Carlos Alman is best known as the father of Cardi B, one of the world’s most famous female rappers. Born in the Dominican Republic, Carlos’s cultural background and life experiences have deeply influenced Cardi B’s identity and music. As an immigrant who worked hard as a taxi driver in New York City, he instilled strong values of dedication and family in his children. This article aims to provide a detailed look into Carlos Alman’s life, his family, and the important role he has played behind the scenes in shaping Cardi B’s success and cultural pride.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Almanzar |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1958 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 67 years old |
| Place of Birth | Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican |
| Occupation | Former Taxi Driver |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Clara Almanzar |
| Children | Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar), Hennessy Carolina, 6 other children from previous marriage |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Mother | Esperanza Almanzar |
Early Life and Background
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, a country known for its rich culture, music, and strong family values. Seeking better opportunities and the American dream, he immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s and settled in the Bronx, New York City, a neighborhood with a large immigrant community. As a newcomer, Carlos faced many challenges, including adapting to a new culture and working long hours to support his family. He worked as a taxi driver for nearly nine years, a demanding job that required patience, resilience, and dedication. This work helped shape his strong character and work ethic. Carlos comes from a close-knit family, with his mother, Esperanza Almanzar, being a known relative who influenced his early life and values.
Current Age And Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Carlos Alman is 67 years old, having been born on March 19, 1958. He is a tall man, standing about 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) in height, with a lean build weighing around 65 kilograms (143 pounds). Carlos has black hair and dark brown eyes, features typical of his Dominican heritage. Despite his age, he maintains a strong and healthy appearance, reflecting the hard work and active lifestyle he has led throughout his life.
Family and Personal Life
Carlos Alman and Clara Almánzar married in 1991, blending their Dominican and Trinidadian heritages to create a multicultural household. Together, they raised two daughters: Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known as Cardi B, born on October 11, 1992, and Hennessy Carolina, born on December 22, 1995. Their union celebrated a fusion of cultures, traditions, and values. However, the couple separated in 2005, and their divorce was finalized shortly thereafter.
Despite the separation, Carlos remained actively involved in his daughters’ lives, offering unwavering support and guidance. He introduced Cardi B to Dominican culinary traditions, including dishes like mondongo, which she fondly recalls and shares with her fans. Carlos also has six other children from his previous marriage, including daughters Maciel Almanzar and Nicauly Villalona, and sons, one of whom is Fernando Almanzar. Though details about his extended family are limited, it’s evident that Carlos’s influence and values have left a lasting impact on his children’s lives.
Carlos Alman Children
Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) — Famous Daughter
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992, is the eldest daughter of Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar. She grew up in a multicultural household that embraced both Dominican and Trinidadian cultures. Cardi B rose to international fame as a Grammy-winning rapper known for her bold personality and unique music style. She often credits her father’s hard work and cultural influence as key factors that shaped her identity and career.
Hennessy Carolina — Daughter
Hennessy Carolina, born on December 22, 1995, is the younger daughter of Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar. Like her sister Cardi B, Hennessy was raised in a vibrant, multicultural family environment. She is known for being Cardi B’s close confidante and supporter. Hennessy has gained public attention for her social media presence and work as a fashion influencer, often sharing insights about their family and upbringing.
Maciel Almanzar — Daughter
Maciel Almanzar is one of Carlos Alman’s daughters from a previous marriage. While less publicly known than Cardi B and Hennessy, Maciel is part of Carlos’s extended family. Details about her personal life are private, but she shares the same Dominican heritage and family values emphasized by Carlos throughout his life.
Nicauly Villalona — Daughter
Nicauly Villalona is another daughter of Carlos Alman from a former relationship. Like her siblings, she carries the Dominican cultural legacy of the Alman family. Though she maintains a low profile, Nicauly is part of the strong family network Carlos has built over the years.
Fernando Almanzar — Son
Fernando Almanzar is one of Carlos’s sons from a previous marriage. He is part of the larger Alman family but prefers to keep his personal life private. Fernando shares the family’s Dominican roots and reflects the values of hard work and dedication that Carlos instilled in all his children.
Relationship with Cardi B
The relationship between Carlos Alman and Cardi B is built on deep mutual respect and love. Cardi B often speaks highly of her father’s strong work ethic and dedication, crediting him as a major inspiration behind her own ambition and success. She has shared in interviews how Carlos’s sacrifices as an immigrant taxi driver motivated her to work hard and never give up on her dreams.
Throughout her rise to fame, Carlos remained a steady source of support, encouraging her even when the music industry seemed uncertain. Cardi B is very protective of her father and family, making it clear that she values their privacy and often warns the media not to intrude on their personal lives. This close bond highlights the important role Carlos has played behind the scenes in shaping Cardi B’s character and career.
Career and Professional Life
Carlos Alman worked as a taxi driver in New York City for nearly a decade, navigating the bustling streets of the Bronx to support his family. This demanding job required long hours, patience, and resilience, qualities that Carlos exemplified daily. His commitment to his work provided financial stability for his family, allowing his children to pursue their dreams. Although specific details about Carlos’s retirement are not publicly known, his dedication to his profession and family left a lasting impact. His work ethic and sacrifices continue to inspire, reflecting the strength and determination of many immigrant parents striving to build better futures for their children.
Cultural Influence and Legacy
Carlos Alman’s Dominican heritage played a major role in shaping Cardi B’s Afro-Latina identity and unique music style. Growing up in a household rich with Dominican and Trinidadian traditions, Cardi B was exposed to diverse sounds, languages, and cultural celebrations that influenced her artistic expression. The family’s multicultural background helped Cardi B embrace her roots proudly, allowing her to blend Latin rhythms with hip-hop and rap in her music. Carlos’s story as an immigrant also represents the larger experience of many people who come to the United States seeking better lives, adding a powerful dimension to Cardi B’s message of resilience and pride. His journey reflects the important contributions immigrants make to American culture, enriching the country’s diversity and creative landscape.
Public Image and Privacy
Despite Cardi B’s global fame, Carlos Alman prefers to keep his life private and away from the media spotlight. Cardi B has been protective of her father’s privacy, openly discouraging reporters and fans from intruding into his life. She once warned a reporter not to put her father on television, emphasizing that he lives a simple life without security, and she wants to keep it safe. This balance between public curiosity and family privacy is respected by many fans who understand that behind every celebrity is a family that deserves respect and peace. Carlos is admired quietly for his supportive role, with the media and fans recognizing the importance of honoring his low-profile lifestyle.
Personal Traits and Characteristics
Carlos Alman is known as a hardworking and dedicated father who balanced being strict with showing love and care. He values education, discipline, and cultural pride, teaching these important lessons to his children from an early age. His firm but loving guidance helped shape Cardi B and her siblings into determined and confident individuals. Family unity is a cornerstone of his personality, and Carlos’s ability to maintain strong family bonds despite hardships has left a lasting impact on those around him. These traits contributed greatly to the success and grounded nature of his children.
Challenges and Family Struggles
Growing up, Carlos Alman and his family faced significant financial hardships. Both Carlos and Clara worked menial jobs, such as taxi driving and cashier work, to support the household. Carlos also struggled with addiction at one point, a challenge the family confronted together and overcame with resilience. These struggles brought the family closer and taught the children important lessons about perseverance and support. The hardships they faced did not define them but rather strengthened their bonds and fueled their determination to succeed.
Impact on Cardi B’s Music and Identity
Carlos’s heritage and family values are clearly reflected in Cardi B’s music and public image. She openly celebrates her Dominican roots in interviews and through her music, often incorporating Spanish language and cultural references into her songs. Cardi B’s pride in her family background shines through in her artistry, where she highlights themes of identity, strength, and pride. Her openness about her upbringing and heritage has helped fans connect with her on a deeper level and has elevated the visibility of Afro-Latina culture in mainstream music.
Conclusion
Carlos Alman’s role in Cardi B’s life and success is significant, though often behind the scenes. His immigrant journey, tireless work ethic, and strong family values laid the foundation for Cardi B’s rise to fame. The story of Carlos and his family highlights the power of support, cultural pride, and resilience in overcoming challenges. Through his legacy, Carlos continues to inspire not only his family but also many others who see their own stories reflected in his. Ultimately, his influence reminds us that behind every superstar is a family whose love and sacrifices make their dreams possible.
FAQs About Carlos Alman
1. Who is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman is the biological father of Cardi B, a globally famous rapper. He was born in the Dominican Republic and later immigrated to the United States. Though he stays out of the spotlight, his influence on Cardi B’s life and career is well recognized.
2. What is Carlos Alman’s cultural background?
Carlos Alman is Dominican by birth, and his cultural heritage has significantly shaped his family’s identity. His Dominican roots, combined with his wife’s Trinidadian background, created a rich, multicultural environment for his children.
3. What did Carlos Alman do for a living?
Carlos worked as a taxi driver in New York City for nearly a decade. His hard work and dedication in this demanding job helped support his family and teach his children the value of perseverance and responsibility.
4. How is Carlos Alman related to Cardi B?
Carlos Alman is Cardi B’s father. He and Cardi B’s mother, Clara Almanzar, raised Cardi B and her sister, Hennessy Carolina, in a multicultural household in the Bronx, New York.
5. Are Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar still married?
No, Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar separated in 2005 and later divorced. Despite their separation, both parents remained supportive of their daughters throughout their lives.
6. How has Carlos Alman influenced Cardi B’s career?
Carlos’s strong work ethic and cultural pride greatly inspired Cardi B. She often credits her father’s sacrifices and support as motivating factors that encouraged her to pursue her music career with confidence.
7. Does Carlos Alman maintain a public presence?
Carlos Alman prefers to keep a low profile and stays away from the public eye. Cardi B has been protective of her father’s privacy, openly discouraging media intrusion into his life.
8. What challenges did Carlos Alman face as an immigrant?
Like many immigrants, Carlos faced difficulties adapting to life in the U.S., working long hours as a taxi driver to provide for his family. His journey highlights the resilience and determination common in immigrant stories.
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