Overview

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus, known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born and raised in The Bronx, New York City, she initially gained fame through social media, discussing her experiences as a stripper. She rose to prominence after appearing on the VH1 reality television series *Love & Hip Hop: New York*. In 2017, she released her debut single “Bodak Yellow”, which achieved widespread success and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the first female rapper to do so since Lauryn Hill in 1998. Cardi B’s music is known for its aggressive flow and candid, often humorous, lyrics. Her debut album, *Invasion of Privacy* (2018), won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making her the only female rapper to win the award as a solo artist. Beyond music, she has ventured into acting, appearing in films like *Hustlers* and *F9*, and has become a prominent figure in fashion and popular culture. She was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2020 and was the creative director of Playboy in 2022.

What Is Cardi B’s Net Worth?

As of February 2025, Cardi B, the multifaceted American rapper, producer, reality television star, activist, and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $80 million. This substantial figure includes an estimated $50 million valuation for her music catalog rights, a valuable asset that could appreciate considerably over time. Her journey to financial success began with her rise to fame on Vine and Instagram, catapulting her into the entertainment industry.

Cardi B’s Ascent to Stardom

Cardi B’s initial foray into the limelight involved her role as a regular cast member on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: New York” from 2015 to 2017. This platform provided her with significant exposure, but it was the monumental success of her 2017 single, “Bodak Yellow,” that truly catapulted her career. “Bodak Yellow” achieved diamond certification from the RIAA, making her the only female rapper with multiple diamond-certified songs. In 2018, her debut studio album, “Invasion of Privacy,” further solidified her position in the music industry. The album broke numerous streaming records, achieved triple platinum status, and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

Beyond her musical achievements, Cardi B has cultivated a massive social media presence. She commands a following of over 169 million on Instagram, amassing over 7 billion streams on YouTube, attracting over 30 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and captivating more than 22 million fans on TikTok. These platforms contribute significantly to her brand and overall earnings.

Key milestones in Cardi B’s career include:

  • Holding the record for the most #1 singles by a female rapper.
  • Holding the record for the female artist with the most simultaneous singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Holding the record for the most first-week Apple plays for a female artist, totaling 100 million.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known professionally as Cardi B, was born on October 11, 1992, in Manhattan and raised in The Bronx, New York City. She is of Dominican and Trinidadian descent and has seven siblings, including her well-known sister, Hennessy Carolina. Cardi B attended Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology. At age 19, she began working as a stripper, an experience she credits with helping her overcome challenges. She briefly attended Borough of Manhattan Community College before dropping out. Her stage name, Cardi B, is derived from Bacardi, a rum brand, which was a nickname she previously used.

In 2013, Cardi B began gaining popularity through viral videos on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram. This online presence played a crucial role in building her initial fan base and attracting the attention of industry professionals.

Cardi B joined the cast of “Love & Hip Hop: New York” in 2015, debuting in season six. Her dynamic personality and unique perspective made her a standout cast member. Jezebel recognized her as the breakout star of the sixth season. In December 2016, after two seasons, she announced her departure from the show to pursue her music career.

Music Career in Detail

Cardi B’s musical journey began in November 2015 with a feature on Shaggy’s remix of “Boom Boom,” alongside Popcaan. Her first music video, “Cheap Ass Weave,” a rendition of Lady Leshurr’s “Queen’s Speech 4,” was released in December 2015. In March 2016, Cardi B released her first mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1.” She also appeared on the 2016 compilation album “Underestimated: The Album” with other KSR Group artists. During this period, she continued to build her brand through appearances on shows like “Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne” and “Kocktails with Khloe.”

Her breakthrough came in February 2017, when she signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records. In January 2017, she released her second mixtape, “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2.” She was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist at the 2017 BET Awards and performed at the BET Awards Afterparty show. In July/August 2017, she graced the cover of The Fader’s Summer Music issue.

On June 16, 2017, Cardi B released her commercial debut single “Bodak Yellow” with Atlantic Records, promoting it on “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 2017, making Cardi B the first female rapper since Lauryn Hill in 1998 to achieve this feat with a solo single. “Bodak Yellow” was certified septuple platinum by the RIAA and received nominations for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 60th Grammy Awards, winning Single of the Year at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Cardi B’s debut studio album, “Invasion of Privacy,” was released in April 2018 to critical acclaim, reaching number one in the United States. She became the first female artist to chart 13 entries simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified double platinum by the RIAA in October 2018. “Invasion of Privacy” was named the best album of the year by Time and Rolling Stone magazine, and Cardi B was included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Notable collaborations include:

  • “No Limit” (2017) with G-Eazy and ASAP Rocky
  • “MotorSport” (2017) with Migos and Nicki Minaj
  • “Girls Like You” (2018) with Maroon 5
  • “Taki Taki” (2018) with DJ Snake
  • “Tomorrow 2” (2022) with GloRilla
  • “Shake It” (2022) with Kay Flock
  • “Put It on da Floor Again” (2023) with Latto
  • “Jealousy” (2023) with Offset
  • “Point Me 2” (2023) with FendiDa Rappa

In December 2022, Cardi B earned $1 million for a 35-minute private performance at the Miami Art Basel, demonstrating her earning power beyond traditional music releases.

Other Creative Pursuits and Business Ventures

Cardi B’s film debut was in the 2019 film “Hustlers,” which garnered positive reviews. She also appeared in “F9,” released on May 22, 2020, by Universal Pictures. Alongside Chance the Rapper and T.I., Cardi B served as a judge on the Netflix competition and talent search series “Rhythm + Flow,” which premiered on October 9, 2019. In 2020, she launched her series, “Cardi Tries,” via Facebook Messenger, which ran for three seasons.

Cardi B’s first endorsement deal was with New York lingerie chain Romantic Depot in 2016. Her ads for the brand appeared on radio and cable TV. Other partnerships include collaborations with MAC Cosmetics, Gypsy Sport, Reebok, and Pepsi. In November 2018, she released a clothing collection with Fashion Nova. In 2022, Cardi B became the creative director of Playboy magazine. In February 2023, Cardi B and Offset partnered with McDonald’s for the Cardi B & Offset Meal, launched on Valentine’s Day. These ventures highlight her diverse business acumen and ability to capitalize on her brand.

Personal Life and Real Estate

In early 2017, Cardi B began dating rapper Offset of the hip-hop group Migos. They became engaged in October 2017 after Offset proposed during the Power 99 Powerhouse concert. Their marriage license revealed that they secretly married in September 2017. Cardi B gave birth to their daughter in July 2018 and their son in September 2021. After periods of separation and reconciliation, Cardi B announced plans for an official wedding on their fifth anniversary. In December 2023, she confirmed their separation, and in August 2024, she filed for divorce from Offset.

In September 2022, Cardi B donated $100,000 to her former elementary school in the Bronx, demonstrating her commitment to her community.

In December 2019, Cardi B and Offset purchased a mansion in Buckhead, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, for $5.5 million, though it was listed at $5.79 million. The house was previously listed for $10 million in 2017. This real estate investment represents a significant asset in their portfolio.

Cardi B’s Net Worth Milestones

Cardi B’s journey to financial success is reflected in the growth of her net worth over time:

  • January 12, 2016: $400,000
  • February 9, 2017: $1.5 million
  • September 25, 2017: $4 million
  • August 2018: $8 million
  • May 2019: $12 million
  • End of 2019: $22 million (after earning $28 million before taxes between October 2018 and October 2019)
  • End of 2021: $40 million
  • Middle of 2024: $80 million

These milestones demonstrate her remarkable financial growth, fueled by her music career, endorsements, and business ventures. Cardi B’s astute business decisions and unwavering dedication have solidified her position as a major force in both the entertainment industry and the business world. The increase in Cardi B’s net worth can be attributed to strategic career moves, successful album releases, brand endorsements, and smart investments. This showcases her transformation from a social media personality to a respected and financially successful entertainer and businesswoman.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved