by Cardi B has become one of the biggest stars in hip hop thanks to her infectious personality and hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “WAP.” But her road to fame was not easy. The rapper, born Belcalis Almanzar, grew up in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City known for instilling a strong work ethic in its residents. In interviews, Cardi has spoken candidly about how her upbringing shaped her into the independent and hustling woman she is today.
Cardi grew up in a low-income household with her sister Hennessy and her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic. Money was tight, so from a young age, Cardi learned the value of a dollar. She started working small jobs in her teens, babysitting and bartending, to help support her family. “I used to braid hair in my house, I used to sell eyelashes,” she told The Fader in 2017. “I used to do a lot of things to just make money.”
This early exposure to the working world fostered Cardi’s strong sense of independence and drive. She didn’t have the luxury of relying on her parents for financial support as she got older. This necessity-bred work ethic would serve her well in pursuing her unconventional path to music stardom. While still in high school, Cardi began an internship at a dentist’s office. But she quickly realized the medical field wasn’t for her. She wanted to make enough money to take care of herself.
So at age 18, Cardi made the bold decision to drop out of college and move to Manhattan to focus on dancing and stripping. This allowed her to fully support herself, a key part of her independent spirit. She was determined to escape the financial struggles of her youth. While her unconventional job caused friction with her family, especially her mother, Cardi was unapologetic. “I needed to get out of the Bronx, I wanted to have money,” she told GQ. Her hustle and grit got her through long, tiring nights working to make ends meet.
This early self-sufficiency would serve as a springboard for Cardi’s music career. After building a following on social media through her candid posts about relationships and motherhood, Cardi was signed to a record label in 2017. But even then, she didn’t take the easy route. She poured her heart and hustle into her music, writing her own raps and choreographing eye-catching performances that captivated audiences. Her breakout single “Bodak Yellow” dominated the charts in 2017, making Cardi the first female rapper with a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998.
The success was sweeter given Cardi’s humble beginnings. She had gone from struggling to pay rent to topping the charts through her raw talent and relentless work ethic, just like the independent Bronx girls who inspired her. Cardi’s upbringing shaped her into the self-sufficient woman she had to be. The early experiences of having to earn and provide for herself from a young age fostered her unmatched hustle and drive to succeed against all odds. Her independence, resilience, and work ethic, born from necessity in her early years, powered her rise to become the global superstar she is today.
Self-Expression: A Home Allowing Authenticity
Beyond instilling a strong work ethic, Cardi’s upbringing also encouraged her outspoken and authentic self-expression, traits that have become her signature style. Even as a child, Cardi had a big personality. She has said that as a biracial girl in the Bronx, she struggled to fit strict beauty standards. But her family embraced her uniqueness. “My mom always told me that I was pretty, that I was beautiful,” Cardi told The Fader. This unconditional acceptance in her formative years allowed Cardi to fully embrace her authentic self.
In high school, Cardi’s bold self-expression was seen through her bold fashion choices that turned heads, like colorful wigs and outfits. While some found her loud and brash, her family supported her individuality. They understood Cardi needed an outlet to freely be herself. This upbringing in a home that celebrated authentic self-expression, rather than stifling it, empowered Cardi to stay true to who she was, even if it ruffled feathers. It gave her the courage to follow her unconventional path.
This fearless spirit carried into Cardi’s music career. She refused to conform to narrow industry standards of what a female rapper should look and sound like. Her unfiltered lyrics and energetic performances let her raw personality shine through. Cardi didn’t shy away from controversial topics or hold back her opinion. She embraced her role as a voice for women who felt unheard. Her outspoken advocacy on political and social issues further cemented her as authentic and unapologetically herself.
Cardi credits her supportive upbringing for giving her the confidence to stay true to who she naturally was, rather than change herself for approval or fame. Her family’s acceptance of her bold individuality from a young age empowered Cardi to blaze her own trail as an unconventional artist who speaks her mind unfiltered. Their encouragement of authentic self-expression is a gift that keeps giving Cardi the courage to be her most genuine self each day.
Strength and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity
While Cardi’s family fostered her independence and self-expression, their upbringing also instilled important life lessons of strength and resilience that would serve Cardi well on her challenging journey. Growing up in the Bronx, Cardi faced adversity from a young age as her parents struggled financially. She had to grow up fast, working to help provide for her family in her teens. These early life experiences built Cardi’s grit and determination to persevere despite obstacles.
When Cardi made the difficult decision to drop out of college and become an exotic dancer at 18, she faced disapproval and stigma. But she stayed true to her goals of independence and providing for herself, showing resilience. Even after achieving mainstream success with “Bodak Yellow,” Cardi hit setbacks like her public feud with Nicki Minaj. But she refused to back down or be discouraged. Her strength carried her through the challenges.
Cardi’s resilience is also reflected in her lyrics. Songs like “I Do” touch on overcoming relationship troubles and heartbreak. On “Be Careful,” she raps about facing dangers in the streets and industry. Her music speaks to hustling through hard times. This mirrors Cardi’s own journey of persevering despite naysayers and knocks along the winding road to her dreams. She channels her experiences with adversity into messages of empowerment for her fans.
Now as a mother, Cardi’s strength has been tested further juggling career and family. But she remains dedicated to both roles with her signature grit. Her upbringing in a low-income household where she had to grow up fast clearly shaped Cardi’s toughness. While the road wasn’t easy, her family instilled the resilience that allowed Cardi to fight through every challenge and barrier thrown her way. This strength of character is one reason she now stands as one of music’s most dominant forces.
Caribbean Roots: Cultural Influences
Beyond instilling life values like independence, self-expression, and strength, Cardi’s upbringing also exposed her to rich cultural influences through her Caribbean heritage that likely fostered her musical passion. Cardi’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic, bringing the rhythmic sounds and traditions of those islands with them. She was raised immersed in the food, language, and music of her parents’ home countries.
Both the Trinidadian and Dominican cultures have a strong musical heritage rooted in African traditions mixed with Latin and indigenous influences. Genres like soca, calypso, merengue, bachata, and more permeate daily life and celebrations. Cardi has said she grew up regularly hearing these styles played at home by her family. The infectious beats and lyrics would have undoubtedly shaped young Cardi’s ear for rhythm and flow.
As Cardi grew into her own musical interests as a teen, these Caribbean sounds likely remained a part of her foundation. Hip hop rose to prominence in her Bronx neighborhood as well, and Cardi blended the two. Her music incorporates elements of Caribbean rhythms like dancehall, while also embracing American hip hop. From the bounce of “Bartier Cardi” to the soca-tinged “Money,” her Caribbean roots shine through.
By exposing Cardi to the rich musical traditions of her heritage from an early age, her parents nourished her natural artistic talents. Their guidance connected her to her cultural background in a way that found its way into Cardi’s boundary-pushing hip hop style. Her upbringing immersed in Caribbean music served as an early inspiration for her chart-topping career in rap. Cardi’s success is a testament to how cultural roots can empower future generations when passed down through families.
