper at New York Dolls, Cardi made $300 (about R4 259), in eight hours. She told her mom she made the money working as a babysitter for rich people. She worked her last shift as a stripper when she was 23.
- Cardi B saved the money she made as a stripper to invest money in her music career and make her own mixtape. She also spent some of the money on plastic surgery.
- She was in an abusive relationship while living with her boyfriend as a teen, and used the money she earned as a stripper to get her own place.
- Cardi was featured on Shaggy and Popcaan "Boom Boom (Remix)" in November 2015, and dropped her first music video "Cheap Ass Weave" the following month.
- Cardi made history with the success of her debut single “Bodak Yellow,” since signing with Atlantic Records, becoming the first solo female rapper to have a number one hit since Lauryn Hill’s 1998 single “Doo Wop (That Thing)".